Pharmacist Salary in Newport Beach, CA: $161,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Newport Beach, CA earns a median $161,892/year (≈ $77.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Newport Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $143,141 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport Beach, California, the median pharmacist salary is projected to reach $161,892 in 2026, representing a significant uptick in local compensation amid the ongoing consolidation within the retail pharmacy market. This figure falls within a salary range of $118,064 at the lower end to $200,653 at the upper end, indicating a competitive environment for pharmacists. These local estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, revealing the impact of the recent retail chain closures and how they have influenced pharmacist pay Newport Beach CA. As demands for pharmacists evolve, particularly in hospital and specialty settings, the local job market reflects these changing dynamics.
About the Newport Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($157,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $118,064 | $56.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $150,425 | $72.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,892 | $77.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,942 | $89.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,653 | $96.46 |
Median Salary Position
12.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport Beach
In Newport Beach, CA, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,589 (2026 est.). At $161,892, the local median is 12.83% above the national median of $143,489.
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At 40 hours/week in Newport Beach: You'd be above the median
How Newport Beach Pharmacist Pay Compares
Newport Beach median: $161,892/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $165,534 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | +12.83% more |
Pharmacists in Newport Beach, CA earn a median of $161,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.83% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 2.20% below the California state average of $165,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,892 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $143,141 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$144,519
2025 BLS Actual
$158,983
2026 Current Est.
$161,892
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Newport Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,218 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,477 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,703 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,855 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport Beach metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $144,519 (2019) to $158,983 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,855 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,336 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport Beach 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) | $118,064 – $150,425 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $150,425 – $161,892 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,892 – $186,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,942 – $200,653 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Newport Beach
With only 12 pharmacists currently employed in Newport Beach, the competition for roles is moderate, yet the cost-of-living index of 113.1 highlights a higher than average expense of living in this part of California. This environment can significantly affect take-home purchasing power, particularly for those focused on retail positions versus hospital or specialty roles. Employers such as CVS, Walgreens, and other retail chains generally offer competitive salaries, but opportunities in hospital settings or specialty pharmacies tend to provide the highest compensation levels. Factors such as board certifications, clinical specialty training, and work shift differentials create a disparity in pay among pharmacists in the area. For those considering their career advancement, strategies like pursuing a PGY-1 residency, acquiring board certifications, or seeking roles within hospitals or specialty pharmacies could enhance earning potential in Newport Beach's evolving market.
More salary data for Newport Beach, 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 $158,983 for pharmacistsin the Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach 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