Pharmacist Hourly Pay in San Luis Obispo, CA: $84.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in San Luis Obispo, CA runs $84.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $176,023 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against San Luis Obispo's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.6, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $77.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,619 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Pharmacists in San Luis Obispo, California can expect to earn a median pay of $84.63 per hour in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68.99 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the local demand for pharmacists, particularly in retail settings, hospital pharmacies, and specialty operations. For part-time pharmacists working three days a week, this translates to a substantial weekly income, making this career viable for professionals seeking flexibility. Entry-level pharmacists may start at around $65.05 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized roles can earn up to $99.28 per hour. Official data based on 2025 BLS OEWS information indicates a healthy job market for pharmacists in San Luis Obispo, suggesting strong career opportunities for both full-time and per-diem workers.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65.05 | $520.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75.73 | $605.85 |
| Median (P50) | $84.63 | $677.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.27 | $794.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.28 | $794.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Luis Obispo
Based on $84.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.63/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Luis Obispo, CA can expect to earn approximately $176,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,557. With a cost-of-living index of 108.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Luis Obispo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Luis Obispo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,385.24 | $14,669 | $176,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,031.14 | $8,802 | $105,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,354.09 | $5,868 | $70,413 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (San Luis Obispo) | $84.63 |
| 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 Luis Obispo, CA earn a median of $176,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.67% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 6.40% above the California state average of $165,435.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.63/hr = $105,619/year (purchasing power: $97,259).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $176,032/year (purchasing power: $162,098).
CoL index: 108.596 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in San Luis Obispo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $78.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $78.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in San Luis Obispo grew 15.3% from $72.07/hr (2019) to $83.11/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.18/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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo
The earning potential for part-time pharmacists in San Luis Obispo is impressive, particularly for those committed to a three-day work schedule, which translates to roughly 24 hours per week. This can lead to earnings that significantly bolster annual income compared to full-time roles. Per diem pharmacist pay in San Luis Obispo can vary, ranging from $55 to $75 per hour for retail settings, while hospital-based clinical positions may offer $60 to $85 per hour. Specialty pharmacy roles, especially in oncology or critical care, can fetch between $70 and $95 per hour. The hourly rates vary by employer type, with retail chains generally on the lower end compared to hospital positions or specialized pharmacies. By strategically negotiating pay and considering the benefits package, pharmacists can optimize their earning potential while balancing work-life commitments in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for San Luis Obispo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in San Luis Obispo in 2026?
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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 Luis Obispo. 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