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Pharmacist Salary in San Francisco, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for San Francisco's cost of living (index: 214). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Pharmacist Salary in San Francisco β€” Key Numbers

$291,104
Median Salary
$251,536
25th Percentile
$337,521
75th Percentile
$388,902
90th Percentile
National median (Pharmacist)$136,030
vs. National median+114.0%
San Francisco median household income$131,000
vs. City household income+122.2%

Cost of Living in San Francisco

Cost of Living Index
214(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$3,498/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio14.4%
Annual rent cost$41,976
Median Home Price$1,350,000
Home Price / Salary4.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$270,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.6 yrs

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

Job Market in San Francisco

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
4,740,000
Metro Population
34 min
Avg Commute
38.3
Median Age

San Francisco has a metro population of 4,740,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacist make in San Francisco, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Pharmacist in San Francisco is $291,104 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $136,030 adjusted by San Francisco's cost of living index (214). The typical salary range runs from $251,536 (25th percentile) to $337,521 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $388,902.

Is San Francisco affordable for a Pharmacist?

On a $291,104 annual salary, a Pharmacist in San Francisco would spend approximately 14.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($3,498/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making San Francisco relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $1,350,000 is 4.6Γ— the annual salary.

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

San Francisco's median household income is $131,000. A Pharmacist earning the city-adjusted median of $291,104 earns 122.2% more than the typical San Francisco household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.