Pharmacist in Blaine, MN

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Blaine, MN.

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The Salary Picture: Where Blaine Stands

As a pharmacist looking at Blaine, you're not just looking at a job; you're looking at a specific market within the broader Twin Cities metro. Blaine is a growing suburb of about 73,762 people, and its pharmacy job market is intrinsically tied to the larger Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Let's break down what you can expect to earn.

First, the hard numbers. The median salary for a pharmacist in Blaine is $137,866/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $66.28/hour. This places you slightly above the national average of $136,030/year. While the difference isn't massive, it's a positive sign, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The metro area supports 147 pharmacist jobs, indicating a stable, though not explosive, market. However, a crucial long-term data point is the 10-year job growth of -3%. This reflects a national trend of automation and retail consolidation, meaning competition for desirable roles will be steady.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on the local market, reflecting the step-up from the median as you gain specialized skills.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$120,000 - $130,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$130,000 - $145,000
Senior/Lead	10-15 years	$145,000 - $160,000
Expert/Clinical Specialist	15+ years	$155,000 - $175,000+

When comparing Blaine to other major Minnesota cities, the picture becomes clearer. While the Twin Cities metro as a whole has a high demand, salaries can vary by specific suburb and employer type.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Job Market Size	Key Notes
Blaine	$137,866	147 Jobs	Suburban market, mix of retail, hospital, and specialty.
Minneapolis	$140,500	1,200+ Jobs	Highest concentration of hospital and clinical roles.
St. Paul	$139,000	800+ Jobs	Similar to Minneapolis, strong in health system roles.
Rochester (Mayo)	$142,000	300+ Jobs	High demand for clinical specialists, competitive.
Duluth	$132,000	100+ Jobs	Lower cost of living, but more limited specialty roles.

Blaine offers a competitive salary that is on par with the state's larger cities, but with the lifestyle of a quieter suburb. The key is that many pharmacists in Blaine commute to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul for hospital-based roles, which often command the higher end of the salary spectrum.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $137,866 looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Blaine? Let's break it down realistically.

First, we need to estimate taxes. Assuming you're single, filing as Head of Household, and taking the standard deduction, your take-home pay would be approximately $102,000 to $106,000 per year, or about $8,500 to $8,800 per month after federal, state (MN has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes.

Now, let's apply that to the local cost of living.

• Average 1BR Rent in Blaine: $1,201/month
• Cost of Living Index: 104.5 (US avg = 100)

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$8,650	Based on $137,866 salary
Rent (1BR)	-$1,201	Average for Blaine
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$250	Can be higher in winter
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$600	Essential for commuting in MN
Groceries	-$400	For 1 person
Health Insurance (Post-Employer)	-$300	Varies by plan
401(k)/Retirement (10%)	-$1,150	Critical for long-term growth
Discretionary/Entertainment	-$1,500	Dining out, hobbies, etc.
Remaining Buffer	$3,199	For savings, debt, or travel

This budget shows a comfortable surplus. The question of homeownership is very achievable. With a $137,866 salary, you can comfortably afford a home in the $350,000 - $450,000 range, which is a common price point for a single-family home in Blaine. With a strong down payment, your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would likely be around $2,000-$2,500, which is manageable on this salary. The 104.5 cost of living index is only slightly above the national average, primarily driven by housing and healthcare costs, but your pharmacist salary provides a strong buffer.

Where the Jobs Are: Blaine's Major Employers

Blaine’s pharmacy market is a blend of large health systems, national retail chains, and specialty pharmacies. While some jobs are in Blaine itself, many are a short commute into neighboring suburbs or Minneapolis.

Here are the key players to have on your radar:

1. M Health Fairview (Formerly Fairview Health Services): While their flagship hospitals are in Minneapolis, they have a massive network of primary care clinics and specialty centers throughout the northern suburbs, including Blaine and Fridley. They are a top employer for clinical pharmacy roles, especially in ambulatory care and specialty clinics (e.g., oncology, anticoagulation). Insider Tip: Look for roles at the M Health Fairview Clinic in Blaine or the nearby Fridley location.

2. Allina Health: Another major system with a strong presence in the northern metro. The Unity Hospital in Fridley (just minutes from Blaine) is a key hiring location for both inpatient and outpatient pharmacists. Allina often has openings for staff pharmacists, clinical specialists, and pharmacy managers.

3. CVS Health & Walgreens: These national chains have numerous locations throughout Blaine and the surrounding area. While retail can be demanding, they offer stability, benefits, and clear paths to management. Hiring is continuous, but turnover can be high, so positions open up regularly.

4. Costco Pharmacy: The Costco in Blaine (on University Ave NE) is consistently ranked as one of the best places to work for pharmacists. The volume is high, but the environment is known for being more structured and less chaotic than traditional retail. The pay is often at the top of the retail scale.

5. Lloyd's Pharmacy (Independent): For a different pace, independent pharmacies like Lloyd's offer a chance to build deep relationships with patients and have more autonomy. While smaller, they can be excellent places to develop niche skills.

6. Accredo (Express Scripts): This specialty pharmacy has a major fulfillment center and call center in the northern suburbs (specifically in Bloomington, a ~30-minute commute). They hire for clinical pharmacists, patient care coordinators, and pharmacy technicians. This is a great path for those interested in specialty drugs and mail-order pharmacy without direct patient contact.

Hiring Trend: Health systems like Allina and M Health Fairview are actively expanding their outpatient and specialty care services, creating more clinical roles. Retail positions are stable but face pressure from automation. The most growth is in specialty and ambulatory care.

Getting Licensed in MN

To practice in Minnesota, you must be licensed by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. This is a non-negotiable first step.

Requirements:

1. Graduation from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (Pharm.D.).
2. Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
3. Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Minnesota.
4. Complete a background check.

Timeline & Process:

• For New Graduates: The process is straightforward. Once you graduate, you can apply for licensure by examination to the MN Board. You will register for the NAPLEX and MPJE with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). It typically takes 4-8 weeks after graduation to get your Authorization to Test (ATT) and schedule your exams. Once you pass both, you can apply for your full license. Total time: 2-4 months post-graduation.
• For Pharmacists Licensed in Another State: Minnesota is a member of the Pharmacist Licensure Compact (P-Compact). If your primary state of licensure is a compact member, the process is significantly streamlined. You can apply for licensure by endorsement and may not need to take the MPJE again, though the NAPLEX is still required if you haven't passed it previously. For non-compact states, you'll need to apply by examination and take both tests.
• Costs: Expect to pay around $300-$400 for the NAPLEX, $100-$150 for the MPJE, and a state application fee of approximately $150. The total initial licensure cost is roughly $600-$700.

Insider Tip: Start your application with the MN Board of Pharmacy before you move. The process can have bureaucratic delays, and having everything submitted while you're still in your current state will save you time and stress.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Blaine itself is a sprawling suburb, but where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are 4-5 areas to consider, with rent estimates for a 1BR.

1. Central Blaine: The heart of the city, centered around Town Square and the National Sports Center. It has a mix of newer apartments and older homes. You'll be close to shopping, dining, and major roads like MN-65 and I-35W. Commute times to Fridley/Minneapolis are reasonable (20-30 minutes).

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,250/month

2. Lakeside (North Blaine): Quieter and more residential, this area is near lakes like Lakeridge and Sunrise. It's ideal if you value green space and a slower pace. Commutes are slightly longer but still manageable. Great for young professionals or those planning to start a family.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,100/month

3. Fridley (Just South of Blaine): While not technically Blaine, Fridley is a top choice for healthcare workers. It's home to Unity Hospital and is a major hub for Allina Health. Living here can mean a commute of less than 10 minutes to work. It has a strong sense of community and older, more affordable housing stock.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,150/month

4. Andover (Northwest of Blaine): A rapidly growing family-oriented suburb with excellent schools. It's a bit farther from the main healthcare hubs, so a 25-35 minute commute to Minneapolis is standard. Rent and home prices are slightly lower than in Blaine proper. A good option if you're looking for more space and don't mind a slightly longer drive.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,050/month

5. Coon Rapids (West of Blaine): Another large suburb with direct access to I-94, making for an easy commute to Minneapolis. It has a wide range of housing options and amenities. The area around the Northstar Commuter Rail line is particularly convenient for those who prefer public transit.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,125/month

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of -3%, career growth in Blaine isn't about a booming number of new positions; it's about strategic movement and specialization. To advance and increase your earning potential, consider these paths:

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salary jumps come from specialization. A clinical pharmacist in oncology at M Health Fairview or a critical care specialist at Unity Hospital can earn $155,000 - $175,000+. This often requires a PGY1 or PGY2 residency, which is a common path for new grads in the Twin Cities area.
• Management & Administration: Moving into a Pharmacy Manager or Director role at a health system or a large retail chain is the traditional advancement path. These roles focus less on dispensing and more on operations, budgeting, and personnel. Salaries can exceed $160,000.
• Industry & Informatics: The Twin Cities is a major hub for medical device and healthcare IT companies (e.g., Medtronic, 3M). Pharmacists with an interest in technology can move into roles in pharmacovigilance, medical information, or clinical informatics, often with a significant pay increase.
• The 10-Year Outlook: In Blaine and the metro, the future of pharmacy is less about counting pills and more about direct patient care. Roles in ambulatory care clinics (managing diabetes, hypertension, etc.), transitions of care, and anticoagulation management are growing. Retail pharmacists will need to pivot toward these patient-facing services to stay relevant and valuable. Building a network within the major health systems is critical for long-term career security.

The Verdict: Is Blaine Right for You?

Blaine offers a compelling package for a pharmacist: a strong salary relative to the cost of living, access to high-quality healthcare employers, and a family-friendly suburban lifestyle. However, it's not without its trade-offs, especially given the long-term job market trends.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary ($137,866) well above the national average.	Stagnant Job Growth (-3%) requires proactive networking and specialization.
Affordable Housing relative to salary; homeownership is very attainable.	Car-Dependent lifestyle; public transit is limited outside of commuter rail lines.
Access to Major Health Systems (Allina, Fairview) for diverse roles.	Winters are Long and Harsh; can be a significant lifestyle adjustment.
Safe, Family-Friendly Suburb with excellent schools and amenities.	Limited "big city" nightlife and culture compared to Minneapolis proper.
Proximity to Minneapolis for urban amenities without the urban cost.	Competition for the best hospital-based roles is high.

Final Recommendation:

Blaine is an excellent choice for pharmacists who are proactive, value work-life balance, and are willing to specialize. It's ideal for:

• New graduates looking to start in a stable market with a low cost of living.
• Mid-career pharmacists seeking to transition into clinical or hospital-based roles.
• Pharmacists with families who prioritize safety, schools, and affordability.

It may be less ideal for those seeking a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment or who are unwilling to pursue residency or specialization to stay competitive in the long term. If you're a self-starter who can leverage the strong local network, Blaine provides a financially and personally rewarding place to build a pharmacy career.

FAQs

1. Will I need to commute?
Probably. While there are pharmacy jobs within Blaine (retail, some clinics), the highest concentration of specialized roles is in neighboring Fridley (Unity Hospital) and downtown Minneapolis. A 15-30 minute commute is standard for most pharmacists in the area.

2. How competitive is the job market in Blaine?
It's moderately competitive. For entry-level retail positions, it's fairly stable. For desirable clinical or hospital roles at Allina or Fairview, you will be competing with graduates from the University of Minnesota and other regional schools. Having a PGY1 residency significantly improves your chances.

3. Is the -3% job growth a major concern?
It's a data point to be aware of, not a reason to avoid the area. It reflects national trends more than a local downturn. The key is to focus on growth areas: specialty pharmacy, ambulatory care, and clinical roles. These sectors are still growing within the Twin Cities metro.

4. What is the licensing timeline for an out-of-state pharmacist?
If you're licensed in a P-Compact state, you can get licensed in Minnesota in as little as 4-6 weeks. For non-compact states, plan for 2-3 months to complete the NAPLEX and MPJE and get your full license.

5. What's the best way to find a job?
Use LinkedIn to connect with pharmacy managers at Allina, Fairview, and major retail chains in the area. Check the career pages of these health systems directly. Networking with local Minnesota Pharmacists Association (MPhA) members can also provide insider leads. For retail, applying directly to CVS, Walgreens, and Costco websites is the most effective method.