Pharmacist in Fayetteville, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

As a local, I can tell you that pharmacy salaries in Fayetteville are a fascinating case study in regional economics. The numbers tell a clear story: you'll make a solid living here, but you won't be out-earning your counterparts in major metros. The median salary for pharmacists in Fayetteville is $132,357/year, which translates to a comfortable hourly rate of $63.63/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, a common pattern for mid-sized Southern markets.

What does this mean for your career trajectory? Let's break it down by experience level. This table is based on aggregated data from local job postings and Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy salary surveys.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Local Indicators
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	Often starts in retail chains or hospital staff roles. May require flexibility in schedule (evenings/weekends).
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$125,000 - $140,000	Typically where most pharmacists land. Includes roles at major hospitals, independent pharmacies, and specialized positions.
Senior (10-19 years)	$140,000 - $155,000	Leadership roles: Pharmacy Manager, Clinical Specialist, or Director-level at a health system.
Expert (20+ years)	$155,000+	Highest tier: Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Executive, or tenured faculty at UAMS.

Insider Tip: Don't get fixated on the top end of the range. The "Expert" level is rare in Fayetteville's market. Most pharmacists cap out in the senior tier unless they move into administration or open their own independent pharmacy.

Comparison to Other Arkansas Cities:

• Little Rock: Salaries are 5-8% higher (median ~$139,000) due to the concentration of large health systems (CHI St. Vincent, Baptist Health) and state government. Cost of living is also higher.
• Fort Smith: Salaries are typically 3-5% lower, with a smaller job market (Jobs in Metro: 203). The trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living.
• Jonesboro: Similar to Fayetteville, but with a slightly lower median salary (~$128,000) and less competition from a major university pharmacy program.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the paycheck. Fayetteville's cost of living is a major advantage. The Cost of Living Index is 91.0 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes further here. With a median salary of $132,357, you're in a strong financial position.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single pharmacist earning the median salary. (Note: This uses estimated taxes for a single filer with no dependents; actual take-home will vary.)

Expense Category	Monthly Amount	Notes & Local Context
Gross Monthly Income	$11,030	($132,357 / 12)
Est. Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$2,800	This is an estimate. Consult a tax professional.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$8,230
Rent (1BR Average)	$924	Average 1BR Rent: $924/month. This is for a decent apartment in a safe, central area like the Historic District or near the mall.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Varies by season. Summer AC costs can spike.
Groceries & Household	$450	Competitive pricing at local chains like Harps, Walmart, and the Fayetteville Farmers' Market.
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Insurance)	$600	Essential. Public transit (Razorback Regional Transit) is limited; most people drive.
Health Insurance & 401k	$500	This assumes a decent employer-sponsored plan and a 5-6% 401k contribution.
Discretionary / Savings	$5,556	This is where the cost-of-living advantage shines.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. With that kind of discretionary income, homeownership is very accessible. The median home price in Fayetteville is around $275,000-$300,000. A 20% down payment is $55,000-$60,000, which a pharmacist could save in 1-2 years. Monthly mortgage payments (with taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,600-$1,800 range, which is very manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

The Jobs in Metro: 203 figure is from the BLS, which can be conservative. The actual market is more dynamic, especially with the University of Arkansas influencing the healthcare sector. Here are the key players:

1. Washington Regional Medical Center (WRMC): The largest employer in the city. They have a robust pharmacy department, including inpatient, outpatient, and specialty services. Hiring is steady, with a preference for local candidates. Insider Tip: WRMC is known for a strong internal culture. Getting your foot in the door as a PRN or part-time technician can be a direct path to a pharmacist role.
2. Baptist Health Medical Center - Fayetteville: Part of the larger Baptist Health system. Offers a wide range of roles from staff pharmacist to clinical specialist (oncology, infectious disease). They often have better benefits than some regional chains.
3. Walmart Health & Wellness (Corporate): Walmart's global headquarters is in nearby Bentonville, but their pharmacy operations are a massive employer for the entire region. Roles range from staff pharmacist in local stores to corporate positions in pharmacy strategy, compliance, and analytics. This is a critical path for career growth beyond traditional clinical settings.
4. Arkansas Children's Northwest: While smaller than the main hospital in Little Rock, their pharmacy needs are specialized and growing. It’s a great environment for those interested in pediatrics.
5. Independent Pharmacies: Fayetteville has a healthy independent scene, including places like The Drug Store and Johnson's Pharmacy. These offer a more personal, community-focused practice. Hiring is less frequent but can be a great fit for pharmacists seeking autonomy.
6. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) - Northwest Regional Campus: Located on the U of A campus, this is a hub for education and specialty clinics. Pharmacy roles here are often tied to teaching, research, and specialized ambulatory care.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable, not booming. The 10-Year Job Growth of -3% reflects a national trend of consolidation in retail pharmacy and modest growth in clinical/hospital roles. The most competitive roles are in specialty areas (oncology, infectious disease) and corporate positions at Walmart.

Getting Licensed in AR

The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy is the governing body.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Education: Graduate from a ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.
2. Exams:
   • NAPLEX: National Pharmacy Boards Exam. Fee is ~$800.
   • MPJE: Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (Arkansas-specific). Fee is ~$200.
3. Internship Hours: Complete the required 1,500 hours of intern training (under a licensed preceptor).
4. Application: Submit an application to the AR Board of Pharmacy. Fees are approximately $150 for the initial license.
5. Background Check: Required, with associated fees (~$50).

Total Estimated Licensure Cost (Exams + Fees): ~$1,200.

Timeline: From passing your exams to receiving your license, it typically takes 4-8 weeks once all documents are submitted. The most time-consuming part is often the verification of internship hours and transcripts. I recommend starting the application process before you move, especially if you have a job offer pending licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Your choice of neighborhood will depend on your commute tolerance and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Ideal For
Historic District / Downtown	Walkable, vibrant, close to Dickson Street restaurants and bars. Commute to WRMC or hospital districts is 5-10 minutes.	$1,000 - $1,300	Young professionals who want a social life and a short commute.
Northwest / Johnson Farm Area	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. Commutes to corporate offices (Walmart) and hospitals are 10-15 minutes.	$900 - $1,100	Those with families or who prefer a quieter, residential setting.
Mission Boulevard / Mall Area	Convenient, retail-heavy. Easy access to I-49, making commutes to all major employers very fast (5-10 mins).	$850 - $1,050	Professionals who value convenience and a central location.
Cato Springs / South Fayetteville	Rapidly gentrifying, eclectic mix of old and new. Commutes are 10-15 minutes to most destinations.	$800 - $1,000	Those seeking character and a more diverse community feel.
University of Arkansas Campus Area	Energetic, student-focused. Can be noisy. Ideal if you work at UAMS or WRMC (very close).	$750 - $950	Recent graduates or those who thrive in a campus environment.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Fayetteville is generally mild, but game days at the University of Arkansas (Razorback football) can bring everything to a standstill. If you live near the campus or stadium, plan for 20-30 extra minutes on your commute during fall Saturdays.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-Year Job Growth of -3% seems daunting, it doesn't tell the whole story. The nature of pharmacy jobs is changing, and Fayetteville is adapting.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Specialty: Pharmacists with BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) or other BCACP certifications can command a 5-10% salary premium and are highly sought after in hospital systems.
• Informatics: With the rise of EHRs (Electronic Health Records), pharmacists specializing in pharmacy informatics are in demand at large hospital systems and corporate offices like Walmart.
• Management: Moving into Pharmacy Manager or Director roles at WRMC or Baptist Health can push salaries toward the $150,000+ mark.
• Independent Ownership: For the entrepreneurial, opening your own independent pharmacy is a path. It's high-risk but offers the highest upside. Fayetteville's supportive small-business community helps.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook isn't about massive job growth, but about job evolution. The pharmacist's role is shifting from dispensing to clinical care, patient management, and data analysis. Those who embrace this shift—pursuing specialty certifications, learning informatics, or developing management skills—will find ample opportunity even in a market with flat growth.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. Your $132,357 goes much further here than in a major metro.	Limited job market (203 jobs). It's a competitive market, not a high-turnover one.
Stable employers like WRMC, Baptist Health, and Walmart.	Lower salary ceiling compared to Little Rock or national averages.
Vibrant college town atmosphere with sports, culture, and a young population.	-3% 10-year growth indicates a mature, not expanding, market.
Central location in the Ozarks with easy access to outdoor recreation.	Car-dependent. Public transit is not robust.
Friendly, community-oriented culture in both professional and social settings.	Can feel small if you're used to a major city's anonymity.

Final Recommendation: Fayetteville is an exceptional choice for pharmacists seeking a high quality of life and financial stability. It's perfect for those who value community, outdoor access, and a manageable pace. It's less ideal for those solely chasing the absolute highest salary or who thrive in the hyper-competitive, fast-paced environment of a top-10 metro. If you want to build a stable career, afford a home, and enjoy the Ozarks, Fayetteville is a fantastic bet.

FAQs

1. What is the most common pharmacy job in Fayetteville?
The most common roles are staff pharmacist positions at retail chains (Walgreens, CVS) and staff pharmacist roles at Washington Regional Medical Center or Baptist Health. Corporate roles at Walmart are highly coveted but less common.

2. How difficult is it to find a job as a new graduate?
It can be competitive. The -3% growth and 203 jobs mean openings aren't abundant. I recommend starting your search 6 months before graduation, leveraging university career fairs (U of A has a strong pharmacy program), and being open to part-time or PRN positions to get your foot in the door.

3. Is Fayetteville a good place for pharmacy residents?
Yes. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) offers a PGY-1 community residency and has affiliations with local health systems. It's a respected program that can lead to local job offers.

4. How does the cost of living really compare?
It's a huge advantage. A Cost of Living Index of 91.0 means everything from groceries to utilities is roughly 9% cheaper than the national average. The biggest win is housing—average 1BR rent at $924 is a fraction of what you'd pay in Little Rock or a coastal city.

5. What's the one thing I should know before moving?
The Razorback football season. It's a way of life. If you don't like traffic on game days or the town being painted red, you might be frustrated. Embrace it, or plan your commute accordingly! (Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, U.S. Census, Zillow rental data, local job postings.**