Pharmacist in Hastings, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Hastings Stands

If you're a pharmacist looking at Hastings, Nebraska, the first thing you need to understand is the local financial reality. The median salary for a pharmacist in Hastings 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, but when you factor in Hastings's low cost of living, your paycheck goes much further here than in most metropolitan areas.

The local job market for pharmacists is limited but stable. There are approximately 50 pharmacist positions in the Hastings metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at -3%. This reflects a broader national trend of pharmacy consolidation and automation, but in a community like Hastings, personal relationships and local service still drive demand. The small market means competition for positions can be keen, but turnover is low—once you're in, you're likely to stay.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Hastings area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$118,000 - $125,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$128,000 - $135,000
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$132,000 - $140,000
Expert/Management (15+ years)	$138,000 - $150,000+

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

To put Hastings in perspective, here’s how it stacks up against other Nebraska cities for pharmacist salaries:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	1BR Rent (Avg)
Hastings	$132,153	90.5	$859
Omaha	$135,500	96.2	$1,150
Lincoln	$133,800	94.8	$1,075
Grand Island	$130,200	91.0	$875
Kearney	$131,500	92.5	$950

As you can see, Hastings offers a median salary that is competitive within Nebraska, especially when paired with the city's low cost of living. The $859/month average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is significantly lower than in Omaha or Lincoln, meaning your disposable income can be much higher.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is crucial for financial planning. Let's break down the monthly budget for a pharmacist earning the median salary of $132,153/year in Hastings. (Note: These are estimates; actual taxes will vary based on filing status, deductions, etc.)

Assumptions:

• Filing as Single, No Dependents
• Standard Deduction
• Nebraska State Income Tax (varies by bracket)
• Federal Tax (2023 brackets)
• FICA (7.65%)

Monthly Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $11,012.75
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$2,700
• Take-Home Pay: ~$8,312/month

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR in Hastings): $859
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Car Payment/Insurance (Avg): $500
• Groceries: $400
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $1,100
• Discretionary Spending: $1,000
• Remaining: ~$3,903

This leaves you with significant financial flexibility. The key advantage in Hastings is the Cost of Living Index of 90.5 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches 9.5% further than the national average.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With the median salary of $132,153, you're in a strong position. The median home price in Hastings is approximately $180,000. Using a standard 20% down payment ($36,000), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $900-$1,000—comparable to renting. With your take-home pay of ~$8,312/month, a mortgage payment would be roughly 12% of your income, well below the recommended 28% threshold. This makes homeownership very accessible in Hastings.

Where the Jobs Are: Hastings's Major Employers

Hastings's pharmacy job market is dominated by a few key players. Knowing who they are and how they operate is essential for your job search.

1. Mary Lanning Healthcare - The largest employer in the region, operating a 25-bed critical access hospital and multiple clinics. Their pharmacy is central to their operations, serving both inpatient and outpatient needs. They typically hire 2-3 pharmacists on staff. Insider Tip: They value pharmacists with experience in sterile compounding for their IV room.

2. Hastings Regional Health Services (HRHS) - A psychiatric facility with a significant need for medication management. This is a niche employer but a stable one, often looking for pharmacists with a clinical focus. They have a small pharmacy team but high turnover is rare.

3. Walgreens - There are two locations in Hastings. These are high-volume community pharmacies. The hiring process is corporate, but local managers have autonomy. Positions here are often filled quickly when they open.

4. Hy-Vee Pharmacy - Located in the south part of the city. Hy-Vee is known for its strong community integration and offers a different pace than a big-box chain. They often have multiple pharmacists on duty, allowing for more collaborative work.

5. Local Independent Pharmacies - There are a few small, family-owned pharmacies in the city. They offer the closest you'll get to a "neighborhood apothecary" feel. While they may not have as many openings, they often have the best work-life balance and are deeply connected to the community.

6. University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) - Regional Visitor - While the main campus is in Kearney (~50 miles away), UNK has a significant presence in Hastings for its allied health programs. They sometimes hire pharmacists for clinical instruction or research roles, though these are less common.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable but not growing. Most openings result from retirement (a common trend in pharmacy) or relocation. Networking is key; many positions are filled through personal referrals before being publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in NE

Practicing pharmacy in Nebraska requires a license from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of the Licensure and Certification.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (Pharm.D.).
2. Examinations:
   • NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination)
   • MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) for Nebraska
3. Internship Hours: Complete the required internship hours as part of your education (typically 1,900 hours).
4. Background Check: Fingerprinting and a criminal background check are required.
5. Application: Submit the application with all required documents and fees.

Costs (Approximate):

• NAPLEX Fee: $485
• MPJE Fee: $250
• Nebraska License Application Fee: $200
• Background Check: $50
• Total Initial Licensing Cost: ~$985

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediate: If you are already licensed in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. Nebraska is part of the NABP Licensure Transfer Program, which can expedite the process. The review typically takes 4-6 weeks.
• New Graduate: After graduating and passing your exams, the process usually takes 8-12 weeks to secure a license.
• Insider Tip: Start the application process as soon as you have your NAPLEX and MPJE scores. The background check can be the slowest part.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Choosing where to live in Hastings depends on your lifestyle and commute preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the top neighborhoods:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent
Southside	Quiet, residential, with easy access to Hy-Vee and Mary Lanning. Family-friendly.	$800 - $900
Downtown/Historic	Walkable, with local coffee shops and restaurants. Near independent pharmacies.	$850 - $950
North Hastings	Newer developments, larger homes. Slightly longer commute to major employers.	$900 - $1,000
East Hastings	Affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes. Close to the hospital.	$750 - $850
West Hastings	Established neighborhoods with mature trees. Near the university area.	$850 - $950

Insider Tip: If you work at Mary Lanning or Hy-Vee, the Southside is your best bet for a short, stress-free commute. For a more vibrant lifestyle, Downtown is ideal, especially if you enjoy walking to local spots like the Hastings Museum or the Edith Kelley Memorial Arboretum.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market like Hastings, traditional career advancement might look different than in a large city. However, there are still growth opportunities.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Pharmacy Specialist: With additional training (e.g., BCPS certification), you could move into a clinical role at Mary Lanning, focusing on areas like anticoagulation or diabetes management. This can command a salary premium of $5,000 - $10,000.
• Pharmacy Manager/Director: Management roles at larger chains or the hospital come with increased responsibility and pay. A Pharmacy Manager at a major chain in Hastings might earn $138,000 - $150,000.
• Independent Pharmacy Ownership: For entrepreneurial pharmacists, buying an existing independent pharmacy is a viable path. The initial investment is significant, but the long-term earning potential can exceed $200,000/year.
• Specialty Areas: Compounding (especially sterile compounding) and long-term care are niches with demand. Pursuing additional certification (e.g., BCSCP) can open doors.

10-Year Outlook:

The -3% job growth indicates a contracting market, but this doesn't mean no opportunities. The trend is toward consolidation, meaning larger entities (like Mary Lanning) may absorb smaller functions. Pharmacists who are flexible, willing to take on clinical roles, or who can add value through specialized skills will remain in demand. The key is to become indispensable to your employer.

The Verdict: Is Hastings Right for You?

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living – Your salary of $132,153 goes much further.	Limited Job Market – Only ~50 positions; competition can be fierce for openings.
Short Commutes – Most jobs are within a 10-15 minute drive.	Slower Pace – May feel limiting if you're used to a bustling city environment.
Strong Community Feel – Easy to become a valued local professional.	-3% Job Growth – Long-term market contraction is a concern.
Excellent Work-Life Balance – Less corporate pressure, more personal connection.	Limited Specialization – Fewer niche pharmacy roles compared to larger cities.
Accessible Homeownership – Median home price is affordable on a pharmacist's salary.	Entertainment & Culture – Options are more limited than in Omaha or Lincoln.

Final Recommendation:

Hastings is an excellent choice for pharmacists who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a strong sense of community over rapid career advancement or a high-energy urban lifestyle. It's ideal for those looking to establish roots, buy a home, and become an integral part of a close-knit professional network. If you're early in your career and seeking broad experience, you might want to start in a larger market and consider Hastings later. For those with a family or seeking a quieter, more affordable life, Hastings is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is it difficult to find a pharmacist job in Hastings?
It can be competitive when openings occur due to the limited number of positions (~50). Most jobs are filled through internal promotions or personal referrals. Your best strategy is to network early—reach out directly to pharmacy managers at major employers like Mary Lanning or Hy-Vee, even if there's no posted opening.

2. How does the low job growth (-3%) affect my long-term prospects?
It means the market isn't expanding, but it also indicates stability. Pharmacists in Hastings tend to stay in their roles for many years. Long-term success here is about deepening your expertise and becoming a trusted community figure rather than climbing a corporate ladder. Consider specializing (e.g., compounding, clinical certifications) to increase your value.

3. What's the lifestyle like for a pharmacist in Hastings?
Very manageable. Commutes are short (often under 15 minutes), allowing for more personal time. The community is welcoming, and it's easy to get involved in local events, sports, or volunteer work. The downside is a quieter social scene; you'll likely drive to Omaha or Lincoln for major concerts or sporting events.

4. Should I consider living in a neighboring town and commuting?
It's possible but not typically necessary. Hastings is the central hub for services. The most common commute would be from a smaller town like Kenesaw or Juniata, but you'd be adding 15-20 minutes each way. Given the already short commute within Hastings, living in the city itself is usually the most convenient option.

5. What's the first step if I'm moving to Hastings?
Secure your Nebraska license or begin the endorsement process. Then, start a targeted job search focusing on the major employers listed above. Simultaneously, research neighborhoods and connect with a local realtor if you're considering buying a home. The local market moves quickly, so being prepared is key.