Pharmacist in Bellevue, NE

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Bellevue, NE.

---

A Career Analyst's Guide for Pharmacists in Bellevue, Nebraska

Welcome to Bellevue, Nebraska. As a career analyst with my feet on the ground here in the Omaha metro, I can tell you that Bellevue offers a unique blend of small-town accessibility and proximity to a major metropolitan hub. It’s not the sprawling pharmacy market you’d find in Lincoln or Omaha, but for Pharmacists who value a lower cost of living, manageable commutes, and a strong sense of community, it’s a market worth a serious look. This guide is built on hard data and local context to help you make an informed decision.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Bellevue Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most. The salary for a Pharmacist in Bellevue is competitive, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for a Pharmacist in Bellevue is $132,969/year, with an average hourly rate of $63.93/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, the key here is purchasing power. In Bellevue, that salary goes much further than it would in most other parts of the country. The market here is stable, with a metro area supporting 128 pharmacist jobs. However, the 10-year job growth is projected at -3%, reflecting a national trend of consolidation in retail pharmacy and a highly stable, but not rapidly expanding, market in the region. This isn't about a lack of opportunity, but rather a market that values experienced, dedicated professionals over rapid expansion.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Bellevue scale predictably with experience. Here’s how the median $132,969/year typically breaks down:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$115,000 - $125,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$128,000 - $140,000
Senior-Level	10-19 years	$138,000 - $150,000
Expert/Managerial	20+ years	$145,000+

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

To put Bellevue's salary in context, it's helpful to compare it to other major markets within the state. While Omaha has more jobs, Bellevue's lower cost of living can make it a financially smarter choice.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Omaha	$134,500	90.1
Bellevue	$132,969	92.5
Lincoln	$133,200	90.4
Grand Island	$128,500	84.7

Data sources for comparisons: BLS, Sperling's Best Places.

---

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after life's essentials. Let's build a realistic monthly budget for a single-pharmacist household in Bellevue earning the median salary of $132,969/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$11,081	$132,969 / 12
Federal/State Taxes & FICA	~$3,100	Varies by deductions, filing status. This is a solid estimate.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$7,981	After taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	$878	The city-wide average. See neighborhood section for specifics.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season and usage.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Assumes a modest car loan and full coverage.
Groceries	$450	For one person.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$250	Employee portion of premiums.
Retirement Savings (10% of Gross)	$1,108	Highly recommended for long-term wealth.
Discretionary Spending	$4,543	This covers everything else: dining out, entertainment, travel, savings, etc.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With a take-home pay of nearly $8,000 after taxes and a median home price in Bellevue around $275,000, homeownership is very attainable. A 20% down payment is $55,000. A 30-year mortgage at 7% on the remaining $220,000 would result in a monthly payment of approximately $1,463 (PITI). This is less than 20% of your net monthly income, well within the recommended guidelines. This financial breathing room is one of Bellevue's biggest draws for healthcare professionals.

---

Where the Jobs Are: Bellevue's Major Employers

Bellevue's pharmacy job market is anchored by a mix of large retail chains, a critical military base, and its proximity to Omaha's massive healthcare systems. The hiring trend is less about explosive growth and more about steady replacement and occasional expansion in specialty areas.

1. CVS Pharmacy & Walgreens: These are the primary retail employers in Bellevue proper. Locations on Mission Avenue and Cornhusker Road see consistent patient volume. Hiring is stable, with turnover mostly due to retirement or relocation. Insider tip: Corporate locations often have better staffing models than high-volume urban stores.

2. Fortune Pharmacy (at Offutt AFB): This is a unique and highly sought-after position. Serving the military community at Offutt Air Force Base offers federal benefits, a stable environment, and a different patient population. These jobs are competitive and often require or prefer a security clearance.

3. Hy-Vee Pharmacy: The Hy-Vee at 156th & Maple in Omaha (just a 10-minute drive from most of Bellevue) is a major employer. Hy-Vee is known for a strong community focus and often offers clinical services like health screenings and vaccinations, providing a different pace from traditional chain pharmacy.

4. Baker's Pharmacy: A beloved local chain, Baker's has a pharmacy at the Bellevue location (Southport). It offers a more community-centric environment, allowing pharmacists to build strong relationships with regulars.

5. Nebraska Medicine (Omaha): A 15-20 minute commute opens up a world of opportunity at one of the region's top health systems. Nebraska Medicine offers roles in inpatient pharmacy, ambulatory care, oncology, and specialty pharmacy. These positions often come with higher salaries and a focus on clinical practice.

6. CHI Health (Omaha): Another major health system just minutes away, with multiple hospitals like Creighton University Medical Center. They offer diverse pharmacy roles and are a key player in the regional healthcare market.

7. Walmart Pharmacy: The Walmart Supercenter in Bellevue is a significant employer, offering a fast-paced retail environment with the backing of a large corporation.

---

Getting Licensed in NE

If you're licensed in another state, you'll need to get credentialed in Nebraska. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• Primary Requirement: Must be a graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy and have passed the NAPLEX. Most compact state pharmacists can transfer licenses relatively easily, but Nebraska is not part of the pharmacist licensure compact.
• Foreign-Trained Pharmacists: Must have their credentials evaluated by the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) and pass the TOEFL and NAPLEX.
• Costs: Expect to pay the NAPLEX fee ($485), the Nebraska MPJE fee ($80), and an application fee ($123). Total initial licensing costs are typically under $700.
• Timeline: If you already have a license in another state and have your NAPLEX score, the process can take 4-8 weeks. If you need to take the MPJE for Nebraska, factor in study time and the next available exam date.
• Source: Always check the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - Office of Professional Licensure for the most current rules and forms.

---

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Bellevue is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and price point. Commuting to employers in Bellevue or Omaha is generally easy.

1. Old Town Bellevue: The historic heart of the city. You'll find charming older homes, walkable streets, and a true community feel. Close to the Bellevue Public Library and local shops. Rent for a 1BR apartment is typically $850-$1,000/month. Commute to local employers is 5-10 minutes.

2. Southport: A more suburban, family-oriented area with newer developments, parks like Huntington Park, and easy access to the major retail corridor on Cornhusker Road. Rent for a 1BR is similar to the city average, around $800-$950/month. Commute is minimal.

3. Offutt AFB Vicinity (Harlan, etc.): Living near the base offers convenience for those working on-site. Housing is a mix of older military housing rentals and newer suburban homes. Rents can be very reasonable, often $750-$900 for a 1BR. The commute to Fort Riley or other base employers is unbeatable.

4. La Vista (Just North): Technically its own city, but it's adjacent to Bellevue and offers more modern apartment complexes and amenities. It's a popular choice for young professionals. Rents are slightly higher, averaging $950-$1,150 for a 1BR. The commute to Bellevue employers is 10-15 minutes, and to Omaha's Medical District is 15-20 minutes.

5. Aksarben/Sheelytown (Omaha - 15 min commute): For those prioritizing a more urban, vibrant lifestyle with bars, restaurants, and a younger demographic, living just north in Omaha's Aksarben area is a great option. You'll pay more for rent ($1,100-$1,400 for a 1BR) but gain walkability and nightlife.

---

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the overall job growth is flat, there are clear paths for advancement and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications can significantly boost your value and salary. A Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) or a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) can open doors at Nebraska Medicine or CHI Health, often adding a $10,000-$15,000 premium to your base salary. Immunization certification is standard and expected.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is from staff pharmacist to pharmacy manager or district manager for a retail chain. In the hospital setting, you can advance to a clinical specialist, pharmacy supervisor, or director of pharmacy roles. These positions are competitive and often require a PharmD and/or a residency.
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth projection means you must be proactive. The pharmacists who thrive will be those who specialize, embrace clinical services (like MTM), and are willing to commute to Omaha for your dream job. The stability is there, but the days of walking into a new store manager job are fading. Telepharmacy is also a growing, albeit niche, field that could offer future remote opportunities.

---

The Verdict: Is Bellevue Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your $132,969 salary provides a lifestyle that would require a much higher income in coastal cities.	Limited Local Job Market: With only 128 jobs and negative growth, you have fewer choices than in a major city.
Short, Easy Commutes: Whether you work in Bellevue or commute to Omaha, traffic is minimal compared to national averages.	Proximity to Omaha is Required: For the best career growth and highest salaries, you must be willing to commute to Omaha's hospital systems.
Proximity to a Major Metro: You get small-city peace with big-city amenities (healthcare, airports, entertainment) just 15 minutes away.	Slower Pace of Life: If you crave a bustling, 24/7 urban environment, Bellevue's relative quiet may feel isolating.
Stable, Family-Friendly Environment: Excellent schools and a strong sense of community make it ideal for those starting or raising a family.	Weather: Winters are cold and can be snowy; summers are hot and humid. This is a genuine consideration for those from milder climates.

Final Recommendation:

Bellevue is an outstanding choice for the pharmacist who values financial stability and quality of life over the hustle of a major metropolitan center. It's perfect for mid-career pharmacists looking to buy a home, raise a family, and still have access to excellent professional opportunities via a short commute. It's also a great fit for early-career pharmacists who want to pay down student debt aggressively in a low-cost environment while building experience at a local chain before potentially moving into a hospital role in Omaha.

If you're a new grad who needs a high-volume, fast-paced environment to grow quickly, Omaha or Lincoln might be a better starting point. But for the pharmacist who wants their salary to work for them, Bellevue offers a compelling and financially savvy proposition.

---

FAQs

1. What is the real commute like from Bellevue to Omaha's hospitals?
It's surprisingly easy. Off-peak, you can get from central Bellevue to the Nebraska Medicine/CHI Health campus in under 15 minutes via I-80 or I-480. During rush hour, plan for 20-25 minutes. It's a straight shot, and traffic is nothing like what you'd experience in Chicago, LA, or even Kansas City.

2. How competitive are jobs at Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health?
Very. These are premier employers in the region. They value residency-trained PharmDs and candidates with specialty certifications. Having your Nebraska license in hand before applying is a significant advantage. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn with current pharmacy staff can help get your resume seen.

3. Is there a demand for ambulatory care or clinical pharmacy roles locally?
Yes, but most are concentrated in Omaha. However, there are opportunities in Bellevue for clinical services, particularly in community pharmacy settings (immunizations, MTM). For dedicated ambulatory care roles in clinics (anticoagulation, diabetes, etc.), you'll need to look at the major health systems in Omaha, which is a very manageable commute.

4. How does the cost of living in Bellevue compare to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index is 92.5, meaning it's 7.5% cheaper than the U.S. average. The biggest savings are in housing. While the national average 1BR rent is well over $1,200, Bellevue's average is $878/month. This difference dramatically increases your disposable income.

5. What's the pharmacy community like in Bellevue?
It's tight-knit and collaborative. Pharmacists from different stores and systems often know each other. The Nebraska Pharmacists Association (NPhA) has active events in the Omaha metro, providing great networking and continuing education opportunities. It's a professional community where you can build a strong reputation.