Pharmacist salary in Sacramento, CA
Median pay, Sacramento metro
$172,680/year
about $83.02 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $156,420 – $202,560
Half of pharmacists in the Sacramento metro area earn more than $172,680 a year and half earn less. That's 23% higher than the national median of $140,910, and ranks #3 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $104,420 | $50.20 |
| 25th | $156,420 | $75.20 |
| Median (50th) | $172,680 | $83.02 |
| 75th | $202,560 | $97.38 |
| 90th (top earners) | $213,820 | $102.80 |
*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 Sacramento metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $156,420 ($75.20/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $156,420 to $202,560 ($75.20 to $97.38/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $202,560 ($97.38/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, Sacramento metro. Occupation: Pharmacists (SOC 29-1051). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.