The Complete Career Guide for Pharmacists in Hockessin CDP, DE

The Salary Picture: Where Hockessin CDP Stands

As a pharmacist considering Hockessin, you're looking at a market that pays slightly above the national average but operates within a tight, community-focused network. Let's cut through the noise with the hard numbers. The median salary for a pharmacist in Hockessin CDP is $137,458/year, with an hourly rate of $66.09/hour. This positions the area just above the national average of $136,030/year, but the real story is in the local dynamics.

Hockessin isn't a sprawling metro. With a metro population of only 13,608, this is a tight-knit community where professional relationships matter. The 10-year job growth is projected at -3%, which might seem concerning, but it's more about market saturation than lack of opportunity. There's a stable base of employers, but mobility is essential—most pharmacists here work in community or outpatient settings rather than large hospital systems.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in this specific market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Hockessin CDP)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$118,000 - $128,000	Often at retail chains like CVS or Walgreens; signing bonuses are rare but benefits are strong.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$130,000 - $142,000	Community pharmacy managers, clinical roles in outpatient clinics.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$145,000 - $158,000	Supervisory roles, specialty pharmacy, or consulting for local clinics.
Expert/PharmD (15+ yrs)	$160,000+	Rare; typically leads a regional team or owns an independent pharmacy.

Insider Tip: While the numbers are solid, Hockessin’s pharmacy market is influenced by nearby Wilmington. Many pharmacists live in Hockessin but commute to Wilmington for higher-paying hospital roles (e.g., ChristianaCare or Wilmington Hospital). The 27 job openings in the metro are competitive, so having a DE license and local connections can make a difference.

Comparison to Other DE Cities:

• Wilmington: Higher salaries (median ~$142,000) due to larger hospitals and corporate HQs (e.g., AstraZeneca).
• Dover: Slightly lower (~$132,000) but more government jobs (state hospital, VA).
• Newark: Similar to Hockessin but with University of Delaware influence.
  Hockessin offers a balance: urban-level pay with a rural feel, ideal for those who prefer community over corporate.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $137,458, your take-home pay after taxes (assuming single filer, no dependents, standard deduction) will be roughly $100,000-$105,000 annually, or about $8,300-$8,750 monthly. That’s before any 401(k) or health deductions.

Now, factor in housing. Hockessin’s average 1BR rent is $1,242/month, and the cost of living index is 103.5 (slightly above the U.S. average of 100). Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a pharmacist earning the median:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Est.)	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,242	Median for Hockessin. Luxury 1BRs hit $1,500+.
Utilities	$180	Includes electric, gas, water, internet.
Groceries	$400	Slightly higher than national average; local farms offer seasonal savings.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential; public transit is limited.
Healthcare (Out-of-Pocket)	$200	If employer plan covers most.
Student Loans	$500	Average for PharmD holders.
Taxes (State/Local)	$800	DE has no sales tax but 6.6% income tax.
Total Essential	$3,822
Discretionary	$4,000+	Covers dining, savings, travel.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. Hockessin’s median home price is around $375,000 (a 3-bedroom). With a $137,458 salary, a 20% down payment ($75,000) is achievable within 3-5 years of saving, especially if you invest early. Mortgage payments (including taxes/insurance) would be ~$1,800/month—higher than rent but feasible. Insider Tip: Look in the 19707 zip code for newer developments; older homes in Centreville offer more land but need upkeep.

Where the Jobs Are: Hockessin CDP's Major Employers

Hockessin’s pharmacy jobs are concentrated in community and outpatient settings. With only 27 openings in the metro, you’ll need to target specific employers. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:

1. CVS Pharmacy (Hockessin & Centreville)

   • Details: Two locations; part of a national chain with strong benefits.
   • Hiring Trends: Steady turnover; often hires for PIC (Pharmacist in Charge) roles.
   • Insider Tip: CVS in Hockessin (off Lancaster Pike) serves a wealthy clientele—expect high-volume vaccinations and MTM services.

2. Walgreens (Nearby Wilmington)

   • Details: 5-mile commute from Hockessin; larger store with more staff.
   • Hiring Trends: Hiring for overnight shifts; offers shift differentials.
   • Insider Tip: The Wilmington location has a higher volume of Medicare Part D patients.

3. Independents like Hockessin Community Pharmacy

   • Details: Local, family-owned; focuses on compounding and personalized care.
   • Hiring Trends: Rare openings; prefer local candidates with community ties.
   • Insider Tip: This is the best place for clinical work—not just dispensing. They partner with local clinics for MTM.

4. ChristianaCare (Wilmington Hospital Outpatient)

   • Details: 15-minute commute; major health system with outpatient pharmacies.
   • Hiring Trends: Growing demand for specialty pharmacy roles (oncology, HIV).
   • Insider Tip: Requires DE license and often prefers candidates with PGY-1 residency.

5. Walmart Pharmacy (in Pike Creek)

   • Details: 10-minute drive; part of the Walmart Health network.
   • Hiring Trends: Focused on vaccination drives and low-cost generics.
   • Insider Tip: Offers profit-sharing; good for pharmacists interested in retail management.

6. VA Medical Center (Wilmington)

   • Details: Federal employer; 20-minute commute.
   • Hiring Trends: Stable, with openings every few years.
   • Insider Tip: Requires federal background check; veterans get preference.

7. Independent Clinics (e.g., Hockessin Family Medicine)

   • Details: Small, outpatient clinics with pharmacy services.
   • Hiring Trends: Part-time or contract roles for MTM.
   • Insider Tip: Network directly with clinic managers via local medical societies.

Hiring Outlook: With -3% job growth, the market is stable but not expanding. Employers value loyalty—turnover is low. Insider Tip: Attend the Delaware Pharmacy Association meetings in Dover or Wilmington to hear about openings first.

Getting Licensed in DE

Delaware’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Delaware State Board of Pharmacy (under the Division of Professional Regulation) oversees this. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Education & Exams:

   • Graduate from an accredited PharmD program (ACPE).
   • Pass the NAPLEX (national exam) and MPJE (DE-specific law exam).
   • Cost: NAPLEX ($575), MPJE ($100). Total ~$675.
   • Timeline: 2-3 months post-graduation.

2. Delaware-Specific Requirements:

   • Submit application to the DE Board ($145 fee).
   • Complete a background check ($75).
   • Provide fingerprints ($50).
   • Total Cost: ~$270 (excluding exams).
   • Timeline: 4-6 weeks for approval after exams.

3. Intern/Residency Hours:

   • Requires 1,500 hours of internship under a DE-licensed pharmacist.
   • Can be done during school or post-grad.
   • Insider Tip: Use rotations at local employers (e.g., CVS) to build hours and connections.

4. Reciprocity:

   • If licensed in another state, DE offers reciprocity if you’ve passed the MPJE.
   • Cost: $200 application fee.
   • Timeline: 2-3 months.

Total Time to Licensure: 4-6 months post-graduation. Insider Tip: Start the application process 90 days before graduating; DE processes applications slower in summer.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Hockessin CDP is a mix of rural and suburban, with neighborhoods suited to different lifestyles. Commute times to major employers range from 5-20 minutes. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Commute to Major Employers	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Lifestyle & Notes
Hockessin Center	5-10 min	$1,250 - $1,450	Walkable to CVS, parks, and cafes. Ideal for community-focused pharmacists.
Centreville	10-15 min	$1,300 - $1,500	More rural, larger homes, quiet. Great for families; lower traffic.
Pike Creek (nearby)	15-20 min	$1,400 - $1,600	Suburban, closer to Wilmington jobs. More amenities, higher rent.
North Star	10-15 min	$1,100 - $1,300	Affordable, newer developments. Good for entry-level pharmacists.
Lancaster Pike Corridor	5-10 min	$1,200 - $1,400	Convenient but busier. Best for those who want minimal commute.

Insider Tip: If you work in Wilmington, Pike Creek offers a balance—close enough to commute, but you still feel part of Hockessin’s community. Avoid downtown Wilmington if you prefer a quieter home life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With -3% job growth, advancement requires specialization and networking. Here’s how to grow your career:

• Specialty Premiums: In Hockessin, specialty roles (e.g., oncology, diabetes) can add $10,000-$20,000 to your salary. ChristianaCare and independents like Hockessin Community Pharmacy offer these.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Retail: PIC → District Manager (requires business skills).
  • Clinical: MTM Specialist → Clinical Coordinator (need PGY-1, often from ChristianaCare).
  • Ownership: Buy an independent pharmacy (e.g., Hockessin Community Pharmacy). Expect 5-10 years of saving.
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth suggests stagnation, but telepharmacy and remote MTM roles are emerging. Insider Tip: Get certified in geriatrics (DE has an aging population) or diabetes care to stay relevant.

Networking: Join the Delaware Pharmacy Association and attend events in Wilmington. Volunteering at community health fairs builds local ties.

The Verdict: Is Hockessin CDP Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Above-national salary ($137,458 median) with low cost of living.	Limited job openings (27 in metro); competition is local.
Short commutes (5-20 mins to most employers).	-3% job growth means few new roles; advancement requires moving.
Strong community ties—easy to build a network.	Rural feel may lack urban amenities for some.
Access to Wilmington jobs (higher pay, specialized roles).	Dependence on cars; public transit is minimal.
Good home-buying potential with median home price $375k.	Weather: cold winters, humid summers—may be a downside.

Final Recommendation:
Hockessin is ideal for pharmacists who value stability, community, and work-life balance. It’s perfect if you’re mid-career, looking to buy a home, and don’t mind a shorter commute to Wilmington for growth. However, early-career pharmacists seeking rapid advancement or urban excitement might find it limiting. For most, it’s a “yes” if you prioritize a low-stress environment over a high-growth market.

FAQs

1. Is the -3% job growth a deal-breaker?
   Not necessarily. The growth is negative due to market saturation, not lack of demand. Many pharmacists stay for years, so openings are infrequent but stable. Networking is key—most jobs are filled through referrals.

2. Can I live in Hockessin and commute to Philadelphia for work?
   Yes, it’s a 45-60 minute drive. However, DE pharmacists often prefer local jobs due to licensing and community ties. If you work in Philly, you’ll need a PA license too, which adds complexity and cost.

3. What’s the best way to find housing?
   Use local Zillow or Realtor.com listings for Hockessin CDP (19707 zip code). Insider Tip: Facebook groups like “Hockessin Rentals” often have off-market deals from locals.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
   Yes, especially at independents and clinics. Expect $50-$70/hour for per-diem roles. This is great for supplementing income or testing the market.

5. How does DE’s cost of living compare to other states?
   At 103.5, it’s slightly above average but lower than neighboring PA or MD. Taxes are favorable (no sales tax), but property taxes can be high in some areas. Overall, your $137,458 salary goes further here than in most East Coast cities.

---

This guide is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Delaware State Board of Pharmacy, and local real estate and employment trends. Always verify with current sources before making decisions. Good luck!