How does a Pharmacist's salary in Riverside compare to the rest of California?

Riverside's cost of living index is 122 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Pharmacist earning the city-adjusted median of $165,957 earns $90,157 more than the median household income in Riverside ($75,800).

Pharmacist Salary in Riverside, CA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Riverside's cost of living (index: 122). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Pharmacist Salary in Riverside — Key Numbers

$165,957

Median Salary

$143,399

25th Percentile

$192,418

75th Percentile

$221,711

90th Percentile

National median (Pharmacist)$136,030

vs. National median+22.0%

Riverside median household income$75,800

vs. City household income+118.9%

Cost of Living in Riverside

Cost of Living Index

122(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,750/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio12.7%

Annual rent cost$21,000

Median Home Price$560,000

Home Price / Salary3.4×

20% Down Payment$112,000

Years to save (20% rate)3.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Riverside

5.3%

Unemployment Rate

4,650,000

Metro Population

32 min

Avg Commute

33.9

Median Age

Riverside has a metro population of 4,650,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Riverside

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Cost of Living — Riverside

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Pharmacist Salary in California

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Riverside

Physician$279,746 Chief Executive Officer$256,200 Dentist$214,122 IT Manager$206,802 Marketing Manager$192,296 Lawyer$177,827

Pharmacist Salary — Other California Cities

Los Angeles, CA$235,332 San Francisco, CA$291,104 San Jose, CA$269,339 San Diego, CA$221,729 Sacramento, CA$171,398

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacist make in Riverside, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Pharmacist in Riverside is $165,957 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $136,030 adjusted by Riverside's cost of living index (122). The typical salary range runs from $143,399 (25th percentile) to $192,418 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $221,711.

Is Riverside affordable for a Pharmacist?

On a $165,957 annual salary, a Pharmacist in Riverside would spend approximately 12.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,750/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Riverside relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $560,000 is 3.4× the annual salary.

How does a Pharmacist's salary compare to Riverside's overall income?

Riverside's median household income is $75,800. A Pharmacist earning the city-adjusted median of $165,957 earns 118.9% more than the typical Riverside household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Pharmacist — National Pharmacist in California All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.