Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Anaheim, CA: $78.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Anaheim, CA runs $78.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,174 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Anaheim's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,905 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, the pharmacist hourly pay is projected to reach $78.45 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68.99. This attractive hourly rate not only reflects a strong demand for pharmacists in various settings, such as retail pharmacy counters and hospital pharmacies, but also makes part-time and per-diem positions especially appealing. For those working three days a week, the flexible schedule coupled with wage potential ranging from $51.98 for entry-level positions to $101.48 for experienced pharmacists means that professionals can balance work and life while earning a reasonable income. These hourly estimates are drawn from projected annual salary data, highlighting the financial benefits of pursuing a pharmacy career in this vibrant city.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($157,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.98 | $415.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69.26 | $554.12 |
| Median (P50) | $78.45 | $627.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.66 | $741.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.48 | $811.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anaheim
Based on $78.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.45/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anaheim, CA can expect to earn approximately $163,176 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,140. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anaheim.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anaheim
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,137.99 | $13,598 | $163,176 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,882.80 | $8,159 | $97,905 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,255.20 | $5,439 | $65,270 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Anaheim) | $78.45 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.17 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $60.81 |
Pharmacists in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $163,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.72% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 1.40% below the California state average of $165,491.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.45/hr = $97,905/year (purchasing power: $86,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,176/year (purchasing power: $144,276).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$70.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $91.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Anaheim grew 10.0% from $70.03/hr (2019) to $77.04/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.89/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim 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.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacist in Anaheim
Exploring the financial landscape further reveals lucrative earning potential for part-time pharmacists, especially those working 24 hours a week. While a full-time pharmacist in Anaheim benefits from stable earnings, part-time workers can still take home a respectable income. Per diem pharmacist pay in Anaheim varies widely; retail pharmacists generally earn between $55-$75 per hour, while those in clinical hospital settings may achieve $60-$85 hourly. Specialty pharmacists in oncology or critical care roles command even higher rates of $70-$95 per hour. Opportunities exist across various employer types, including retail chains and specialty pharmacies. Some pharmacists may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that offer benefits like health insurance, which can provide financial security. Negotiation is essential in this market—pharmacists should prepare to discuss roles with flexibility in hours versus benefits, ensuring they receive competitive compensation that aligns with their career goals in Anaheim.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Anaheim in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacists in Anaheim. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anaheim 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