Pharmacist in Gillette, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Gillette Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking Wyoming’s healthcare market, I can tell you that Gillette offers a unique proposition for pharmacists. It’s not booming like Cheyenne, but it’s a stable, community-focused market with salaries that outpace the national average, thanks to the local cost of living. Let’s break down the numbers.

First, the baseline: The median salary for a pharmacist in Gillette is $134,805/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $64.81/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, but the key here is real purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 97.0 (US average = 100), your dollar stretches further here. The metro area supports 66 pharmacist roles, a tight-knit market where reputation matters.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Gillette market. Note that these are local estimates based on current job postings and industry data.

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary Range (Gillette, WY)	Key Employers for This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$110,000 - $125,000	CVS, Walgreens, Campbell County Health
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$125,000 - $145,000	Campbell County Health, Walmart Pharmacy
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$140,000 - $160,000	Campbell County Health, independent pharmacies
Expert/Specialist (15+ yrs)	$155,000+	Campbell County Health (management), consulting

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. The 10-year job growth is -3%, meaning the market is contracting slightly. However, this is largely due to automation and corporate restructuring (e.g., fewer standalone pharmacies), not a lack of demand for pharmacists. The openings that remain are often in clinical, hospital, or managerial roles, which pay at the higher end of the scale. A new grad might struggle to find a position immediately, but an experienced pharmacist is a valuable asset here.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities:

• Cheyenne: Salaries are similar (~$135,000 median), but the market is larger and more competitive. Cost of living is also slightly higher.
• Casper: Median salary is closer to $132,000, with a slightly lower cost of living than Gillette. The job market is more diverse in Casper.
• Laramie: Home to the University of Wyoming College of Pharmacy. Salaries are lower (~$128,000), but there are more academic and research opportunities.

In Gillette, you’re trading a larger, more anonymous market for a community where you can build a strong professional network quickly.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. You’ve got the salary offer, but what does your monthly budget look like? Using the median salary of $134,805, here’s a realistic breakdown for Gillette.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):
For a single filer with no dependents (assuming standard deduction and state income tax), your monthly take-home is approximately $8,000 - $8,500. (This is an estimate; consult a tax professional for your exact situation.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR)	$921	Median rent for the metro area.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250 - $350	Varies by season; winters can be expensive.
Groceries & Essentials	$400 - $500	Gillette has a standard grocery market (Walmart, Safeway, local stores).
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	You will need a reliable vehicle. No public transit to speak of.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Often covered by employer, but check the premium.
Misc. & Savings	$2,000+	The rest goes to savings, retirement, and discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Gillette is around $285,000. With a 20% down payment ($57,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be roughly $1,450/month, including taxes and insurance. This is very manageable on a pharmacist's salary. Most pharmacists I know in Gillette own their homes within 2-3 years of relocating. It’s a sound financial move, as the housing market is stable and affordable.

Where the Jobs Are: Gillette's Major Employers

The job market for pharmacists in Gillette is dominated by a few key players. The community is small, so knowing the landscape is crucial.

1. Campbell County Health (CCH): This is the anchor. CCH isn't just a hospital; it's the largest employer in Campbell County. Their pharmacy services include inpatient, outpatient, and a busy specialty pharmacy. They hire for clinical pharmacists, pharmacy managers, and technicians. Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with hospital experience and a PharmD. Insider Tip: CCH values community involvement. Mentioning volunteer work in your interview is a plus.

2. CVS Pharmacy: Several locations in town (on S. Douglas Hwy, off Hwy 14-16). They follow national corporate trends, which can mean high-pressure retail environments and corporate metrics. However, they offer structured training and benefits. Hiring is seasonal and often tied to corporate needs, not local demand.

3. Walgreens: Similar to CVS, with locations on S. Douglas Hwy and E. 2nd St. Comparable environment and benefits. They are a common starting point for new graduates but can be a stepping stone to hospital or independent roles.

4. Walmart Pharmacy: Located on S. Douglas Hwy. Walmart is known for competitive pricing and efficient operations. Pharmacists here often have more predictable hours than at 24-hour chains. Hiring is steady, often for experienced staff pharmacists.

5. Independent Pharmacies (e.g., Campbell County Pharmacy, Powder River Pharmacy): These are community staples. They offer a more personal, less corporate environment. Hiring is less frequent but can be more loyal. Building a relationship with the owner is key. They often serve as a hub for local health information and compounding.

6. Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic: The Gillette VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic is a potential employer, though smaller. They may have a part-time pharmacist or contract with a local network. Federal hiring is slow but offers excellent benefits.

Getting Licensed in WY

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

1. Examination: You must pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination). This is national. Your Wyoming score will transfer.

2. Law Exam: Wyoming requires the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) for Wyoming. You must study Wyoming-specific pharmacy law.

3. Application: Submit an application to the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy. This includes:

   • Proof of graduation from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school.
   • NAPLEX and MPJE scores.
   • Background check (fingerprinting).
   • Application fee (approximately $150).

4. Timeline: The total process, from submitting your application to receiving your license, typically takes 4-8 weeks after you have passed your exams. It’s faster than many states. Start the process as soon as you accept a job offer.

5. Costs (Approximate):

   • NAPLEX Fee: $575
   • Wyoming MPJE Fee: $150
   • Application/License Fee: $150
   • Background Check: $50
   • Total: ~$925

Insider Tip: Wyoming is a member of the Compact License? No. As of now, Wyoming does not participate in the Multi-State Licensure Compact for pharmacists. You must be licensed in Wyoming to practice here. However, if you’re coming from a neighboring state (like Montana or South Dakota), the process is still relatively streamlined.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Gillette is a commuter town. People live where it’s convenient for work, school, and amenities. Here’s a neighborhood guide:

1. West Gillette (Near CCH & Walmart):

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to CCH, 5 minutes to Walmart Pharmacy.
   • Lifestyle: Family-oriented, quiet, with good schools (Campbell County School District #1). Mostly single-family homes.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Pharmacists working at CCH or the west-side retail pharmacies. Minimal commute is a major perk.

2. South Douglas Highway Corridor:

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most jobs.
   • Lifestyle: Higher density of apartments and townhomes. Close to shopping (S. Douglas Hwy is the main commercial strip). Noisy but convenient.
   • Rent Estimate: $875 - $1,000 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Newcomers wanting a short-term rental with easy access to everything. A great "landing pad."

3. Ranch at Gillette (East Side):

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown/CCH.
   • Lifestyle: Newer development, more spacious lots, modern homes. Quieter, more suburban feel.
   • Rent Estimate: (Mostly homes, but rentals in the area) $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR equivalent in a multi-family unit.
   • Best For: Pharmacists looking to buy a home and wanting a bit more space and modern amenities. A longer commute is the trade-off.

4. Historic Downtown:

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: Walkable, charming, with local cafes and the historic Fox Theater. Limited rental inventory.
   • Rent Estimate: Limited but can range from $800 - $1,200 if you find a place.
   • Best For: Those who value walking to local coffee shops and want to be part of the community core. Hard to find a rental.

5. Wright & Surrounding Areas (10-15 mins west):

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Gillette jobs.
   • Lifestyle: Very rural, with large properties. Much lower cost of living.
   • Rent Estimate: $600 - $800 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Pharmacists who don’t mind a commute for more land and privacy. Only consider if you have reliable transportation.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight. Start looking 60-90 days before your move. Use local Facebook groups like "Gillette, WY Rentals" and "Gillette, WY Housing" for leads. Properties go fast, especially in the summer.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The -3% 10-year job growth statistic is a cautionary tale, but it doesn't mean stagnation. It means growth must be strategic.

Specialty Premiums: In Gillette, the highest earning potential is in clinical pharmacy and specialty management. Pharmacists with a BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) credential or experience in oncology, infectious disease, or anticoagulation management can command a premium, especially at Campbell County Health. This can add $15,000 - $25,000 to your base salary.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Start as a staff pharmacist → Clinical Specialist → Pharmacy Manager → Director of Pharmacy (at CCH). This path is most stable and lucrative locally.
2. Niche Expertise: Become the go-to expert in areas like diabetes education (huge in Wyoming) or long-term care pharmacy.
3. Independent Ownership: For the entrepreneurial, buying or starting an independent pharmacy is a long-term play. It’s a significant investment but offers the highest ceiling.

10-Year Outlook:
The market will continue to consolidate. Fewer retail chain jobs, more focus on integrated health systems like CCH. Telepharmacy is emerging but not yet dominant in Wyoming due to poor broadband in rural areas surrounding Gillette. To thrive, position yourself in a role that requires human judgment and patient interaction—things a machine can't do. The pharmacists who will be successful in 2034 are those who are already embracing clinical roles and leadership today.

The Verdict: Is Gillette Right for You?

Pros and Cons at a Glance:

Pros	Cons
Excellent purchasing power with median salary $134,805 vs. cost of living.	Limited job market with only 66 positions and -3% growth.
Lower housing costs ($921 avg. rent) and easy path to homeownership.	Isolated location; 3+ hours from a major airport (Rapid City, SD).
Tight-knit professional community; easy to network and build a reputation.	Limited cultural/diversity amenities compared to larger cities.
High demand for clinical and hospital pharmacists at Campbell County Health.	Harsh winters and reliance on personal vehicles.
No major traffic and short commutes to all amenities.	Rural healthcare challenges can be demanding and sometimes frustrating.

Final Recommendation:
Gillette is an ideal choice for a mid-career pharmacist or a new graduate with a specific job offer in hand. It’s perfect for someone who values financial stability, community, and a slower pace of life over the hustle of a big city. It’s a terrible choice for a new grad still looking for a job, as the market is too small to support a broad search.

If you have a passion for rural health, enjoy being a big fish in a small pond, and want to own a home within a few years, Gillette is a fantastic, financially sensible option. If you crave anonymity, frequent travel, or a diverse social scene, you may find it isolating.

FAQs

1. What is the weather like, and how does it affect my commute?
Gillette has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (average 50 inches of snow annually), but the city is efficient at clearing roads. Summers are warm and dry. You will absolutely need a reliable vehicle with 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, especially in winter. Commutes are short (under 20 minutes for most), so weather is manageable.

2. Is there a lot of competition for hospital jobs at Campbell County Health?
Yes, but it's merit-based. CCH is the premier employer, and their positions are coveted. They prioritize candidates with local knowledge, a strong clinical background, and a clear interest in serving the community. Tailor your application to highlight hospital experience and community service. Networking through the Wyoming Pharmacy Association can help.

3. Can I practice as a floater or locum tenens pharmacist in Gillette?
It's possible but not common. The 66 jobs in the metro area are mostly full-time, staff positions. There isn't a large network of floaters like in bigger markets. Your best bet is to contact the specific pharmacies (CCH, independent stores) directly to inquire about per-diem or temporary needs.

4. What's the social scene like for a single pharmacist in their 30s?
It's what you make of it. The community is strong, and there are frequent events (rodeo, concerts at the CAM-PLEX, local sports). You'll likely meet people through work and community organizations. If you thrive on a tight-knit, activity-based social life, you'll do well. If you rely on a large, anonymous dating pool or niche cultural scenes, it may feel limited.

5. How does the cost of living index (97.0) translate into daily life?
It means your $134,805 salary feels more like $138,000 in an average US city. Groceries might be 5% cheaper, utilities similar, and rent is significantly lower (US median is ~$1,500). The biggest savings are in housing. You can afford a lifestyle that includes a nice home, a reliable car, and frequent dining out (which is affordable here) while still saving aggressively for retirement. This financial breathing room is a major draw.