Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $88.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Oakland, CA runs $88.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $184,768 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $78.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $110,855 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland, California, the pharmacist hourly pay is notably robust, with a median rate of $88.83 per hour. This figure significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $68.99, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals in the region. For pharmacists working in typical environments such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital inpatient pharmacies, and specialty pharmacy settings, this means substantial earning potential even for part-time and per-diem roles. Entry-level pharmacists can expect to earn around $59.62 per hour, while top earners in the field can make as much as $116.14 per hour according to the data derived from 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026. These hourly rates offer flexibility for those looking to balance work-life commitments, thus making pharmacy a favorable profession for various employment arrangements.
About the Oakland 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) | $59.62 | $476.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78.95 | $631.59 |
| Median (P50) | $88.83 | $710.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.42 | $843.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.14 | $929.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $88.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $88.83/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $184,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $106,592. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,553.05 | $15,397 | $184,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,131.83 | $9,238 | $110,855 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,421.22 | $6,159 | $73,903 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Oakland) | $88.83 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $184,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.77% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 11.60% above the California state average of $165,563.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $88.83/hr = $110,855/year (purchasing power: $98,015).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $184,759/year (purchasing power: $163,359).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$79.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$87.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$88.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $79.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $79.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $82.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $84.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $91.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $87.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Oakland grew 10.0% from $79.29/hr (2019) to $87.23/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $90.45/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
Part-time pharmacists working three days a week generally find themselves earning a competitive wage, bringing home approximately $67,061 annually for 24 hours of work per week. This income can serve a diverse range of lifestyles when considering the hourly landscape. For per diem roles, rates can vary dramatically; retail pharmacists commonly earn between $55 to $75 per hour, while clinical positions may offer between $60 to $85. Specialty pharmacists, particularly in oncology and critical care, often see hourly pay ranging from $70 to $95. It's worth mentioning that employers such as retail pharmacy chains, hospital pharmacies, and managed care organizations each have their distinct pay scales, influenced by the benefits they offer. While some pharmacists may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, others might prioritize stability and health insurance packages despite potential pay cuts. Negotiating hourly compensation in Oakland can also hinge on the applicant's education and experience, with PGY-1 or PGY-2 residency candidates often attracting premium pay.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacists make in Oakland?
Are pharmacists in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacist make per year in Oakland?
Do pharmacists earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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