Pharmacist in Brooklyn Park, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Brooklyn Park Stands

Let’s cut right to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re weighing a career move. For a pharmacist in Brooklyn Park, the median salary is $137,866/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $66.28. To put this in context, the national average for pharmacists is $136,030/year. While that’s a modest premium over the national average, it’s important to understand the local cost of living and job market density.

The metro area, which includes Brooklyn Park, has a population of roughly 82,027. For a pharmacist, this means you’re looking at a concentrated but competitive job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state employment data show there are approximately 164 pharmacist jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection for this region is -3%. This isn't a sign of imminent collapse, but a signal of a mature, stable field. Many roles are in retail and hospital settings that see cyclical hiring, not explosive growth.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the Twin Cities market, which directly influences Brooklyn Park salaries:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Twin Cities Metro)	Notes for Brooklyn Park
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$125,000 - $135,000	Often starts in retail chains or mail-order. Sign-on bonuses are common.
Mid-Career (3-9 yrs)	$135,000 - $150,000	Hospital roles, specialty clinics, and lead retail positions.
Senior (10-19 yrs)	$145,000 - $165,000	Clinical specialist, pharmacy management, corporate roles.
Expert (20+ yrs)	$155,000 - $175,000+	Director-level, specialty pharmacy, consulting, academia.

Insider Tip: The median salary of $137,866 is a solid midpoint, but your actual offer will hinge heavily on the employer. A retail chain in a high-volume Brooklyn Park location might offer the median, while a clinical role at a specialty hospital or a corporate role with a PB (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) could push you toward the higher end of the mid-career range.

Comparison to Other MN Cities:

• Minneapolis: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$142,000) due to larger hospital networks and corporate HQs, but the cost of living and commute are significantly worse.
• St. Paul: Very similar to Minneapolis, with a strong hospital presence (Regions, M Health Fairview).
• Rochester (Mayo Clinic area): Salaries for clinical roles are highly competitive, often exceeding $150,000, but the city is more specialized and geographically isolated.
• Duluth: Lower cost of living, but salaries are also lower (median ~$130,000), with fewer specialty opportunities.

Brooklyn Park offers a "Goldilocks" scenario: metro-accessible salaries without the downtown Minneapolis price tag or traffic.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $137,866 sounds great, but let's see what it looks like in a practical monthly budget for Brooklyn Park. We'll assume a single filer with standard deductions.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after taxes):

• Gross Monthly: $11,489
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA, etc.): ~$3,200
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$8,289

Brooklyn Park Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (Avg 1BR): $1,201
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500
• Student Loans (Avg for PharmD): $600
• Health Insurance (employer plan): $250
• Retirement Savings (10%): $1,150
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: $600
• Total Expenses: $4,881

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a monthly surplus of $3,408 (after all expenses and savings), a pharmacist in Brooklyn Park is in a strong position to purchase a home.

• Average Home Price in Brooklyn Park: $325,000 - $375,000 for a 3-bedroom single-family home in a decent neighborhood.
• 20% Down Payment: $65,000 - $75,000. With your annual surplus of over $40,000, you could save this in 18-22 months without extreme frugality.
• Mortgage (at 7%, 30-yr): ~$1,800 - $2,100/month (including taxes/insurance). This is less than 25% of your net income, which is a very healthy ratio.

Insider Tip: The rent in Brooklyn Park is $1,201, which is notably lower than the Minneapolis average of ~$1,500. This directly boosts your ability to save for a home. Look into neighborhoods like Brookdale or Northwest Brooklyn Park for slightly older homes that are more affordable.

Where the Jobs Are: Brooklyn Park's Major Employers

Brooklyn Park is a hub for healthcare in the north metro. The job market is stable, with a mix of large hospital systems, retail chains, and specialty providers.

1. North Memorial Medical Center: Located in neighboring Robbinsdale, this is a Level I Trauma Center and a major employer. They have a robust inpatient pharmacy and several clinical pharmacist roles, especially in critical care and oncology. Hiring trends: Steady, with a focus on experience.
2. Maple Grove Hospital (Allina Health): Another key nearby hospital (5-10 minute drive). As part of the Allina Health system, it offers integrated care. Pharmacy roles here often involve a mix of inpatient and outpatient duties. Hiring trends: Consistent growth due to the expanding Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park population.
3. M Health Fairview (University of Minnesota): While the main campus is in Minneapolis, their north metro clinics and specialty pharmacies (e.g., for rheumatology, oncology) have significant presence. These roles are highly specialized and competitive.
4. Walgreens & CVS (Brooklyn Park locations): With several locations (e.g., 85th Ave, Zane Ave), these are the primary retail employers. They offer sign-on bonuses and are always hiring, but turnover can be higher. Good for new grads to get experience.
5. Costco Pharmacy (Brooklyn Park): Often cited as a better work environment than traditional retail chains, with higher pay and more manageable hours. Positions are highly coveted and openings are rare.
6. Local Compounding Pharmacies: There are several independent and compounding pharmacies serving the north metro (e.g., Brookside Pharmacy). These offer a more niche, hands-on environment and can be a good fit for those seeking a break from corporate retail.
7. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs): Companies like OptumRx (UnitedHealth Group has a large presence in nearby Eden Prairie and Minneapolis) have corporate and clinical pharmacist roles. These are often remote or hybrid and focus on data, management, and mail-order.

Insider Tip: The north metro is experiencing a healthcare expansion. Keep an eye on new clinic openings from Allina and Fairview in the Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park corridor. These often create new pharmacy support roles before they even hit job boards.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota licensing is governed by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. It's a straightforward process but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Graduation from an ACPE-accredited PharmD program.
2. Passing the NAPLEX (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Licensing Exam).
3. Passing the Minnesota Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE).
4. Complete a background check.
5. For Interns: A Minnesota pharmacy intern license is required to work under supervision before graduation.

Costs (Approximate):

• NAPLEX Fee: $335
• MPJE Fee: $100
• Minnesota License Application Fee: $120
• Background Check: $50
• Total Initial Licensing Cost: ~$605

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already licensed in another state: Minnesota is part of the NABP Compact License. You can often apply for licensure by reciprocity. The process can take 4-8 weeks once you submit all documents. You must still pass the MPJE for Minnesota.
• If you're a new graduate: You'll need to apply for an intern license first. After passing your exams, the full licensure process typically takes 6-10 weeks from application approval.
• Pro-Tip: Start your Minnesota Board of Pharmacy application process immediately after graduation. The background check and paperwork can be the slowest part. Use the NABP's CPJE (Clinical Pharmacy Exam) if your state requires it, as it's accepted in place of the NAPLEX in some cases, but Minnesota requires the NAPLEX.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Living in Brooklyn Park means choosing between suburban comfort and commute convenience. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Brookdale	Established, family-friendly, tree-lined. Easy access to 610 and 252.	$1,150 - $1,250	Pharmacists with families or those who want a classic suburban feel. Short commute to North Memorial.
Northwest Brooklyn Park	More affordable, newer apartment complexes, close to shopping (Target, Cub).	$1,050 - $1,150	New grads or those prioritizing savings. Commute to Maple Grove Hospital is excellent.
Brooklyn Center (adjacent)	Similar to Brookdale, slightly more diverse, larger lot sizes.	$1,100 - $1,200	Those seeking a balance of affordability and quiet residential streets.
Osseo (north of Brooklyn Park)	Small-town feel, very quiet, single-family home focus.	$1,200 - $1,300 (for larger units)	Pharmacists who want a true suburban retreat and don't mind a 10-15 minute drive to major employers.

Insider Tip: The "sweet spot" for many healthcare professionals is the Brookdale area. It's centrally located, offers good schools, and has a quick, traffic-light-free commute to both North Memorial and Maple Grove Hospital via 85th Ave and 610.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The -3% job growth projection means you need to be strategic about advancement. The path isn't about more jobs; it's about stepping into higher-value roles.

• Specialty Premiums: In the Twin Cities metro, clinical specialties are where the money and job security are. Pharmacists with a BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) or BCOP (Oncology) credential can command $10,000 - $20,000 above the median. Oncology and infectious disease are particularly strong in the metro due to the Mayo Clinic and university hospital networks.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: From staff pharmacist to clinical specialist, then to pharmacy manager or director. This is the most common path in hospital systems.
  2. Corporate/Industry: Move from retail/clinical to a role with a PBM (like OptumRx), pharmaceutical company (Pfizer, Novartis have MN offices), or healthcare system corporate office. These roles often come with a higher salary cap but less patient interaction.
  3. Specialty Pharmacy: The rise of biologics has created high-demand roles in specialty pharmacies (often embedded in hospitals or as separate entities). These jobs are complex and well-compensated.
• 10-Year Outlook: While the overall job count is flat, the nature of the jobs is changing. Demand for community pharmacists may soften, but demand for clinical, specialist, and management roles will grow. The key is to specialize early. If you stay in a generalist retail role for 10 years, your growth will be minimal. If you pursue a residency and certification, your ceiling in the Brooklyn Park metro will be significantly higher.

The Verdict: Is Brooklyn Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Median Salary ($137,866) vs. moderate cost of living.	Job growth is flat (-3%). Competition for the best hospital roles is real.
Homeownership is achievable within 2-3 years of saving.	Less "big city" excitement than Minneapolis or St. Paul.
Excellent healthcare employer density in a small geographic area.	The "-3%" growth means you must be proactive about advancing your skills.
Good public schools in many neighborhoods (Brookdale, Osseo).	Winters are harsh. The commute can be challenging for 4-5 months of the year.
Central location in the north metro with easy access to both cities and the airport.	Fewer pure "pharmacist" specialty niches compared to a major metro like Chicago.

Final Recommendation:
Brooklyn Park is an excellent choice for a mid-career pharmacist or a new graduate with a strategic plan. The financial math is compelling: you can live comfortably, save aggressively, and buy a home without being house-poor. The employer base is solid, and the proximity to major hospitals and corporate offices provides a path for growth.

It's less ideal for a pharmacist seeking a fast-paced, large-city environment or one who wants to avoid all cold-weather commutes. The job market is stable, not booming, so you can't just coast. You need to be willing to specialize, network within the tight-knit north metro health community, and be strategic about your career path.

For the right person—someone who values financial stability, a good quality of life, and a manageable commute—Brooklyn Park offers a rare and practical blend of opportunity and affordability.

FAQs

1. Is the salary of $137,866 enough to live comfortably in Brooklyn Park?
Yes. With a monthly take-home of ~$8,289 after taxes and rent at $1,201, you have significant disposable income for savings, debt, and lifestyle. It's one of the most financially sound pharmacist markets in the Midwest.

2. How competitive are the hospital pharmacist jobs at North Memorial and Maple Grove?
They are competitive. These hospitals prefer candidates with a PGY-1 residency, but they do hire experienced pharmacists without one. To stand out, get your BCPS certification and highlight any clinical rotations you had. Networking with current pharmacists on LinkedIn is key.

3. Can I commute from Minneapolis or St. Paul to Brooklyn Park?
Yes, but it's not ideal. A commute from Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park (e.g., 35W to 610) can be 30-45 minutes with traffic. In winter, it can be 60+ minutes. Living in Brooklyn Park itself saves you 45-90 minutes of driving per day.

4. What's the best way to find a job before moving?
Use the Minnesota Hospital Association job board and LinkedIn. Set your location to "Minneapolis-St. Paul" and filter for "pharmacist." Also, directly check the career pages of Allina Health, M Health Fairview, and North Memorial. For retail, use the national chains' sites but specify Brooklyn Park.

5. Are there opportunities for pharmacy students or interns?
Yes. The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy requires an intern license. Most major employers (retail chains, hospitals) actively hire pharmacy students for summer internships. This is the best way to get your foot in the door for a full-time position after graduation. The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy also has a strong network that feeds into the Brooklyn Park area.