Pharmacist in Broomfield, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

As a career analyst who has watched the Colorado pharmacy landscape for over a decade, I can tell you that Broomfield offers a solid, if not spectacular, earning potential for pharmacists. The city sits in a unique position—it's not the high-energy hub of Denver, nor is it the academic powerhouse of Boulder, but it provides a stable, family-friendly environment with competitive wages that outpace the national average.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a pharmacist in Broomfield is $138,274/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.48/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $136,030/year, a modest but meaningful premium for living in a high-cost area. The metro area, which includes surrounding communities, has approximately 153 pharmacy jobs. The 10-year job growth projection is -3%, which reflects a national trend of consolidation in retail chains and a slower pace of expansion in the healthcare sector. This isn't a field that's booming here, but it's a deeply established one with steady demand for experienced professionals.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Broomfield market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports, but they provide a realistic framework.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary (Broomfield)
Entry-Level	0-2	$125,000 - $132,000
Mid-Career	3-7	$132,000 - $145,000
Senior/Manager	8-15	$145,000 - $160,000
Expert/Specialty	15+	$160,000+

When you compare Broomfield to other Colorado cities, the picture becomes clearer. Denver and Boulder, with their large hospital systems and university presence, often command salaries in the $140,000 - $150,000 range for mid-career pharmacists, but the competition is fiercer. Colorado Springs and Fort Collins offer salaries closer to Broomfield's median, but with different community dynamics. Broomfield’s key advantage is its proximity to both Denver and Boulder—often a 20-30 minute commute—without the premium price tag of those city centers. An insider tip: many pharmacists actually live in Broomfield and commute to higher-paying roles in the Denver Tech Center or Boulder, using the city as an affordable home base.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $138,274 salary sounds great on paper, but Colorado’s state income tax (4.4% flat rate) and federal taxes take a significant bite. For a single filer with no dependents, estimated monthly take-home pay after taxes would be roughly $8,300 - $8,600. A married filer with one child might see closer to $9,000 - $9,400 monthly. This is a crucial starting point for budgeting.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Broomfield is $1,835/month. This represents about 22% of your take-home pay if you’re single, which is within the comfortable 25-30% range recommended by financial planners. However, if you have a family and need a 2-3 bedroom unit (which can run $2,400 - $2,800), that percentage climbs.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single pharmacist earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home Pay (Est.)
Net Income (After Taxes)	$8,400	100%
Rent (1-Bedroom Avg.)	$1,835	22%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	3%
Car Payment & Insurance (CO avg.)	$550	7%
Groceries & Household	$600	7%
Health Insurance (employer-sponsored)	$250	3%
Student Loan Payment (avg. for pharmacist)	$1,000	12%
Retirement (15% of gross)	$1,700	20%
Discretionary/Other	$2,215	26%

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Broomfield is approximately $525,000. With a 20% down payment ($105,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (around 7%) would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $3,100 - $3,300. This would consume over 35% of your take-home pay, which is stretching it for most single-income households. However, for a dual-income family where one spouse also works, buying a home in Broomfield is absolutely feasible and is a common path for long-term pharmacists in the area.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

The pharmacy job market in Broomfield is anchored by a mix of national chains, local grocery stores, and a few key clinics. The hiring trend is stable, not explosive. Employers are looking for pharmacists with strong clinical skills and a focus on patient counseling, especially in the retail space. Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. King Soopers (Kroger) & Safeway: These are the two dominant grocery chains, each with multiple locations in Broomfield (e.g., King Soopers on 120th Ave, Safeway on Zuni St). They form the backbone of community pharmacy. Hiring happens mostly through corporate portals, but local managers influence the process. Turnover is low, so openings are competitive. They value pharmacists who can manage workflow and contribute to community health programs.

2. CVS Pharmacy & Walgreens: As with most suburbs, these national chains have a significant presence. Locations on Wadsworth Blvd and 120th Ave are high-volume. The corporate culture is structured, with metrics on prescription volume and immunizations. They often hire for clinical services roles as well. My insider tip: express a strong interest in vaccinating and point-of-care testing in your interview—this is a major corporate priority.

3. Centura Health (St. Anthony North Hospital): Located on Huron St in Westminster (adjacent to Broomfield), this is the closest full-service hospital. While the main pharmacy is at the central campus, they have outpatient pharmacy and specialty clinic roles. They are part of the larger Centura Health system, which is one of Colorado's largest. Hiring trends favor pharmacists with a hospital or PGY1 residency experience. This is a key employer for those seeking to move out of community pharmacy.

4. SCL Health (now Intermountain Health): Another major hospital system with a strong presence in the area. While their major hospital is in Lafayette (Avista Adventist), they have multiple clinics and care sites in and around Broomfield. They often seek pharmacists for ambulatory care clinics (e.g., diabetes management, anticoagulation). Check their careers page for "clinical pharmacist" postings.

5. Walgreens & Walmart Pharmacy Locations: Beyond the standard CVS/Walgreens, the Walmart on 120th Ave has a dedicated pharmacy that serves a large customer base. These often have a different pace and patient demographic than traditional chains.

6. Local Independent Pharmacies: While fewer in number, independents like Rocky Mountain Pharmacy in nearby Lafayette (a short commute) offer a distinct work environment. They are more personalized and often serve niche markets. Hiring here is more relationship-based; networking is key.

7. Specialty & Mail-Order Pharmacies: Companies like OptumRx (part of UnitedHealth) have facilities in the Denver metro area. These roles are often 9-5, Monday-Friday, focusing on prior authorizations, data review, and clinical management. They are a fantastic option for pharmacists seeking a non-retail schedule.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado is part of the Colorado Board of Pharmacy, under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Education & Examination: You must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an ACPE-accredited college and pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination). You must also pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) specific to Colorado. The MPJE is a state law exam, and Colorado's is known for its focus on controlled substances and prescriber relationships.

   • Cost: The NAPLEX fee is $495, and the MPJE is $125. The application fee to the Colorado Board is $130.
   • Timeline: You can apply for licensure by examination once you graduate. The processing time can take 4-8 weeks after submitting all documents. Plan for a total timeline of 2-3 months from graduation to holding an active license.

2. Foreign-Educated Pharmacists: If you graduated from outside the US, you must have your credentials evaluated by the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC). This is a longer process (6-12 months) and requires passing the TOEFL and the FPGEC certification exam.

3. Internship Hours: Colorado requires 1,800 hours of pharmacy internship experience. This is typically completed during your Pharm.D. program. You must apply for an intern license through DORA, which costs $95.

4. Continuing Education (CE): Once licensed, you must complete 30 hours of CE every 2 years, including 2 hours in pain management and opioid prescribing. The Colorado Board of Pharmacy website is your primary resource for all rules and updates.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Broomfield is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel for a working professional. Commutes to major employers vary, but traffic on US-36 (the Boulder Turnpike) is a key factor to consider.

1. The Ridge (North Broomfield): This is a master-planned community with newer homes, great parks, and a quiet, suburban feel. It's ideal for pharmacists with families. The commute to King Soopers or Safeway stores is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 2-bedroom townhome is around $2,200 - $2,500/month. It’s a top choice for those seeking stability and community.

2. Adams Circle (Central Broomfield): A more established neighborhood with older, larger homes and mature trees. It’s centrally located, offering a quick 10-minute drive to most retail pharmacy locations and easy access to I-25 and US-36. The vibe is established and comfortable. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment here is close to the city average, about $1,800.

3. Willow Creek (Southeast Broomfield): This area offers a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, with easy access to the Belt Pond and shopping centers. It's a popular choice for young professionals and couples. To commute to the Centura Health system or downtown Denver, you’ll use I-25, which can be congested in peak hours. A 1-bedroom here might go for $1,750 - $1,900.

4. Candelas (West Broomfield): This is a newer development on the western edge of the city, bordering Rocky Flats. It has a modern, planned feel with extensive trails and open space. The commute to most Broomfield employers is easy (10-15 min), but to get to Denver or Boulder, it's a bit longer. It's perfect for those who value outdoor access. Newer apartments and townhomes here are on the higher end, with 1-bedroom units starting at $1,900+.

5. The Broadlands (Northwest Broomfield): A larger, family-oriented community with its own schools and parks. It's very close to the US-36 corridor, making the commute to Boulder or Denver much easier. The community feel is strong, and it's popular with healthcare professionals. Rent for a 2-bedroom is similar to The Ridge, around $2,200 - $2,400.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a real risk in the -3% growth environment. To advance your career and income in Broomfield, you need to be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. Consider a PGY1 residency to open doors to hospital, clinical, or specialty pharmacy roles, which can command salaries $10,000 - $20,000 above the retail median. Areas like oncology, infectious disease, and ambulatory care are in demand in the Denver metro. A pharmacist specializing in these fields can see earnings move from $138,274 to $150,000 - $170,000+.
• Advancement Paths: In retail, the path is to Pharmacy Manager or District Leader, which involves more administrative work. In health systems, you can move from a clinical staff pharmacist to a clinical specialist, then to a director role. Another growing path is in informatics, managing medication systems within electronic health records (EHRs).
• 10-Year Outlook: The projected -3% growth means the number of jobs won't increase significantly. However, it doesn't mean there will be fewer jobs; it means the growth is flat or slightly declining. The need for pharmacists will remain, but the role will evolve. You'll be expected to do more clinical work, patient education, and technology integration. Job security will be highest for those in hospital systems, specialty pharmacy, and independent or grocery store settings, where the personal touch still matters. Retail chains will continue to consolidate, making it crucial to build a strong clinical reputation.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary: Earns above the national average ($138,274 vs. $136,030).	Stagnant Job Growth: The -3% 10-year outlook means limited new openings and high competition for them.
Affordable Base: Rent and housing are more affordable than in Denver or Boulder, allowing for a better quality of life.	High Cost of Living: Still 5.5% above the national average (Index 105.5).
Strategic Location: Proximity to two major employment hubs (Denver & Boulder) without the congestion and cost.	Limited Media/Cultural Scene: Lacks the arts, music, and nightlife of a major city. It's a suburban community.
Family-Friendly: Excellent schools, parks, and a safe, community-oriented environment.	Traffic Can Be An Issue: US-36 and I-25 commute to primary employers can be slow during rush hour.
Stable Market: Established employers with low turnover provide job security for those who break in.	Less Innovation: Fewer cutting-edge biotech or pharma companies compared to the Denver/Boulder corridor.

Final Recommendation: Broomfield is an excellent choice for pharmacists in the mid-to-senior stage of their careers, especially those with families or who value a quiet, suburban lifestyle. It’s ideal if you secure a position with an employer like King Soopers, Safeway, or Centura Health and see yourself staying for the long haul. It is not the best choice for early-career pharmacists seeking rapid job growth, cutting-edge research roles, or a vibrant urban atmosphere. For them, targeting Denver or Boulder directly might be a better move, even with the higher cost of living.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a newly licensed pharmacist in Broomfield?
A: It’s moderately competitive. With only 153 jobs in the metro and a negative growth outlook, you need a strong application. Having a Colorado license, flexibility in schedule (willingness to work evenings/weekends), and a clean background check is essential. Applying to multiple locations within the same chain can increase your chances.

Q: Is it possible to commute from Broomfield to Denver or Boulder for a higher-paying job?
A: Absolutely. The commute to Denver’s central business district is 25-35 minutes outside of rush hour. To Boulder, it’s 20-30 minutes. Many pharmacists live in Broomfield for the space and affordability and make this commute daily. The cost savings on housing can outweigh the time spent in traffic.

Q: What's the most important thing to highlight during a pharmacist job interview in Colorado?
A: Beyond your technical skills, emphasize your ability to connect with patients in a community setting. Colorado is a health-conscious state. Mention your interest in preventative care, immunizations, and managing chronic diseases like diabetes. For hospital roles, highlight any residency or clinical rotation experience in a Colorado-based health system.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per diem work?
A: Yes, especially in retail settings and through staffing agencies that serve the Denver metro area. Per diem shifts at hospital systems like Centura or Intermountain can be a good way to supplement income or transition from full-time work. However, part-time roles often come without benefits, so plan accordingly.

Q: How does the cost of living in Broomfield affect a pharmacist's lifestyle?
A: With a $138,274 salary, you can live comfortably as a single person or a couple. You can afford a nice 1-bedroom apartment, a reliable car, and still have over $2,200 monthly for savings, entertainment, and travel.