Entry-Level Pharmacist Salary in Mason City, IA: $98,871 (2026)
Quick Answer:New pharmacists entering the Mason City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $98,871 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mason City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $109,371 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,088) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the pharmacist profession in Mason City, Iowa, can expect a starting salary of around $98,871, considerably below the median annual salary of $135,088 for pharmacists in the area. This initial figure might feel low compared to the overall median, but it sets a foundation for growth as entry-level pharmacists gain experience and skills during their first few years. Within three to five years, those in their early careers could see their salaries progress to approximately $125,457, aligning more closely with the local median. With the projected annual growth rate of 1.83%, Mason City continues to present a stable employment market for new pharmacist graduates, making it a viable option for individuals starting their careers in pharmacy.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mason City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
Entry-level pharmacists in Mason City, IA typically start between $98,871 and $125,457 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,371 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,088 — 5.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average pharmacy program cost in Iowa of $130,000 represents just 131.48% of the starting pharmacist pay ($98,871/year) in Mason City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACPE-accredited PharmD program data and AACP tuition survey reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state vs. private).
PharmD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Mason City
- 1Research the Mason City market: entry-level pharmacist pay ranges from $98,871 to $125,457, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the pharmacy field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mason City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Mason City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mason City's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Pharmacist Compensation Range
The pharmacist wage spread in Mason City is $60,371 ( 61.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $98,871, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,242.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,445
2025 BLS Actual
$97,094
2026 Current Est.
$98,871
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,445 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,182 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,138 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,871 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,680 | Projected |
Entry-level pharmacist compensation (10th percentile) in Mason City, IA grew 12.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $86,445 in 2019 to $97,094 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,680. New graduates entering the Mason City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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.
Starting Your pharmacy Career in Mason City
In Mason City, several employers are particularly favorable for new graduates. Hospital systems often offer PGY-1 residency programs, which can significantly enhance clinical career prospects, while retail chains such as CVS and Walgreens typically hire the majority of non-residency new graduates. However, these retail positions may come with lower starting pay due to recent reductions in sign-on bonuses from the peak levels seen in 2021-2022. Credentials play an important role in shaping employment opportunities and salary potential. Graduates should complete their PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program and pass the NAPLEX and MPJE exams to obtain their state pharmacist license. Additionally, pursuing optional PGY-1 or PGY-2 residencies and BPS board certifications can further boost earning potential and expand job opportunities, particularly in a contracting retail market where clinical roles in hospitals and specialty pharmacies are on the rise. New pharmacists can anticipate realistic salary growth over their first few years in Mason City, as they build their expertise in roles increasingly focused on vaccinations, point-of-care testing, and expanding scopes of practice.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new pharmacy graduates. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Mason City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mason City 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