The Akron Pharmacist's Playbook: A Data-Driven Career Guide

So you’re thinking about Akron. As someone who’s watched this city’s economy shift from heavy manufacturing to healthcare and education, I get it. The Rubber City has grit, and for pharmacists, it offers a stable, affordable career path—just not the explosive growth you might see in coastal hubs. Let’s cut through the brochure talk and look at the real numbers, neighborhoods, and career trajectories for pharmacists in Akron, Ohio.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and local market realities. We’ll break down your salary, your take-home pay, where to work, where to live, and what your long-term outlook looks like right here in Summit County.

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

Let’s start with the most critical number: your paycheck. In the Akron metropolitan area, the median salary for a pharmacist is $133,091 per year. You can expect to earn an hourly rate of $63.99. This is slightly below the national average of $136,030, a common trade-off for the region’s low cost of living. The metro area has 377 pharmacist jobs, a small but stable pool. The 10-year job growth is -3%, a sobering statistic reflecting national trends of automation, retail consolidation, and a shift towards clinical roles. The key here isn't explosive growth; it's stability and specialization.

Your experience level dictates where you fall in the pay scale. Here’s a realistic breakdown for Akron:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Akron Median Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2	$110,000 - $120,000	Usually starts in retail chains or hospital staff roles.
Mid-Level	3-7	$125,000 - $140,000	Common for experienced staff pharmacists and clinical specialists.
Senior-Level	8-15	$140,000 - $155,000	Often includes management (Pharmacy Manager, PIC) or specialty roles.
Expert/Managerial	15+	$155,000 - $170,000+	Director of Pharmacy, specialty clinical pharmacy, or high-level corporate.

How does Akron stack up against other Ohio cities?
Akron is a mid-tier market. You’ll earn more in Columbus (state capital, large university systems) and Cleveland (major medical hub), but you'll also pay more for housing. Cincinnati is a closer peer in both salary and cost of living. Here’s a quick comparison:

Ohio Pharmacist Salary & Cost of Living Comparison (Median Salary)

Metro Area	Median Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index (US=100)
Akron	$133,091	$816	92.8
Cleveland-Elyria	$135,250	$1,050	94.2
Columbus	$138,500	$1,150	96.5
Cincinnati	$134,800	$1,100	95.0
Dayton	$132,100	$875	91.5

Sources: BLS OES, Zillow, Sperling's BestPlaces.

The takeaway? Akron offers a salary that is competitive for the Midwest, but its true advantage is the cost of living index of 92.8, meaning your dollar stretches further than in most other Ohio metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $133,091 salary isn’t what hits your bank account. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single pharmacist in Akron, assuming a standard federal tax filing, Ohio state tax (3.5% flat), and FICA.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents)

Category	Monthly Amount	Annual Amount	Notes
Gross Salary	$11,091	$133,091	Pre-tax income.
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	~$3,200	~$38,400	Federal tax, Ohio state tax (3.5%), FICA (7.65%).
Net Take-Home Pay	~$7,891	~$94,691	Post-tax income.
Rent (1BR, City Average)	$816	$9,792	$816/month is the city-wide average.
Utilities & Internet	$150	$1,800	Varies by season (heating costs in winter).
Groceries	$400	$4,800	Single person, moderate grocery budget.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	$4,800	Assumes a modest car payment and insurance.
Gas/Commuting	$150	$1,800	Akron is car-dependent.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$150	$1,800	Typical contribution for a single person.
Student Loan Payment	$400	$4,800	Assumes average pharmacist debt load.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$1,109	$13,309	Smart to start here.
Remaining for Discretionary	~$4,316	~$51,792	This is your "fun money," savings, or debt extra.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With $4,300+ in discretionary income after all necessities and retirement savings, a pharmacist in Akron is in an excellent position to buy. The median home price in Akron is around $165,000. A 20% down payment is $33,000. On a $133,091 salary, lenders will easily approve a mortgage. A typical monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $165,000 home would be roughly $1,100-$1,200, which is comparable to or even less than rent for a nice 1BR apartment in many neighborhoods. Homeownership is very attainable here.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron’s pharmacy job market is anchored by healthcare systems, retail chains, and a few specialty players. The 377 jobs are concentrated here.

1. Cleveland Clinic Akron General: A major hospital system with a busy inpatient pharmacy. They are a primary employer for clinical and hospital pharmacists. Hiring is steady, with a focus on those with PGY1 residency training. They often have openings for clinical specialists in areas like oncology and critical care.

2. Summa Health: Another key hospital system (now part of Cleveland Clinic). Their pharmacy is known for its integrated care model. They value pharmacists who can work in decentralized, patient-facing roles. This is a good spot for those looking to move from retail into hospital.

3. University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center: Located in nearby Ravenna, it’s part of the larger UH network. Offers opportunities for pharmacists wanting to work in a community hospital setting but with the backing of a major system.

4. Walgreens & CVS Health: These corporate giants are the largest retail employers. They have dozens of locations across Akron and Summit County. While the corporate structure is rigid, they offer stability, benefits, and a clear path to pharmacy manager or district leader roles. Turnover can create openings.

5. The Little Clinic (in Kroger): A growing player in retail health clinics. They often hire pharmacists for medication therapy management (MTM) and point-of-care testing roles, a step above traditional dispensing.

6. Akron Children’s Hospital: A specialized, high-demand employer. Their pediatric pharmacy team is tight-knit. Hiring is competitive and often requires a PGY1 or PGY2 residency in pediatrics. This is a career-defining specialty role.

7. Independent Pharmacies: Don’t overlook them! Akron has a handful of strong independents (e.g., in the suburbs of Fairlawn, Cuyahoga Falls). They offer more autonomy, closer patient relationships, and sometimes better scheduling. They often pay competitively to attract talent away from chains.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for clinical pharmacists with hospital experience or residency training. Retail positions are consistently open but have higher turnover. The trend is away from pure dispensing and towards medication therapy management, immunizations, and point-of-care services.

Getting Licensed in OH

Ohio’s licensure process is managed by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. It’s a multi-step process that requires planning.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.
2. Examinations:
   • NAPLEX: The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. You must pass this national exam.
   • MPJE: The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination for Ohio. This tests your knowledge of Ohio-specific pharmacy laws and regulations.
3. Practical Experience: You need 1,500 hours of practical experience under a preceptor. This is typically completed during rotations in your Pharm.D. program. If you graduated more than 5 years ago, you may need to complete additional supervised practice.
4. Background Check: A FBI and BCI (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation) background check is mandatory.
5. Application & Fees: Submit an application to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. Total costs (including exams, background checks, and application fees) typically run between $600 and $800.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re a recent graduate: You can apply for an intern license immediately. After graduation, you have one year to pass the NAPLEX and MPJE. The entire process, from graduation to holding your full license, can take 3-6 months.
• If you’re licensed in another state: Ohio is part of the NABP Licensure Transfer Program. You can apply for licensure by endorsement. You’ll still need to pass the MPJE for Ohio. The process is faster, often 2-4 months.

Insider Tip: Start studying for the MPJE while you’re still in school. Ohio’s laws are specific and can be tricky. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy website is your best friend—bookmark it.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Where you live will impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four areas that are popular with healthcare professionals in Akron.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Pharmacy Employer Proximity
Downtown Akron / Northside	Urban, walkable, artsy. Close to bars, restaurants, and the University. Commute to hospitals is 5-10 mins.	$900 - $1,200	Excellent for Cleveland Clinic Akron General & Summa Health.
Fairlawn / Bath	Upscale, family-oriented, great schools. Safe and quiet. Commute is 10-20 mins to most employers.	$1,000 - $1,300	Close to many retail pharmacies and corporate offices. A top choice for those with families.
Cuyahoga Falls	Suburban, scenic (on the Cuyahoga River), strong community feel. Commute to Akron proper is 15-20 mins.	$850 - $1,100	Good access to northern suburbs and hospitals. Lower cost than Fairlawn.
West Akron / Montrose	Older, established neighborhoods with larger homes. Central location. Commute is 10-15 mins anywhere.	$750 - $1,000	Very central. Easy access to I-77 and I-76 for commuting to any employer.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Akron is rarely a major issue, but the I-77/I-76 interchange (the "Akron Innerbelt") can bottleneck during rush hour. If you work at Cleveland Clinic Akron General (downtown), living in Northside or Downtown allows for a true walk/bike commute, which is a huge quality-of-life perk.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% job growth outlook, your career advancement in Akron will come from specialization and moving up the ladder, not from new jobs popping up.

• Specialty Premiums: While base salaries are as listed, certain specialties command premiums. Oncology pharmacists at a major hospital can earn $145,000+. Infectious Disease specialists are also in demand. Compounding pharmacists in independent or specialty pharmacies can see higher pay due to the technical skill required. Certifications like BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) or BCOP (Oncology) are valuable investments.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Staff Pharmacist → Clinical Pharmacist (Specialty) → Clinical Coordinator → Director of Pharmacy.
  2. Management Ladder: Retail Staff Pharmacist → Pharmacy Manager → District Leader → Regional Director.
  3. Industry/Consulting: Move into medical affairs for a pharmaceutical company or work in healthcare consulting, often with travel but higher pay.
• 10-Year Outlook: The pharmacist of 2034 in Akron will be more clinical and less dispensary-focused. Embrace technology (like EHR integration, telepharmacy). The small job pool means networking is critical. Join the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) and attend local meetings. The best jobs are often filled through connections before they’re ever posted publicly.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Akron is a pragmatic choice. It won’t offer the glamour of a major coastal city, but it provides a stable, high-quality career with a lifestyle that’s financially sustainable.

Pros and Cons of Being a Pharmacist in Akron

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is easily within reach.	Slower Job Growth: Limited new opportunities; advancement requires patience and specialization.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by major hospital systems and national retail chains.	Smaller professional network: Fewer niche specialists and industry events compared to Cleveland or Columbus.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal. You can live where you want without a 90-minute drive.	Midwest Winters: Snow and cold from November to March can be a lifestyle adjustment.
Quality of Life: Affordable housing, access to parks (Cuyahoga Valley NP), and a revitalizing downtown.	Corporate Retail Consolidation: Like everywhere, independents are fewer, and chain policies can be rigid.

Final Recommendation: Akron is an excellent choice for pharmacists who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and family-friendly living over high-octane career growth. It’s ideal for early-career pharmacists looking to pay off debt and buy a home, or for mid-career pharmacists seeking a slower pace. If your goal is to become a director of a top-10 hospital or work for a cutting-edge biotech, Cleveland, Columbus, or a larger metro might be a better fit. For a solid career where you can live well, Akron delivers.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a new graduate in Akron?
It’s competitive but not impossible. The key is flexibility. Apply to both hospital and retail positions. Many new grads start in retail to get experience and then transition to hospital roles after a year or two. Network with local pharmacists through LinkedIn or OPA events.

2. Do I need a car in Akron?
Yes, absolutely. While downtown is walkable, the city is spread out. Most pharmacies, hospitals, and neighborhoods require a car for your commute and daily errands. Public transit exists but is not comprehensive.

3. How is the work-life balance for pharmacists in Akron?
Generally good. Hospital pharmacists often work a standard 7-on/7-off or 10-hour shift rotation, which can be intense but provides more consecutive days off. Retail pharmacists may have more predictable schedules but deal with customer volume and corporate metrics. Overall, the pace is less frantic than in larger, more expensive metros.

4. What’s the best way to network locally?
Join the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) and attend the annual Ohio Pharmacy Expo, which is often held in Columbus or Cleveland but draws Akron professionals. Follow local hospital pharmacy departments on LinkedIn. Reach out for informational interviews—Akron’s healthcare community is tight-knit and generally welcoming.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
Yes. Hospitals often use per-diem pharmacists to cover vacations and leaves. Retail chains also offer part-time positions. This is a great way to supplement income or transition between jobs without a full-time commitment.

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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Ohio Board of Pharmacy, U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, Sperling's BestPlaces, and local employer job postings (as of 2023-2024). All salary data is presented as the exact figures provided for the Akron metropolitan area.