Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $78.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Modesto, CA runs $78.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,071 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, pharmacists can expect a substantial hourly pay, with a median rate of $78.58. This figure is notably higher than the national hourly median of $68.99, reflecting the strong demand for pharmacists in the region. For those working part-time, such as a pharmacist clocking in three days a week, this translates into a competitive income, allowing for flexibility while still providing significant financial support. Per-diem pharmacists also find favorable rates, especially in settings like retail pharmacy counters, hospital inpatient pharmacies, and specialty pharmacies, with earnings ranging from $63.80 at the 10th percentile to $103.70 at the 90th percentile per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63.80 | $510.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75.06 | $600.47 |
| Median (P50) | $78.58 | $628.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.84 | $678.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.70 | $829.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $78.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.58/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $163,451 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,299. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,143.29 | $13,621 | $163,451 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,885.97 | $8,173 | $98,071 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,257.32 | $5,448 | $65,380 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Modesto) | $78.58 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $163,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.92% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 1.20% below the California state average of $165,443.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.58/hr = $98,071/year (purchasing power: $94,201).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,451/year (purchasing power: $157,001).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $75.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $75.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $77.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Modesto grew 5.9% from $72.86/hr (2019) to $77.17/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.02/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
The earning potential of part-time pharmacists in Modesto starkly contrasts with full-time counterparts. Working 24 hours a week could yield an annual take-home pay significantly lower than that of full-time roles, yet many choose this path for the work-life balance it affords. Per diem pharmacist pay in Modesto shows variability depending on the setting, with retail pharmacists typically billing between $55-$75/hr, while those in hospital settings might earn $60-$85/hr. Specialty areas such as oncology and critical care can command rates upwards of $70-$95/hr. Different employer types contribute to this variance; retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens may offer lower hourly rates but provide health benefits, whereas independent or specialty pharmacies might pay more for skills in demand. Thus, some pharmacists weigh the pros and cons of accepting a lower hourly wage in exchange for benefits, emphasizing the importance of negotiation in securing an ideal work situation in the evolving pharmacy landscape of 2026.
More salary data for Modesto, 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
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 Modesto. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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