Pharmacist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $86.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in San Francisco, CA runs $86.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $180,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $108,390 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the pharmacist hourly pay in San Francisco is projected to reach $86.85, significantly outperforming the national hourly median of $68.99. This elevated hourly rate is advantageous for part-time pharmacists working three days a week, allowing them to enjoy a competitive wage while maintaining a flexible schedule. For those engaged in per-diem roles at retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV rooms, or specialty pharmacies, the hourly pay range can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at $66.37 and experienced pharmacists earning up to $112.22 per hour. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlights the robust earning potential across various pharmacy settings, from mail-order fulfillments to 340B program offices, showcasing why San Francisco remains an attractive market for pharmacists pursuing hourly roles.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66.37 | $530.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80.56 | $644.46 |
| Median (P50) | $86.85 | $694.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.77 | $862.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.22 | $897.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $86.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $86.85/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $180,650 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $104,221. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,474.03 | $15,054 | $180,650 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,084.42 | $9,032 | $108,390 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,389.61 | $6,022 | $72,260 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (San Francisco) | $86.85 |
| 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 San Francisco, CA earn a median of $180,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.90% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 9.20% above the California state average of $165,436.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $86.85/hr = $108,390/year (purchasing power: $93,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $180,650/year (purchasing power: $156,254).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$73.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$85.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$86.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $77.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $79.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $84.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $86.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $88.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $85.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in San Francisco grew 15.3% from $73.98/hr (2019) to $85.29/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $88.44/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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
Focusing on part-time and per-diem work, a pharmacist who operates on a three-day workweek, totalling 24 hours, could expect to earn approximately $117,000 annually versus the full-time pharmacist's salary. Per diem pharmacists often earn between $55 to $95 per hour depending on their specific environments—retail rates tend to be lower, while hospital settings offer more competitive pay. Roles within specialty pharmacies or critical care environments have seen reimbursement rates adjust, driven in part by the shifts in the retail pharmacy market where chains like CVS and Walgreens are consolidating their locations. In San Francisco, hourly rates can vary significantly by employer type; while retail pharmacy chains may pay less, specialty pharmacies provide greater financial incentives. Ultimately, pharmacists must navigate balances between hourly rates and benefits, considering which employer provides the best overall compensation package, especially in a competitive labor market like CA. Negotiating effectively also plays a vital role in maximizing earning potential within this bustling city.
More salary data for San Francisco, CA:
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
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 San Francisco. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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