Pharmacist Salary in Madera, CA: $161,644 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Madera, CA earns a median $161,644/year (≈ $77.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Madera's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $142,921 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madera, California, the projected 2026 median annual pharmacist salary is $161,644, reflecting a notable rise in compensation amidst significant changes in the local healthcare landscape. Following the consolidation of retail pharmacy chains, which has influenced staffing and pricing strategies, the pharmacist pay in Madera ranges from $117,489 at the 10th percentile to $199,440 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors unique to the area. With Madera being home to a limited number of pharmacists, this job market increasingly favors both established and aspiring professionals looking to navigate an evolving sector in pharmacy.
About the Madera Market
Salary estimated from California average ($157,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,489 | $56.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $149,899 | $72.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,644 | $77.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,608 | $89.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,440 | $95.88 |
Median Salary Position
12.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madera
In Madera, CA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,951 (2026 est.). At $161,644, the local median is 12.65% above the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madera: You'd be above the median
How Madera Pharmacist Pay Compares
Madera median: $161,644/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madera Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $165,449 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | +12.65% more |
Pharmacists in Madera, CA earn a median of $161,644 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.65% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 2.30% below the California state average of $165,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madera has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Madera, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,644 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $142,921 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$155,550
2025 BLS Actual
$158,739
2026 Current Est.
$161,644
2019–2027 Growth
+5.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $158,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,739 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,644 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,602 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madera metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 2.1% from $155,550 (2019) to $158,739 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,602 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,052 (5.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madera 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $117,489 – $149,899 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $149,899 – $161,644 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,644 – $186,608 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,608 – $199,440 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Madera
Employment opportunities for pharmacists in Madera include various settings, yet only eight pharmacists are currently working in the area, highlighting a competitive job market. The cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that while salaries are robust, purchasing power may not be as strong as it appears. Retail chains like CVS and Walgreens may offer competitive salaries, but opportunities in hospital pharmacies and specialty roles—especially those requiring board certifications—tend to pay more significantly. Given the differences, those pursuing pharmacist positions should consider gaining experience in clinical settings or completing a PGY-1 residency, as these qualifications can help bridge the pay gap seen between different pharmacy practice settings. With the industry's shift toward more specialized roles, understanding how to position oneself within this context is essential for maximizing potential earnings.
More salary data for Madera, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $158,739 for pharmacistsin the Madera metropolitan area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madera 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