Pharmacist in Fremont, NE

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Fremont, NE.

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The Salary Picture: Where Fremont Stands

Fremont isn't Omaha, and it certainly isn't Lincoln. For pharmacists, that means the salary landscape is more localized and less influenced by the major university and state capital economies. The data here reflects a smaller, more tightly-knit market. The median salary for a pharmacist in Fremont is $132,153/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.54/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, a common trade-off for the significantly lower cost of living. The metro area supports about 54 jobs for pharmacists, indicating a stable but not hyper-competitive market. The 10-year job growth is projected at -3%, a figure that reflects national trends toward pharmacy automation and consolidation rather than a local economic downturn. This means opportunities exist, but they are stable, not growing exponentially.

To understand where you fit in, let’s break it down by experience level. It's important to note that these are estimates based on the median and local market structure; individual employers may vary.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	Community pharmacy operations, verifying prescriptions, patient counseling, insurance adjudication.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$130,000 - $140,000	Managing pharmacy workflow, training new staff, handling complex insurance issues, clinical services.
Senior-Level (10-15 years)	$140,000 - $150,000	Pharmacy management, inventory control, regulatory compliance, leading clinical initiatives.
Expert/Managerial (15+ years)	$145,000+	District/regional management, clinical specialist roles (e.g., oncology, diabetes), consultant pharmacy for long-term care.

Insider Tip: In a market like Fremont, the biggest salary jumps often come from moving from a staff pharmacist role to a management position (Pharmacy Manager, PIC - Pharmacist in Charge) or by specializing. A staff pharmacist at a major chain might be at the median, while a manager could be in the senior-level range.

Compared to other Nebraska cities, Fremont offers a solid mid-point. It’s more affordable than Omaha or Lincoln, so while the gross salary might be lower, the purchasing power can be very similar. For a pharmacist seeking a less hectic pace than a capital city but more stability and opportunity than a rural town, Fremont’s numbers are compelling.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A gross salary of $132,153 sounds great, but the real story is in the take-home pay. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single pharmacist earning the median salary. (Note: This is an estimate; actual take-home depends on benefits, retirement contributions, and exact tax situations.)

• Gross Monthly Income: $132,153 / 12 = $11,013
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA ~25-28%): -$2,750 to -$3,083
• Estimated Net Monthly Income: $7,930 to $8,263

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average 1-bedroom rent in Fremont is $859/month. The Cost of Living Index is 90.5 (US avg = 100), meaning Fremont is about 9.5% cheaper than the national average.

Sample Monthly Budget (Net Income: $8,000)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$859	Central Fremont or new developments.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Can be lower in older, well-insulated apartments.
Groceries	$400	Competitive prices at local chains and markets.
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Ins.)	$500	A car is essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer-subsidized)	$150	Varies by employer; often a strong benefit.
Student Loan/Retirement (401k)	$800	Aggressive repayment or standard contribution.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Savings)	$3,091	This is the key advantage.
Total	$8,000

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With such a large discretionary income, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Fremont is around $220,000. A 20% down payment would be $44,000, which a pharmacist could save in less than two years by allocating a portion of their monthly surplus. A mortgage on a $176,000 loan (at current rates) would be roughly $1,100-$1,300/month, which is manageable on this salary. Homeownership is a very realistic and financially savvy goal for a pharmacist in Fremont.

Where the Jobs Are: Fremont's Major Employers

The job market for pharmacists in Fremont is anchored by a few key players. The 54 jobs in the metro are concentrated in these facilities. Hiring is steady, but turnover is low, so you need to be patient and persistent.

1. Fremont Health (now part of CHI Health): This is the largest healthcare system in the area. Their retail pharmacy serves the hospital and a large outpatient population. They also have a long-term care pharmacy service (LTC). Hiring Trend: Stable, often hiring for staff pharmacist roles. They value pharmacists with a clinical mindset, as they are integrated into the healthcare system. Check for openings for a Clinical Staff Pharmacist or LTC Pharmacist.
2. Hy-Vee Pharmacy: The Hy-Vee at 29th and Clarkson is a major community pharmacy hub. It's a high-volume location with a strong focus on customer service and clinical services like immunizations. Hiring Trend: Hy-Vee is known for promoting from within and offering pathways to management. They frequently hire for Staff Pharmacist and Pharmacy Manager positions.
3. Walmart Pharmacy: The Walmart on 23rd Street is another high-volume community pharmacy. It offers a structured corporate environment with clear career ladders. Hiring Trend: Similar to Hy-Vee, Walmart hires consistently for its pharmacy operations. They often have openings for Staff Pharmacists and sometimes Pharmacy Managers.
4. Walgreens: Located on Main Street and near the hospital, Walgreens is a staple in the community. Their hiring is often tied to regional corporate needs. Hiring Trend: Can be cyclical based on corporate strategy, but they are a consistent employer in the Fremont area.
5. LTC (Long-Term Care) Pharmacies: Beyond the hospital's LTC division, there are other regional LTC pharmacy providers that service nursing homes and assisted living facilities in and around Fremont. These roles are less public-facing and focus on dispensing, packaging, and consulting for facilities. Hiring Trend: Growing slowly as the population ages, but jobs are less frequent than in retail.
6. Local Independent Pharmacies: Fremont has a few independent pharmacies. They offer a completely different culture—more personal, often more flexible, and deeply connected to the community. Hiring Trend: Openings are rare as staff often stay for years, but they are the best way to become part of the local fabric. Watch local bulletin boards and word-of-mouth.

Insider Tip: The best way to find these jobs is through direct applications on company websites and by building a local network. Join the Nebraska Pharmacists Association and attend their events to connect with pharmacists in the Fremont area.

Getting Licensed in NE

You must have an active Nebraska pharmacist license to work. The process is managed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Board of Pharmacy.

Requirements & Costs (as of late 2023/early 2024):

1. Education: Graduate from a ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (Pharm.D.).
2. Examinations:
   • NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination): National exam. Cost: $485.
   • MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination): Nebraska-specific law exam. Cost: $300.
3. Internship Hours: You must complete your required internship hours (1,500 hours) as a licensed pharmacy intern under the supervision of a preceptor. This is typically done during your Pharm.D. program.
4. Application & Fees:
   • Initial Licensure by Examination Application Fee: $275.
   • Background Check (FBI & State): ~$50 (paid to the third-party vendor).
   • Total Initial Fees (not including NAPLEX/MPJE): ~$325.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Before Graduation: Ensure you are enrolled in a Pharm.D. program and are on track to complete your internship hours.
• Final Year: Take the NAPLEX and MPJE as soon as you graduate (or shortly before). Studying for these exams is a full-time job, typically requiring 3-6 months of dedicated preparation.
• Post-Graduation: Submit your application to the Nebraska Board. The processing time can take 4-8 weeks, so plan accordingly. You cannot begin practicing as a pharmacist until you receive your license.
• Total Time: From final graduation to holding a license, expect 3-6 months.

Insider Tip: Nebraska is part of the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) licensure transfer system. If you are already licensed in another state, the process can be different (reciprocity). Check the Nebraska DHHS Board of Pharmacy website for the most current requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Fremont is a compact city, so commutes are generally short regardless of where you live. The choice comes down to lifestyle, budget, and proximity to your workplace. Most pharmacy jobs are clustered around the hospital (west of downtown), the big-box stores on 23rd Street and 29th Street, and downtown Main Street.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Average 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Northwest (Near Fremont Health)	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. Newer developments and established homes. Close to parks and bike trails.	$900 - $1,100	5-10 mins to hospital; 10-15 mins to other areas.
Downtown/Main Street	Historic, walkable, social. Older buildings, local coffee shops, and restaurants. Small-town urban feel.	$750 - $950	5 mins to Main St. pharmacies; 10 mins to hospital.
East/Southeast (near Walmart/Hy-Vee)	Practical, convenient, mix of older homes and apartments. Easy access to shopping and amenities.	$800 - $1,000	5-10 mins to Walmart/Hy-Vee; 10 mins to hospital.
Southwest (near Dodge Street)	Established, quiet residential streets. Good value for larger apartments or starter homes.	$700 - $900	10 mins to most employers; central location.

Insider Tip: If you work a retail schedule (including weekends), living very close to your pharmacy can be a huge quality-of-life benefit. For a hospital pharmacist, the Northwest area offers the easiest and most pleasant commute. For renters, the newer apartment complexes on the west and east sides offer more amenities, while downtown offers more character.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Fremont, career growth is less about jumping between companies and more about deepening your role within one. The -3% job growth projection means you can't count on a constantly expanding market. You must create your own value.

• Specialty Premiums: Formal specialty certifications (e.g., Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist - BCPS, Certified Diabetes Educator - CDE) are highly valued, especially in a clinical setting like Fremont Health. A pharmacist with a BCPS credential could command a salary $10,000-$15,000 above the median, moving them firmly into the senior or expert range.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Retail Management: The most common path. Staff Pharmacist -> Pharmacy Manager -> District/Regional Pharmacy Supervisor. This path offers clear salary increases and leadership experience.
  2. Clinical Pharmacy: Move from a community role to a clinical specialist position at the hospital (e.g., infectious diseases, cardiology). This often requires pursuing a PGY-1 residency, which is a significant time investment but leads to a more specialized, higher-paid career.
  3. Ambulatory Care: Work in a clinic or physician office, managing therapy for chronic disease patients. This is a growing area nationally and may have opportunities in Fremont's larger healthcare networks.
  4. Independent Pharmacy Ownership: The ultimate long-term game. While opening a pharmacy is a major entrepreneurial venture, it offers unlimited income potential and true autonomy. This path requires significant capital and business acumen.

10-Year Outlook: The pharmacy market in Fremont will remain stable. The need for pharmacists for direct patient care won't disappear, but the roles will continue to evolve. The pharmacist of 2030 in Fremont will likely spend less time counting pills and more time on clinical services, medication therapy management (MTM), and vaccinations. Adapting to this shift is key to long-term relevance and earning potential.

The Verdict: Is Fremont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: The $132,153 median salary goes very far with low rent ($859) and a 90.5 COL index.	Limited Job Market: Only 54 jobs and -3% growth means fewer opportunities and less room to job-hop.
Tight-Knit Community: Easy to build a professional network and personal relationships; you're a known member of the community, not a number.	Slower Pace: Fewer networking events, conferences, and specialty conferences nearby. Requires proactive effort to stay connected.
Manageable Work-Life Balance: Short commutes and a less frantic pace than major cities can lead to a better quality of life.	Fewer Employer Options: You're largely limited to a handful of major employers. If they don't fit your culture, your choices are slim.
Realistic Homeownership: A home is within reach, not a distant dream. This is a major financial advantage.	Car-Dependent: Public transportation is not robust; a reliable vehicle is a necessity.
Stability: The employers here are established and generally provide stable, long-term employment.	Limited Cultural/Entertainment Scene: It's a small city; you'll be driving to Omaha (45 mins) for major concerts, sports, or diverse cuisine.

Final Recommendation:

Fremont, NE, is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who prioritizes financial stability and quality of life over the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan area. It is ideal for:

• Early- to mid-career pharmacists looking to pay down student debt aggressively and save for a home.
• Mid-career pharmacists seeking a change of pace, a stronger sense of community, and a shorter commute.
• Pharmacists with families who value good schools, safe neighborhoods, and affordability.

It is likely a less ideal fit for a pharmacist who thrives on constant career movement, seeks a highly specialized and competitive niche, or whose lifestyle demands the amenities of a large city.

FAQs

Q: Is it realistic to commute from Omaha to Fremont for a pharmacy job?
A: It's a 45- to 60-minute drive each way, which is manageable but not ideal. You would be trading a lower cost of living in Fremont for a higher one in Omaha, potentially negating the financial benefit. For most, living in Fremont is the better choice for a pharmacy career here.

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new graduate?
A: With only 54 jobs in the metro, it's not a market flooded with openings. You need to be proactive. Start applying 3-6 months before graduation. Have a polished resume and be prepared to interview quickly. Networking with a local pharmacist through the Nebraska Pharmacists Association can give you a critical edge.

Q: What is the patient population like in Fremont?
A: Fremont serves a mix of agricultural workers, families, and retirees. You'll see a significant volume of chronic disease management (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) and a strong emphasis on community health and preventive care. The pace can be fast, but the patient relationships are often long-term.

Q: Do I need a car for my daily life in Fremont?
A: Yes, absolutely. While some downtown areas are walkable, the major employers, grocery stores, and entertainment are spread out. A reliable car is essential for both your commute and daily errands.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
A: It depends on the employer. Large chains (Walmart, Hy-Vee, Walgreens) sometimes offer part-time or flexible weekend shifts, especially to cover maternity leave or vacations. Hospital roles are typically