Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $80.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Torrance, CA runs $80.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,994 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrance, CA, the projected pharmacist hourly pay for 2026 stands at an impressive $80.92, exceeding the national median hourly rate of $68.99. This significant difference highlights not just the appeal of the profession locally but also the cost of living, which is above the national average. For those employed part-time—perhaps working three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a competitive compensation that enables a fulfilling lifestyle, especially when considering the diverse settings where pharmacists operate. Those engaged in retail pharmacy counters, hospital inpatient pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and other healthcare environments can expect hourly earnings to range from $53.59 for entry-level positions to $105.44 for top earners. However, it's essential to note that these rates are derived from annual salary estimates and can vary widely based on employer and specific pharmacist roles.
About the Torrance 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) | $53.59 | $428.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.47 | $571.80 |
| Median (P50) | $80.92 | $647.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.24 | $769.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.44 | $843.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $80.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.92/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,109. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,236.97 | $14,027 | $168,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,942.18 | $8,416 | $100,994 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,294.79 | $5,611 | $67,329 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Torrance) | $80.92 |
| 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 Torrance, CA earn a median of $168,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.31% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 1.70% above the California state average of $165,518.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.92/hr = $100,994/year (purchasing power: $89,296).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,323/year (purchasing power: $148,826).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Torrance grew 10.0% from $72.24/hr (2019) to $79.47/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.41/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
Examining the financial dynamics of working part-time as a pharmacist in Torrance reveals some interesting numbers. A pharmacist working a 3-day week and clocking 24 hours would earn around $57,557 annually, which is still quite competitive when compared to full-time colleagues. For those considering per diem roles in Torrance, the compensation varies significantly; retail pharmacists generally command per diem rates between $55-$75 per hour, while hospital clinical pharmacists report between $60-$85 per hour. Roles in specialty areas, such as oncology or critical care, can yield even higher rates of $70-$95 per hour. Moreover, compensation structures differ across employer types—retail chains like CVS or Walgreens may offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital settings that might include benefits like health insurance. For pharmacists negotiating hourly pay, understanding the various factors, including the growing trend of healthcare roles outpacing retail pharmacy positions, can lead to more informed choices and potentially better pay.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Torrance 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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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