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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Pharmacists salary in San Francisco, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Francisco metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$183,510
Mean annual$184,090
Range (10th to 90th)$143,520 to $220,640
San Francisco, California employment4,230
State vs national+31.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Francisco pharmacists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$143,52025TH$163,030MEDIAN$183,51075TH$208,49090TH$220,640

The middle 50% of workers earn between $163,030 and $208,490, with a median of $183,510.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Doctoral or professional degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Chemistry

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Review prescriptions to assure accuracy, to ascertain the needed ingredients, and to evaluate their suitability.

  2. 02

    Assess the identity, strength, or purity of medications.

  3. 03

    Provide information and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage.

  4. 04

    Analyze prescribing trends to monitor patient compliance and to prevent excessive usage or harmful interactions.

  5. 05

    Maintain records, such as pharmacy files, patient profiles, charge system files, inventories, control records for radioactive nuclei, or registries of poisons, narcotics, or controlled drugs.

  6. 06

    Collaborate with other health care professionals to plan, monitor, review, or evaluate the quality or effectiveness of drugs or drug regimens, providing advice on drug applications or characteristics.

  7. 07

    Plan, implement, or maintain procedures for mixing, packaging, or labeling pharmaceuticals, according to policy and legal requirements, to ensure quality, security, and proper disposal.

  8. 08

    Order and purchase pharmaceutical supplies, medical supplies, or drugs, maintaining stock and storing and handling it properly.

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Other metros in California

How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for pharmacists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Pharmacists in San Francisco, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Pharmacists in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $183,510.
Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Pharmacists?
The San Francisco metro median is +11.1% versus the California state median of $165,150.
How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Pharmacists?
The San Francisco metro median is +31.0% versus the BLS national figure of $140,121.
What is the salary range for Pharmacists in San Francisco?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $143,520 and the 90th-percentile at $220,640 for the San Francisco metro area.
What education is required for Pharmacists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.