Pharmacist in Glasgow CDP, DE

The Salary Picture: Where Glasgow CDP Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Glasgow, Delaware, isn't a typical place for a pharmacist career. It's a small census-designated place (CDP) in New Castle County, with a population of just over 16,000. It’s not a major metropolitan hub; it’s a residential community with easy access to Wilmington and Philadelphia. For a pharmacist, this means the job market is defined by its relationship to those larger cities. The data we have reflects that reality: the median salary for a pharmacist in the Glasgow CDP metro area is $137,458 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.09. This is slightly above the national average of $136,030, a small but notable premium. However, the local job market is extremely tight, with only 32 pharmacist jobs available in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of -3%. This isn't a place you move to for unlimited opportunities; it's a place you move to for a specific lifestyle or to be close to family, often while looking for work in the broader Wilmington or Philadelphia region.

To understand the market better, let’s break down the salary by experience level. These figures are based on local market trends and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, adjusted for the Glasgow CDP context.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level	$115,000 - $130,000	$55.29 - $62.50	Typically 0-2 years post-graduation. Often roles in retail chains or staff positions in smaller hospital systems.
Mid-Career	$135,000 - $150,000	$64.90 - $72.12	3-7 years of experience. Positions like clinical pharmacist, pharmacy supervisor, or specialty roles.
Senior	$155,000 - $175,000	$74.52 - $84.13	8-15 years. Management, clinical specialist, or consultant roles. Often found in larger health systems.
Expert	$180,000+	$86.54+	15+ years. Director-level positions, specialized consultant roles, or academia.

When you compare Glasgow CDP to other cities in Delaware, the picture becomes clearer. The state's primary healthcare and corporate hubs are Wilmington, Newark, and the Dover area. Glasgow serves as a quieter, more affordable residential alternative to these centers.

City	Median Salary (Pharmacist)	Job Market Size	10-Year Growth	Key Notes
Glasgow CDP	$137,458	32 Jobs	-3%	Small, tight-knit market. High reliance on Wilmington/Philly.
Wilmington	~$139,000	200+ Jobs	+1-2%	Corporate & hospital hub (ChristianaCare, AstraZeneca). More diverse roles.
Newark	~$138,000	150+ Jobs	+2%	University of Delaware influence, ChristianaCare presence.
Dover	~$136,500	100+ Jobs	+1%	State capital, Bayhealth system. More government/retail mix.

Insider Tip: Don't limit your job search to the "Glasgow CDP" radius. In this region, the job market is regional. A pharmacist living in Glasgow could easily commute to Wilmington (15-20 minutes), Elkton, MD (10 minutes), or even parts of Philadelphia (45-60 minutes). Your net opportunity is much larger than the 32 jobs listed in the immediate area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what a $137,458 salary means for your monthly budget in Glasgow. First, we need to account for taxes and living costs. Delaware has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2.2% to 6.6%, and there's no sales tax. However, property taxes can be a factor when you buy a home.

For a single filer with no dependents, here’s a rough monthly breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $11,455
• Federal Taxes (Est.): -$2,150
• DE State Taxes (Est.): -$750
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): -$876
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$7,679

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Glasgow CDP is $1,242 per month. The Cost of Living Index is 103.5, which is 3.5% higher than the national average (100). This is driven by housing costs in the region, though Glasgow itself is more affordable than Wilmington proper.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Pharmacist Earning $137,458:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,242	The most significant variable. This is for a standard apartment.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet (in a 1BR).
Groceries	$400 - $500	For a single person. No sales tax helps.
Transportation	$300 - $500	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transit is limited; a car is essential.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Miscellaneous	$500 - $800	Dining out, entertainment, gym, etc.
Student Loan/Other Debt	$300 - $800	Varies by individual.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,192 - $4,542
Remaining Monthly	$3,137 - $4,487

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, with careful planning. The average home price in Glasgow CDP and surrounding New Castle County is roughly $350,000 - $450,000. With a strong down payment (20%), your mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely be between $1,800 - $2,400 per month, which is manageable on this salary. The $1,242 rent is a financial stepping stone that allows for significant savings toward a down payment. Insider Tip: Look at properties just outside the Glasgow CDP borders for slightly better value, like in Bear or parts of Newark. Property taxes are a key factor; New Castle County rates are higher than in Kent or Sussex counties.

Where the Jobs Are: Glasgow CDP's Major Employers

The job market for pharmacists here is dominated by retail chains and regional health systems. Major corporate employers with pharmacy divisions (like AstraZeneca) are headquartered in nearby Wilmington, but their local presence is minimal. Here are the primary local employers:

1. ChristianaCare (Christiana Hospital): Located about 10 minutes from Glasgow in Newark, this is the state's largest health system and a major employer of clinical pharmacists. They have a teaching hospital and a wide range of specialty services. Hiring trends favor those with PGY-1 residency experience for clinical roles.
2. Bayhealth Medical Center (Kent General & Milford Memorial): While based in Central DE (Dover area), their reach extends, and they have outpatient pharmacies in the northern part of the state. They offer a different, more community-focused hospital culture.
3. Walgreens, CVS, & Rite Aid: These retail giants have multiple locations throughout Glasgow, Bear, and Newark. They are the most common source of employment for community pharmacists. Turnover can be high, and schedules often include evenings and weekends.
4. Independents and Compounding Pharmacies: There are several local independent pharmacies in the region (e.g., in Newark, Wilmington). They offer a more personal work environment and often a better work-life balance, though salaries can be slightly lower than chain stores.
5. Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (Wilmington): A 20-minute commute, the VA offers federal employment with excellent benefits and a focus on patient-centered care. Hiring is competitive and often requires specific experience.
6. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs): Companies like Express Scripts (now Cigna) or OptumRx have large operations in the Wilmington area. These are non-retail, corporate roles focusing on mail-order, claims processing, and clinical management.
7. University of Delaware (Newark): While not a primary employer for practicing pharmacists, the University's College of Health Sciences offers opportunities for adjunct teaching, research collaboration, or involvement in continuing education programs.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive for the limited number of positions. Health systems like ChristianaCare are expanding their clinical pharmacy services, creating more specialized roles. Retail remains stable but demanding. There's a growing need for pharmacists with skills in immunization, point-of-care testing, and chronic disease management. Insider Tip: Networking is crucial. Join the Delaware Pharmacists Association (DEPhA) and attend local meetings. Many jobs, especially the coveted hospital and independent roles, are filled through referrals before they are ever posted publicly.

Getting Licensed in DE

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to secure a Delaware pharmacist license. The process is managed by the Delaware Board of Pharmacy (under the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Education & Exams: You must have graduated from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school and passed the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) and the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam) or the Delaware-specific MPJE.
2. Application Process:
   • Submit an online application through the Delaware Professional Regulation portal.
   • Provide proof of graduation and NAPLEX/MPJE scores.
   • Undergo a criminal background check (fingerprinting is required).
   • Pay the application and licensing fees. Total estimated cost: $250 - $400 (application fee ~$158, background check ~$100).
3. Timeline: The process can take 4 to 8 weeks from the time you submit a complete application, assuming your exam scores are already available. Start the process as soon as you have a job offer or are seriously considering a move.
4. Reciprocity: Delaware is part of the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) District 1. If you are licensed in another state, you may be eligible for reciprocity, but you will still need to complete the application, background check, and pay the fees. Some states have a reciprocal agreement, but it's not automatic for all states.
5. Continuing Education: Delaware requires 30 hours of CE every 2 years, including specific hours in pharmacology, pharmacy law, and patient safety.

Insider Tip: The Delaware Board of Pharmacy website is your best resource. It's not overly user-friendly, so call them directly if you have questions. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. For a pharmacist moving from a state with different laws, taking the Delaware MPJE is essential, even if you have a reciprocal license.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Living in Glasgow CDP itself is a suburban experience. However, for a pharmacist, the best neighborhoods balance commute time to major employers with lifestyle and cost. Here are top options within a 20-minute drive:

1. Glasgow CDP (The Local Choice):

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to local retail, 20-25 minutes to ChristianaCare.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, family-oriented, with good schools and local parks (like Glasgow Park). Little nightlife.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300.
   • Best For: Those who want a true suburban feel and don't mind a short commute.

2. Bear / Christiana (The Commuter Hub):

   • Commute: 10 minutes to ChristianaCare, 15 minutes to Wilmington.
   • Lifestyle: More commercial and densely populated. Close to the Christiana Mall and I-95. Mix of apartments and townhomes.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,450.
   • Best For: Pharmacists wanting the shortest possible commute to ChristianaCare or easy access to I-95 for jobs in Philadelphia.

3. Newark (University Town):

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to ChristianaCare, 20 minutes to Wilmington.
   • Lifestyle: Vibrant, college-town energy. Walkable Main Street with restaurants and bars. Good mix of young professionals and families.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,300 - $1,600.
   • Best For: Those who want an active social scene and don't mind paying a bit more for rent.

4. Wilmington (City Living):

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Glasgow area employers, 0-15 minutes to Wilmington-based corporate jobs (PBMs, AstraZeneca).
   • Lifestyle: Urban, diverse, with cultural amenities (theatre, museums, restaurants). Neighborhoods like Trolley Square or the Riverfront offer a walkable lifestyle.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,400 - $1,800+.
   • Best For: Pharmacists working in corporate pharmacy roles or those who crave city life.

5. Elkton, MD (The Cross-Border Option):

   • Commute: 10 minutes to Glasgow, 25 minutes to ChristianaCare.
   • Lifestyle: A small town with a lower cost of living than Delaware. Close to the Chesapeake Bay area.
   • Rent (1BR): $900 - $1,200.
   • Best For: Those looking to maximize their income by living in a lower-cost state while still having easy access to DE job markets.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in a small market like Glasgow requires strategy. The 10-year job growth of -3% signals that you must be proactive about specializing and networking.

• Specialty Premiums: To increase your earning potential beyond the median $137,458, consider these specialties:

  • Oncology: ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center is a major employer. Oncology pharmacists often earn 10-15% more.
  • Infectious Diseases: A critical specialty, especially relevant to hospital and public health roles.
  • Ambulatory Care: Managing chronic diseases in a clinic setting is a growing field.
  • Compounding: Independent sterile and non-sterile compounding pharmacies value this skill highly.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Pharmacist → Clinical Specialist: Requires additional certifications (e.g., BCPS, BCOP) and residency training.
  2. Retail Pharmacist → Pharmacy Manager/District Manager: Moving into corporate leadership with chains like CVS or Walgreens.
  3. Hospital Staff → Pharmacy Director: Requires an MBA or MHA and significant management experience.
  4. Staff Pharmacist → Informatics Pharmacist: Leveraging pharmacy knowledge with IT skills to manage electronic health record (EHR) systems and pharmacy automation.

• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth means you can't be passive. Your career in DE will likely involve mobility. You might start in retail in Glasgow, move to a hospital role in Newark, then transition to a PBM in Wilmington or even a specialist position in Philadelphia. The key is to build a network and maintain a skill set that makes you valuable across state lines. The proximity to major East Coast hubs is a significant, underappreciated asset.

The Verdict: Is Glasgow CDP Right for You?

Moving to Glasgow CDP as a pharmacist is less about the city itself and more about the lifestyle and regional opportunities it offers. It's a strategic choice for specific people.

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Salary: $137,458 vs. $136,030 national average.	Very Limited Local Job Market: Only 32 jobs in the immediate area.
Affordable Housing (Relative): Rent of $1,242 is manageable on the salary.	-3% Job Growth: Market is shrinking, not expanding.
Excellent Location: 15-20 minutes from Wilmington's corporate and hospital jobs, 45-60 minutes from Philadelphia.	Car-Dependent: Limited public transit; a car is essential for living and commuting.
Low Cost of Living (Taxes): No sales tax, reasonable state income tax.	Suburban Lifestyle: Not much nightlife or cultural activity within Glasgow itself.
Quality of Life: Good schools, safe neighborhoods, easy access to nature and the coast.	Competitive Market: For the limited local jobs, competition can be fierce.

**Final Recommendation: