Pharmacist in Hampton, VA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Hampton, Virginia.

Introduction: The Hampton Scene

As a career analyst who’s watched the Hampton Roads job market for years, I can tell you that pharmacy is a stable, but changing, profession here. Hampton isn’t a sprawling metropolis; it’s a historic city with a strong military and healthcare backbone. The vibe is practical—think military precision meets coastal living. You won’t find the hustle of DC or the tech boom of Richmond, but you’ll find solid jobs, a low cost of living, and a surprising amount of green space and water access. This guide strips away the fluff and gives you the data and local insights you need to decide if this is where you want to build your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Hampton Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In Hampton, the median salary for a pharmacist is $134,968/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.89/hour. It’s worth noting that this is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year. This is a common pattern in many mid-sized coastal Virginia cities—the cost of living is a major factor that keeps salaries competitive but not top-tier.

The job market here is stable but not booming. There are approximately 274 pharmacist positions in the Hampton metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at -3%. This indicates a mature market where demand is largely driven by retirements and turnover rather than expansion. You'll find jobs, but competition can be fierce for the best positions, especially in desirable hospital or clinical settings.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Career Stage	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Hampton)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$115,000 - $128,000
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$128,000 - $136,000
Senior/Manager	9-15 years	$136,000 - $150,000
Expert/Clinical	15+ years / Board Certified	$150,000+

How Hampton Compares to Other Virginia Cities

Virginia’s pharmacy salaries are a tale of two regions. The D.C. suburbs (Alexandria, Arlington) command the highest pay but come with a crushing cost of living. Richmond, the state capital and a major medical hub, often edges out Hampton. Hampton’s salary is respectable for its cost of living, making it a pragmatic choice for those prioritizing affordability over urban excitement.

Virginia City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (vs. US Avg)
Hampton	$134,968	97.4
Richmond	~$138,000	94.5
Alexandria	~$148,000	145.0
Norfolk	~$132,000	92.0

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Hampton’s biggest financial advantage is its affordability. The cost of living index is 97.4, meaning it’s 2.6% cheaper than the national average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $910/month.

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a pharmacist earning the median salary of $134,968. (Note: These are estimates. Use a Virginia tax calculator for precise figures.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax to Post-Tax)

Category	Estimated Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$11,247	$134,968 / 12
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	$3,200	Approx. 28.5% effective rate
Net Monthly Pay	$8,047	Take-home after taxes
Rent (1BR)	$910	Well below national averages
Utilities & Internet	$150
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	Essential in Hampton; public transit is limited
Groceries	$450
Healthcare (co-pays, etc.)	$300
Retirement (401k, 15%)	$1,687	Crucial for long-term stability
Discretionary Income	$3,950	A very healthy surplus for savings, travel, etc.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With $3,950+ in discretionary income after all essentials and retirement, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Hampton is around $260,000. A standard 20% down payment is $52,000, which is achievable on this salary within a few years of saving. The mortgage on a $260,000 home (with a 30-year fixed at ~6.5%) would be roughly $1,640/month, including taxes and insurance. This is still less than 25% of your take-home pay, which is a healthy financial position.

Where the Jobs Are: Hampton's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by healthcare systems, retail chains, and military support roles. Insider Tip: Many hospital jobs are filled through internal promotions. Temp-to-perm roles at retail stores or compounding pharmacies can be a great way to get your foot in the door and network.

1. Sentara Healthcare: The dominant system in the region. Their flagship, Sentara CarePlex Hospital (off I-64), and Sentara Heart Hospital (in Norfolk) are major employers. They also run Sentara Hampton Medical Center. Hiring trends favor pharmacists with experience in anticoagulation, oncology, or sterile compounding. They are a stable, if bureaucratic, employer with strong benefits.
2. Riverside Health System: Operating Riverside Regional Medical Center in nearby Newport News (a quick commute), and several outpatient pharmacies. Riverside is known for a strong community focus. They actively hire for clinical pharmacy roles and have a residency program, making them a key player for new grads.
3. Walgreens & CVS Health: These retail giants have a significant footprint across Hampton, Newport News, and Poquoson. While the pace can be high, they offer consistent hours and opportunities for management. The market is saturated, so flexibility on location is key.
4. Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP): While technically in Portsmouth, it’s a major employer for pharmacists in the Hampton Roads region. Located about a 25-minute drive from Hampton, it serves a massive military population. Clearance is required, but it offers federal benefits and unique clinical experiences. Hiring is slower and tied to federal budgets.
5. PharMerica & Independent Compounding Pharmacies: Specialty and compounding pharmacies are a growing niche. Places like Hampton Compounding Pharmacy serve local clinics and patients. These roles often require additional certification and offer higher pay for niche skills.
6. Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers: The Hampton VA Medical Center is a major federal employer. Jobs here are highly competitive and offer excellent federal benefits. The hiring process is slow but stable. Positions often focus on geriatric care and chronic disease management.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The state is managed by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

Requirements & Process:

1. Education: A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from an ACPE-accredited program.
2. Exams: Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Virginia.
3. Internship: Complete 1,500 hours of supervised practice (typically during school).
4. Application: Apply through the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. You’ll need to submit transcripts, proof of internship hours, and exam scores. There’s a background check and an application fee (approx. $175).
5. Timeline: It can take 2-4 months from application submission to receiving your license, assuming all documents are in order. Start the process at least 3 months before you plan to move.
6. Costs: Between exam fees (NAPLEX ~$500, MPJE ~$60) and application fees, budget $750-$900 for the licensing process.

Insider Tip: Virginia is part of the NABP’s e-Profile system. Having your e-Profile set up and your transcripts sent directly to the Board from your school can shave weeks off the process.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Hampton is diverse, from historic Phoebus to the waterfront suburbs. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Downtown Hampton: Close to Sentara CarePlex Hospital and the waterfront. A mix of historic homes and newer apartments. Vibe: Walkable, active, with restaurants and parks. Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,100 - $1,300. Best for those who want an urban feel without the big-city price tag.
2. Buckroe Beach & Foxhill: Residential, family-friendly neighborhoods on the northern edge of the city. Quieter, with easy access to I-64 and I-295. You’re 10-15 minutes from most major employers. Avg. 1BR Rent: $900 - $1,100. Ideal for a balanced suburban commute.
3. Phoebus: A historic, revitalizing neighborhood with a small-town feel. Home to the Hampton Coliseum and charming local shops. Commutes are easy via Mercury Blvd. Avg. 1BR Rent: $850 - $1,000. Great for those who value character and community.
4. Coliseum Central: This is the retail and commercial heart of Hampton, near the Coliseum and the Hampton Roads Conference Center. It’s a mix of hotels, shopping, and apartments. Commute to hospitals is excellent via I-64. Avg. 1BR Rent: $900 - $1,150. Perfect for those who want to be in the middle of everything.
5. Poquoson (Adjacent City): A separate, affluent city adjacent to Hampton. Known for excellent schools and a quiet, suburban feel. It’s a 15-20 minute commute to Hampton’s hospitals. Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,100 - $1,400. A top choice for pharmacists with families seeking top-tier public schools.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a projected -3% growth, vertical career movement is more about specialization than expansion. To advance, you’ll need to differentiate yourself.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications in areas like Oncology (BCOP), Ambulatory Care (BCACP), or Infectious Diseases (BCIDP) can add a $10,000 - $20,000+ premium to your salary. These are highly valued at Sentara and Riverside.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Pharmacy Specialist: Move from dispensing to direct patient care in a hospital or clinic.
  • Pharmacy Manager/Director: Oversee operations, budgeting, and staff. Requires an MBA or pharmacy administration experience.
  • Industry/Pharmaceutical Sales: Leverage your clinical knowledge. Hampton’s proximity to Richmond and VA’s biotech corridor offers some opportunities.
  • Academia/Research: Consider roles at nearby schools like Old Dominion University (Norfolk) or the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System (Richmond).
• 10-Year Outlook: The remote pharmacy and telepharmacy trends are growing, which could create new roles in medication therapy management (MTM). For pharmacists in Hampton, the key to growth will be moving from a technical role to a patient-facing clinical role. The military healthcare sector (NMCP, VA) will remain a stable, long-term employer.

The Verdict: Is Hampton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is easily within reach.	Stagnant Job Market: Fewer new openings; you compete for existing roles.
Diverse Employment: Mix of retail, hospital, military, and compounding options.	Limited Urban/ Nightlife: If you crave big-city culture, look to Richmond or DC.
Strategic Location: Central to all 7 cities of Hampton Roads; easy to explore the region.	Traffic: I-64 and the HRBT (Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel) can be bottlenecks. Living on the correct side of the bridge matters.
Access to Water & Military Community: Unique lifestyle for those who enjoy boating, fishing, or serving military populations.	Slower Pace: Advancement can feel slow; the market rewards patience and specialization.

Final Recommendation:
Hampton is an excellent choice for the pragmatic pharmacist. If your priorities are financial stability, a manageable lifestyle, and a diverse range of practice settings without the extreme stress of a major metropolis, Hampton will serve you well. It’s particularly well-suited for new grads seeking experience, mid-career pharmacists looking to buy a home, or those with an interest in federal healthcare. If you’re an ambitious clinical specialist seeking cutting-edge research and rapid career acceleration, you might find the ceiling a bit low. For the vast majority, however, Hampton offers a rare and valuable combination: a solid career and a life you can afford to live.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard for new pharmacists to find a job in Hampton?
A: It’s competitive, but not impossible. The key is flexibility. Be open to retail positions as a starting point while you network for hospital roles. The -3% growth means you’re often filling existing spots, so a strong residency or internship at a local hospital can be a game-changer.

Q: Do I need to know military medical systems to work at the VA or Naval Medical Center?
A: Not necessarily for the VA. For the Naval Medical Center, your pharmacy credentials are primary, but familiarity with military formularies and TRICARE insurance is a major plus. They will train you, but prior exposure (even through a rotation) is highly valued.

Q: How is the commute in Hampton?
A: It’s manageable but requires strategy. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) is a notorious choke point. If you work in Hampton and live in Norfolk, your commute can be brutal. Living on the same side of the water as your workplace is a top insider tip for quality of life.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes. Hospitals like Sentara CarePlex and Riverside often use part-time pharmacists to cover weekends, evenings, and leaves. Retail chains also offer flexible schedules. This is a great way to supplement income or maintain work-life balance.

Q: What’s the best way to network locally?
A: Join the Virginia Pharmacy Association (VPA) and the Hampton Roads Pharmacy Society. Attend their annual meetings. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed informational interview. A polite email to a pharmacy manager at Sentara or Riverside expressing interest and asking for 15 minutes of their time can open doors.