Pharmacist in Ankeny, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Ankeny Stands

If you're considering a move to Ankeny as a pharmacist, the first thing to understand is how the local salary stack up against the national average. The data is clear: a pharmacist in Ankeny will earn a median salary of $133,050/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $63.97/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, the trade-off comes in the form of a significantly lower cost of living. Ankeny’s cost of living index is 92.7 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar stretches about 7.3% further here than it would on average across the country.

To break it down further, here’s a look at what you can expect at different stages of your career. Keep in mind these are estimates based on the local median and industry progression.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Ankeny)
Entry-Level	0-2	$110,000 - $125,000
Mid-Career	3-7	$125,000 - $140,000
Senior	8-15	$140,000 - $155,000
Expert/Managerial	15+	$155,000+

When you compare Ankeny to other major Iowa metros, the picture becomes more nuanced. Des Moines, the state capital just 15 miles south, has a higher cost of living but also a higher concentration of specialty and hospital roles that can command premiums. Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities are generally on par with Ankeny for community and retail pharmacy salaries. However, Ankeny’s unique position as a rapidly growing suburb with a strong corporate retail presence means competition is steady, but the salary ceiling in corporate retail chains is relatively consistent across the state.

Insider Tip: The key differentiator in Ankeny isn’t the base salary—it’s the stability. With 148 pharmacy jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of -3%, the market is mature and competitive, but not volatile. It’s a place for long-term stability rather than rapid, boom-time expansion.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what a $133,050 salary means for your bottom line in Ankeny. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer can expect to take home approximately $98,000 - $100,000 annually, or about $8,165 - $8,333 per month. This is a crucial calculation, as Ankeny’s affordability is its biggest draw.

The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Ankeny costs $787/month. This creates a powerful financial advantage. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single pharmacist earning the median salary.

Sample Monthly Budget (Post-Tax)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$8,250	Mid-range estimate after taxes
Rent (1BR)	$787	Well below the 30% rule
Utilities	$150	Includes internet, electric, gas
Groceries	$400	Iowa has lower food costs than coasts
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	Assumes a moderate car payment
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer
Retirement (401k)	$1,000	10% of pre-tax salary
Discretionary Spending	$1,500	Dining, entertainment, travel
Savings/Student Loans	$3,513	The remainder is your power

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Ankeny is approximately $280,000. With a 20% down payment ($56,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would result in a monthly payment of around $1,300 (including taxes and insurance). This is still well within the recommended 28% of your gross monthly income. The financial cushion provided by Ankeny’s lower living costs makes homeownership a very realistic goal within your first few years of working.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially larger health systems and corporate retail chains, offer a 401(k) match. Prioritize this. With the low cost of living, you can aggressively save for a down payment and max out your retirement accounts simultaneously, a combination that’s difficult in more expensive markets.

Where the Jobs Are: Ankeny's Major Employers

Ankeny’s pharmacy job market is anchored by a mix of major retail chains, a community hospital, and corporate offices. Here’s a breakdown of the primary employers, with specific local details.

1. Hy-Vee Pharmacy (Multiple Locations): The regional grocery giant is a dominant force in Iowa. Their Ankeny locations (on Oralabor Rd, SE Delaware Ave) are high-volume stores. Hy-Vee is known for its wellness clinics and specialized compounding, offering roles beyond traditional dispensing. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on clinical services.
2. CVS Pharmacy (Multiple Locations): CVS is ubiquitous in Ankeny, from the Target on S Ankeny Blvd to standalone locations. They offer a clear corporate ladder for management and specialty roles. Hiring Trend: Constant turnover means frequent openings, but competition is high for these positions.
3. Walgreens (Multiple Locations): Similar to CVS, Walgreens has a strong presence. Their stores on First Street and in the Prairie Trail development are key employers. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on operational efficiency.
4. Iowa Specialty Hospital & Clinics - Ankeny Campus: Located at 720 NE 18th St, this is a critical care and surgical specialty hospital. Their pharmacy team is smaller and focuses on inpatient, sterile compounding, and opioid stewardship programs. Hiring Trend: Very competitive, with openings infrequent. They prioritize pharmacists with hospital experience or a PharmD with a relevant residency.
5. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center (Ankeny Clinics): While the main hospital is in Des Moines, MercyOne has a significant outpatient clinic presence in Ankeny (e.g., on N Ankeny Blvd). These clinics often have integrated ambulatory care pharmacists. Hiring Trend: Growth in ambulatory care roles, particularly in diabetes management and anticoagulation clinics.
6. The Iowa Clinic (Ankeny Location): A large multi-specialty physician group with a growing Ankeny footprint. Their pharmacy services are often tied to specialty clinics (e.g., oncology, rheumatology). Hiring Trend: Increasing demand for pharmacists who can work closely with physician teams in a clinic setting.
7. Ankeny Community Pharmacy (Independent): Located on SW State St, this independent offers a contrast to the corporate giants. Roles here are more generalist, with a focus on community relationships and compounding. Hiring Trend: Slower, but offers a unique practice environment. Hiring happens through word-of-mouth and local networks.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Practicing as a pharmacist in Iowa requires a license from the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Education & Exams: You must graduate from an ACPE-accredited PharmD program and pass both the NAPLEX and the Iowa MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination). The Iowa MPJE focuses on state-specific laws, which are covered in a dedicated review course.
2. Post-Graduate Training (Recommended): While not mandatory for community roles, a PGY1 residency is highly sought after for hospital and clinical positions. Iowa Specialty Hospital and MercyOne Des Moines offer PGY1 programs, but competition is fierce.
3. Application & Costs: The application process is online via the Iowa Board of Pharmacy website. You’ll need to submit official transcripts, NAPLEX/MPJE scores, and a background check.
   • Application Fee: $165
   • Background Check: ~$50
   • Total Initial Cost: Approximately $215 (excluding exam fees, which are national).
4. Timeline: After submitting all documents, licensure processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. It’s advisable to start the application 2-3 months before your intended start date.

Insider Tip: Iowa is part of the NABP’s NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact), but for pharmacists, it is not a compact state. However, Iowa does participate in the Pharmacy Licensure Compact (as of 2023), which is a major advantage. This allows for easier multi-state practice, which is valuable if you live in Ankeny but commute to Des Moines or other bordering states for work.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Ankeny is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different lifestyle and commute. Here are the top picks for pharmacists.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	What's Nearby
Prairie Trail	Newer, walkable, planned community. 10-15 min drive to most major employers.	$900 - $1,100	Hy-Vee, Target, restaurants, parks.
South Ankeny	Established, quiet, family-friendly. 15-20 min commute.	$750 - $900	Close to schools, older grocery stores.
Downtown Ankeny	Historic, charming, small-town feel. 5-10 min commute to central employers.	$800 - $950	Local shops, cafes, Ankeny Area Historical Society.
West Ankeny	Mix of older and new homes. 10-15 min commute.	$700 - $850	Proximity to I-35, easy access to Des Moines.
Oralabor Road Area	Commercial corridor, convenient for work. Can be busy.	$750 - $900	Direct access to Hy-Vee, Walmart, and I-35.

Insider Tip: If you work at a hospital like Iowa Specialty or a clinic on the north side, Prairie Trail or West Ankeny are ideal for minimizing your commute. For retail pharmacists at Hy-Vee or CVS on the south side, South Ankeny offers a quieter home life without a long drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth is -3% nationally, indicating a mature market, growth within specialties is a different story. In Ankeny, advancement isn’t about more jobs; it’s about moving into higher-value roles.

• Specialty Premiums: Pharmacists with credentials in oncology, infectious disease, or ambulatory care (e.g., BCACP) can command a $10,000 - $20,000 premium over the median salary. These roles are found at specialty clinics (The Iowa Clinic) or hospitals (MercyOne).
• Management Path: Moving into a Pharmacy Manager or District Manager role with CVS or Walgreens can push your salary toward the $150,000+ range. This path requires strong operational skills.
• Clinical Specialist: At MercyOne or Iowa Specialty, becoming a clinical specialist (e.g., in cardiology or critical care) is a common advancement. This often requires a PGY1/PGY2 residency.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will be for pharmacists who can provide cognitive services, not just count pills. Telepharmacy support for rural Iowa clinics is a growing area. Ankeny’s location makes it a potential hub for this. The -3% growth in traditional dispensing roles will be offset by growth in clinical and administrative positions.

Insider Tip: The most successful pharmacists in Ankeny join local professional groups, like the Iowa Pharmacy Association, and attend events in Des Moines. Networking here is key to finding those hidden, higher-paying specialty roles before they’re publicly posted.

The Verdict: Is Ankeny Right for You?

The decision to move to Ankeny hinges on what you prioritize in your career and life.

Pros	Cons
Affordability: Your salary goes much further, enabling easy homeownership and saving.	Mature Market: Fewer "new" jobs; competition is high for the best positions.
Quality of Life: Safe, clean, with excellent schools and family-friendly amenities.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a suburb; for big-city culture, you’ll drive to Des Moines.
Stability: Consistent demand from major national retailers and a stable hospital.	Lower Ceiling: Top-tier specialist salaries may be lower than in major metros like Chicago or Minneapolis.
Proximity to Des Moines: 15-20 minute drive for bigger-city opportunities and amenities.	Winter Weather: Iowa winters can be long and cold, with snow.

Final Recommendation: Ankeny is an excellent choice for pharmacists who value financial stability, a strong sense of community, and a high quality of life over the rapid pace and high cost of a major coastal city. It’s ideal for those looking to start a family, buy a home, and build a long-term career in a supportive environment. It may not be the best fit for a new graduate seeking the absolute highest salary or a bustling urban nightlife. For the pharmacist who sees their career as a marathon, not a sprint, Ankeny is a smart, strategic base.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a pharmacy job in Ankeny without a residency?
Yes, for retail (CVS, Walgreens, Hy-Vee) positions. These employers often hire directly from PharmD programs. However, for hospital or clinical roles at MercyOne or Iowa Specialty, a PGY1 residency is typically a minimum requirement.

2. How does the cost of living in Ankeny compare to Des Moines?
Des Moines has a cost of living index of about 95.0, slightly higher than Ankeny’s 92.7. The biggest difference is housing; you’ll pay about 10-15% more for a similar apartment or home in Des Moines proper.

3. What’s the commute like during Iowa winters?
Ankeny is well-prepared for snow. Main roads are plowed quickly. Most pharmacists live within a 15-minute drive of work, so commutes are manageable. A reliable vehicle with all-wheel drive is recommended.

4. Are there opportunities for compounding in Ankeny?
Yes. Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations often have compounding labs. Ankeny Community Pharmacy is an independent that specializes in it. Getting a Board Certified in Compounded Sterile Preparations (BCSCP) can open more doors here.

5. What’s the social scene like for a young, single pharmacist?
You’ll likely find your social circle through work or professional groups. For more diverse dating and social options, many young professionals in Ankeny regularly head to the East Village or Court Avenue in Des Moines, which is a very short drive away. The local scene is more focused on family activities, sports, and community events.