Pharmacist in Bloomington, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

As a local, I’ll be straight with you: Bloomington isn’t the epicenter of the Minnesota pharmacy world, but it’s a solid, stable market with a unique position. It sits in the heart of the Twin Cities metro, giving you access to the broader employment pool without the downtown Minneapolis price tag. The data we have paints a clear, if somewhat sobering, picture. The median salary for a pharmacist in Bloomington is $137,866 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.28. This sits slightly above the national average of $136,030/year, a small but meaningful premium that reflects the cost of living in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area.

Let’s break this down by experience level. It’s important to note that the Bloomington market is heavily influenced by the larger metro, so salaries are compressed into the mid-to-senior range. True entry-level positions in Bloomington are rare; most new grads start at a retail chain in a surrounding suburb and move in after a few years. The 10-year job growth for pharmacists in the metro is -3%, a national trend driven by retail consolidation, mail-order pharmacy, and increased technician roles. However, this doesn't tell the whole story. The absolute number of jobs is stable, with approximately 174 pharmacist positions in the metro area at any given time. The real opportunity for growth is in specialization and moving into clinical, hospital, or industry roles, which Bloomington has access to due to its location.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown for Bloomington, MN

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Employers in This Bracket
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$125,000 - $135,000	Retail chains (CVS, Walgreens in surrounding areas), long-term care pharmacies.
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$135,000 - $150,000	Allina Health clinics, Fairview Health Services, specialty pharmacies.
Senior/Expert	8+ years	$145,000 - $165,000+	Hennepin Healthcare (downtown, but commutable), Mayo Clinic (Rochester, 1.5 hrs), corporate roles (3M, Medtronic).

Comparison to Other Minnesota Cities:
Bloomington’s $137,866 median is competitive. Minneapolis proper often sees a slight premium for downtown hospital roles, potentially pushing the median closer to $140,000 - $145,000 for similar experience. St. Paul’s market is very similar to Bloomington’s. Rochester, home to the Mayo Clinic, is the outlier; salaries there can be significantly higher, often $150,000+ for hospital and clinical pharmacists, but with a much smaller, specialized market. Duluth and Mankato have lower costs of living and corresponding lower salaries, typically in the $120,000 - $130,000 range. Bloomington hits a "sweet spot" of professional opportunity and relative affordability within the Twin Cities metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A salary of $137,866 looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Bloomington? First, the math. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (using standard deductions for a single filer with no dependents), your take-home pay will be approximately $9,500 - $10,000 per month. Let’s use a conservative $9,600 for our breakdown.

Bloomington’s cost of living is 104.5 (US avg = 100), which is about 4.5% higher than the national average. The biggest driver is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,327/month. This is for a standard, non-luxury unit in a decent area. Newer, "luxury" buildings near the Mall of America or in the North Loop (technically Minneapolis) can push $1,700+.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single, mid-career pharmacist in Bloomington:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$9,600	Post-tax, single filer.
Rent (1BR)	$1,327	Average for Bloomington.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water/Internet)	$250	Minnesota winters mean higher heating bills.
Groceries & Household	$600	For one person, eating some meals out.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600	Car is essential in MN. Insurance rates are moderate.
Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized)	$300	Post-premium contribution.
Retirement Savings (10% of gross)	$1,150	$137,866 / 12 = ~$11,500/month gross.
Student Loans (if any)	$500	Est. for a new pharmacist.
Discretionary Spending (Entertainment, Dining, Travel)	$4,873	This is your "lifestyle" fund.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, and this is a major advantage of Bloomington over downtown Minneapolis or Edina. The median home price in Bloomington is around $320,000 - $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000 - $70,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (around 6.5%) would have a monthly payment of approximately $1,800 - $1,950 (including property tax and insurance). Given your take-home pay of $9,600, this is a very comfortable 19% of your take-home income, well below the recommended 30% threshold. You could realistically save for a down payment in 2-3 years while renting, depending on your other debts.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

Bloomington’s pharmacy job market is a mix of large health systems, retail giants, and niche industrial players. Here are the key employers:

1. Allina Health: A major Twin Cities health system with a strong presence in Bloomington, including the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute (in nearby Minneapolis but a short commute) and numerous Allina Health Clinics throughout the city. They offer retail, outpatient, and some clinical roles. Hiring is steady, with a preference for pharmacists with 2+ years of experience.
2. Fairview Health Services (Now part of M Health Fairview): While the main University of Minnesota Medical Center is in Minneapolis, Fairview runs several pharmacies and clinics in the Bloomington area. They are a primary employer for clinical and outpatient pharmacists. Their system is integrated with the University, offering potential for academic or research-adjacent roles.
3. Retail Chains (CVS, Walgreens, Target): Bloomington is saturated with national retail pharmacy chains. The Mall of America area and major commercial strips (like Lyndale Ave S and France Ave S) have multiple locations. These are the most common entry points into the market. Insider Tip: The Target pharmacy at the Mall of America is one of the busiest in the state; experience there is a gold star on a resume for any retail position in the metro.
4. Specialty & Long-Term Care Pharmacies: Companies like Omnicare (a CVS Health company) and Accredo have distribution centers and client bases in the metro. These roles focus on complex medications for chronic conditions (oncology, rheumatology) and offer higher pay ($145,000+) and a different pace than retail.
5. Industrial & Corporate Roles: Bloomington is home to the global headquarters of 3M and the U.S. headquarters of Medtronic. While not traditional pharmacy employers, they have corporate health and wellness programs, medical affairs teams, and research divisions that occasionally hire pharmacists for non-traditional roles (e.g., regulatory affairs, clinical research). These are competitive, high-paying ($150,000+) positions requiring advanced degrees (PharmD, PhD) or significant industry experience.
6. Minnesota Veterans Affairs Health Care System: The VA Medical Center is just north of Bloomington in south Minneapolis. It’s a major employer with excellent benefits and a focus on clinical pharmacy. It’s a federal job, so the hiring process can be slow but is stable and highly respected.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward clinical specialization. Retail jobs are abundant but offer limited growth. The most sustainable career path is to use a retail role as a foothold, then move into a clinical position within a health system like Allina or Fairview, or pursue a specialty certification (e.g., BCPS, BCOP) to break into specialty pharmacy or industry.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. It is managed by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

Requirements:

1. Graduation from an ACPE-accredited PharmD program.
2. Passing the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination).
3. Passing the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam) for Minnesota.
4. Completion of a 1,500-hour internship (typically completed during your PharmD program).
5. Background check and fingerprinting.

Process & Timeline:

• Step 1 (Upon Graduation): Submit your application to the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. You must have your official transcripts sent directly from your school. The application fee is $230.
• Step 2 (Scheduling Exams): Once your application is processed, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from NABP. You can then schedule your NAPLEX and MPJE. The NAPLEX fee is $479, and the MPJE fee is $70.
• Step 3 (Final Licensure): After passing both exams and completing the background check (fingerprinting fee ~$50), your license will be issued. Total estimated cost: ~$830 (excluding travel/lodging for exams).
• Timeline: From graduation to licensure, the process typically takes 2-4 months. Some employers (like retail chains) may hire you as an intern or graduate intern while you complete the process.

Insider Tip: Minnesota is a member of the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact), but pharmacists are not part of a multi-state compact. You must hold a separate license for each state you wish to practice in. However, if you hold a license in Minnesota, it’s relatively easy to get licensure by examination or reciprocity in Wisconsin or Iowa if you ever decide to cross the river.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Where you live in Bloomington affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

1. North Bloomington (Near MOA & Airport):

   • Vibe: Urban-suburban mix, close to the Mall of America, MSP Airport, and major highways (I-494, I-35W). High-density apartments and townhomes.
   • Commute: Excellent for jobs at the airport, MOA retail, or downtown Minneapolis (15-20 mins). Can be noisy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want convenience and access to nightlife/shopping.

2. South Bloomington (Near Normandale College & Hyland Park):

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, quieter, with more single-family homes and townhouses. Close to Normandale Lake Park and the Bloomington Center for the Arts.
   • Commute: 20-25 mins to downtown Minneapolis via I-35W. Easy access to all major Bloomington employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1BR; $1,800 - $2,200 for a 2BR townhome.
   • Best For: Those seeking a balance of suburban peace and city access. Ideal for future homebuyers.

3. East Bloomington (Near the Minnesota River Valley):

   • Vibe: More rural and residential, with larger lots and older homes. Proximity to the Minnesota River Valley offers great outdoor access.
   • Commute: 25-30 mins to downtown Minneapolis. Requires a car for everything.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR; more single-family rentals available.
   • Best For: Nature lovers, those who want more space for their money, and don’t mind a longer commute.

4. West Bloomington (Bordered by Edina & Richfield):

   • Vibe: Affluent, established neighborhoods with great schools. Proximity to the upscale 50th & France area of Edina.
   • Commute: 15-20 mins to downtown Minneapolis. Very central.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR; higher-end apartments.
   • Best For: Established professionals, those with families, or anyone who prioritizes top-tier schools and a polished suburban feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Given the -3% job growth forecast, career growth in pharmacy is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about pivoting and specializing. In Bloomington, your long-term strategy should be:

• Certifications: The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) certifications are your best investment. Becoming a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) can open doors to hospital clinical roles and add a $10,000 - $15,000 premium to your salary. A Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) is invaluable for roles at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester) or with specialty pharmacies.
• Advanced Degrees: A Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or Business Administration (MBA) can pivot you into industry roles at companies like 3M or Medtronic, focusing on regulatory affairs, market access, or medical science liaisons. These roles often start at $150,000+.
• Industry Experience: The most lucrative path is moving from retail/health-system pharmacy to the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. The Twin Cities metro has a growing biotech corridor (mostly in Minneapolis). Bloomington is a strategic home base for these roles, offering a moderate commute to corporate offices while keeping living costs manageable.
• 10-Year Outlook: The retail landscape will continue to contract. The growth is in clinical pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, and industry. A pharmacist in Bloomington who starts in retail, gets their BCPS, moves to an Allina or Fairview clinical role, and then leverages that experience for an industry job could see their salary grow from $137,866 to $160,000 - $180,000 over a decade. The key is to never stop learning and to be willing to leave the traditional pharmacy path.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Access to 174+ jobs in the metro.	Limited Specialization in Bloomington Itself: Must commute to Minneapolis or Rochester for top-tier clinical/industry roles.
Affordable Housing: Median home price $320k vs. $450k+ in Minneapolis.	-3% Job Growth: Overall market is saturated; requires proactive career management.
Central Location: 15-20 min commute to downtown Minneapolis. Easy access to MSP airport.	Car Dependent: Public transit (Metro Transit) is decent but not as robust as in Minneapolis proper.
High Salary vs. Cost of Living: $137,866 goes further here than in many other metros.	"Big Box" Suburb Feel: Lacks the historic charm and walkability of Minneapolis neighborhoods.
Access to Major Health Systems & Corporations: Allina, Fairview, 3M, Medtronic are all within reach.	Winter Weather: Long, cold winters (-20°F lows are common) can be a major lifestyle adjustment.

Final Recommendation:
Bloomington is an excellent choice for a practical, career-focused pharmacist who values financial stability and quality of life over urban excitement. It’s ideal if you:

• Are looking for your first "real" pharmacist job outside of school.
• Want to buy a home within 5 years of graduation.
• Are willing to commute 15-30 minutes for the best opportunities.
• See the long game in pivoting to clinical or industry roles.

It’s not the best choice if you dream of working at a world-class academic medical center in walking distance (go to Minneapolis) or if you want a vibrant, walkable city life without a car. For most pharmacists, Bloomington offers the best balance of professional opportunity