Entry-Level Pharmacist Salary in Coon Rapids, MN: $110,459 (2026)
Quick Answer:New pharmacists entering the Coon Rapids, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $110,459 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coon Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $112,141 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($154,834) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Coon Rapids, Minnesota, the entry level pharmacist salary is projected to begin at around $110,459 in 2026, a figure that new graduates should consider as they enter the workforce. This initial pay is slightly lower than the area's median salary of $154,834, highlighting the gap that many early-career pharmacists face. However, the growth potential is notable, with salaries expected to rise from the lower percentiles like $142,023 at the 25th percentile to the median as experience builds over the first three to five years. For new graduates, Coon Rapids presents a robust market, as the 1.83% annual growth and demand for pharmacy services suggest opportunities for career advancement.
About the Coon Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coon Rapids
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coon Rapids
Entry-level pharmacists in Coon Rapids, MN typically start between $110,459 and $142,023 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,625 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $154,834 — 7.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average pharmacy program cost in Minnesota of $150,000 represents just 135.80% of the starting pharmacist pay ($110,459/year) in Coon Rapids. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACPE-accredited PharmD program data and AACP tuition survey reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state vs. private).
PharmD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Coon Rapids
- 1Research the Coon Rapids market: entry-level pharmacist pay ranges from $110,459 to $142,023, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the pharmacy field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Coon Rapids, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Coon Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coon Rapids's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Pharmacist Compensation Range
The pharmacist wage spread in Coon Rapids is $83,625 ( 75.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $110,459, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,084.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$96,577
2025 BLS Actual
$108,474
2026 Current Est.
$110,459
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Coon Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,577 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,092 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,947 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,345 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,474 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,459 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,480 | Projected |
Entry-level pharmacist compensation (10th percentile) in Coon Rapids, MN grew 12.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $96,577 in 2019 to $108,474 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $112,480. New graduates entering the Coon Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coon Rapids metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your pharmacy Career in Coon Rapids
Employers in the Coon Rapids area actively seek out new pharmacist graduates, especially within hospital systems that offer PGY-1 residency programs for clinical career paths, which can lead to increased responsibilities and higher salaries. Retail chains, while previously aggressive in hiring, have tempered their initial offers alongside increasing competition, employing many entry-level pharmacists without residency experience; these positions may still come with sign-on bonuses. Obtaining a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program, passing the NAPLEX and MPJE, and acquiring state licensure are essential steps for new pharmacists. Additional credentials, such as BPS board certifications in specialties, can further enhance starting pay. Given the changing dynamics in the retail pharmacy market—with reductions in physical store locations by major chains like CVS and Walgreens—new pharmacists may find better opportunities in hospital or specialty roles. As hospitals expand their services such as vaccinations and point-of-care testing, the expected salary growth in the first three years can vary widely based on the path chosen.
More salary data for Coon Rapids, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new pharmacy graduates. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Coon Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coon Rapids is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov