Pharmacist salary in Los Angeles, CA
Median pay, Los Angeles metro
$157,440/year
about $75.69 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $133,030 – $183,690
Half of pharmacists in the Los Angeles metro area earn more than $157,440 a year and half earn less. That's 12% higher than the national median of $140,910, and ranks #9 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $62,800 | $30.19 |
| 25th | $133,030 | $63.96 |
| Median (50th) | $157,440 | $75.69 |
| 75th | $183,690 | $88.31 |
| 90th (top earners) | $209,060 | $100.51 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a pharmacist job in the Los Angeles metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $133,030 ($63.96/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $133,030 to $183,690 ($63.96 to $88.31/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $183,690 ($88.31/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Retail and hospital pharmacist roles differ a lot in hours and workload. Ask about staffing and scripts per day.
- Ask whether you'd float between locations and whether travel time is paid.
- Some roles pay more for evening, overnight or weekend shifts.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Los Angeles metro. Occupation: Pharmacists (SOC 29-1051). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.