Career Guide for Pharmacists in Jamestown, ND

Looking to move to Jamestown for a pharmacy career? As a local, I can tell you this isn't a bustling metropolis. It's a steady, affordable community of about 15,774 people where relationships matter. If you're coming from a major city, the pace will shock you—in a good way if you value community over chaos. Let's get straight to the data and specifics you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Jamestown Stands

Pharmacist salaries in Jamestown lag slightly behind the national average but remain competitive due to the low cost of living. The median salary is $133,173/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $64.03/hour. For context, the national average is $136,030/year, putting Jamestown about 2% below the U.S. norm. Given our cost of living index of 93.0 (where the U.S. average is 100), your purchasing power is actually higher here than in many national markets.

Here's how salaries break down by experience level in the Jamestown area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	$55.29 - $60.10
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$125,000 - $140,000	$60.10 - $67.31
Senior (8-15 years)	$135,000 - $150,000	$64.90 - $72.12
Expert (15+ years)	$145,000 - $165,000	$69.71 - $79.33

Insider Tip: The salary bands here are compressed compared to larger metros. The gap between entry and expert level is narrower, which reflects the limited upward mobility in a small market. Many pharmacists who want significant pay bumps end up taking on management roles or traveling positions.

Comparing to other North Dakota cities:

• Fargo (largest city): $142,000 median (+6.6% higher)
• Grand Forks: $138,000 median (+3.6% higher)
• Bismarck: $135,000 median (+1.4% higher)
• Jamestown: $133,173 median

The difference is modest, but it's worth noting. Fargo has more hospital and specialty pharmacy opportunities, while Jamestown offers a more predictable, community-focused practice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be practical about what $133,173 actually means in your pocket. North Dakota has a progressive income tax system ranging from 1.1% to 2.9%. For a single filer with no dependents, expect about 28-30% total tax burden (federal, state, FICA). This leaves you with approximately $93,221 - $95,885 annually after taxes.

Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a pharmacist earning the median $133,173:

Expense Category	Monthly Amount	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR average)	$837	11%
Utilities (electric, gas, internet)	$220	3%
Groceries	$500	7%
Transportation (car + insurance)	$450	6%
Healthcare (insurance premiums)	$350	5%
Retirement (401k match)	$1,100	15%
Discretionary/Savings	$3,500+	48%
Total Monthly	$6,957	100%

This is the key insight: After covering all essentials, you still have over $3,500 monthly for discretionary spending, savings, or debt repayment. This is the advantage of Jamestown's low cost of living.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Jamestown is approximately $180,000. With 20% down ($36,000), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $950-$1,100—comparable to rent. At your salary, you could save for a down payment in under a year if you're disciplined.

Insider Tip: Many local pharmacists live in the $150,000-$220,000 home range and build equity quickly. The market is stable, not speculative, which appeals to professionals seeking long-term roots.

Where the Jobs Are: Jamestown's Major Employers

Jamestown's pharmacy job market is limited but stable. There are approximately 31 pharmacist positions in the metro area, according to BLS data. The 10-year job growth is -3%, indicating a slight contraction—likely due to corporate consolidation and automation rather than lack of demand.

Here are your primary employers:

1. Sanford Health Jamestown Hospital (300+ beds)

   • Positions: Clinical pharmacists, medication safety officers
   • Hiring Trend: Steady, with occasional openings due to retirements
   • Details: The largest employer in the region. Their pharmacy team is integrated into care teams. They use Epic for EMR. Insider tip: They prefer candidates with hospital experience and BCPS certification.

2. Essentia Health Jamestown Clinic

   • Positions: Outpatient pharmacists, specialty pharmacy roles
   • Hiring Trend: Slow growth, focused on chronic disease management
   • Details: Part of the larger Essentia system. Strong emphasis on patient counseling and medication therapy management. They have a medication therapy management program for Medicare patients.

3. Jamestown Regional Medical Center

   • Positions: Staff pharmacist, IV compounding
   • Hiring Trend: Stable, with expansion in outpatient services
   • Details: A critical access hospital with a growing outpatient pharmacy. They handle all local hospital needs and have a retail pharmacy counter.

4. Sentry Pharmacy (Long-Term Care)

   • Positions: LTC pharmacist, consultant pharmacist
   • Hiring Trend: Growing due to aging population
   • Details: Serves nursing homes across eastern North Dakota. Insider tip: This is a hidden gem—often overlooked but offers consistent hours and no retail stress. Experience with LTC workflows is a plus.

5. Major Retail Chains

   • CVS Pharmacy (2 locations)
   • Walgreens (1 location)
   • Rural Pharmacy Services (independent)
   • Hiring Trend: Corporate positions with minimal turnover
   • Details: Retail here is different than in cities. Volume is lower, but patient relationships are deeper. Expect to handle more immunizations and counseling. Insider tip: Independent pharmacies often provide more flexibility and community connection.

6. North Dakota State University (NDSU)

   • Positions: Adjunct faculty for pharmacy programs, research roles
   • Hiring Trend: Occasional, tied to academic cycles
   • Details: While NDSU's main campus is in Fargo, their satellite programs and research collaborations create occasional opportunities in Jamestown.

Hiring Reality: Positions don't turn over frequently. Most jobs are filled through internal promotions or word-of-mouth. When openings occur, they're typically posted on the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy website and Indeed. Pro tip: Network with local pharmacists at the Jamestown Pharmacy Association meetings (held quarterly) to hear about openings before they're advertised.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota's licensing is straightforward but has specific requirements. The North Dakota Board of Pharmacy oversees all licensure.

Requirements:

1. Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from an ACPE-accredited program
2. Exams: Pass the NAPLEX and the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam) for North Dakota
3. Experience: Complete 1,500 hours of supervised practice (can be completed during school or post-grad)
4. Background Check: Fingerprinting and criminal history review
5. Continuing Education: 30 hours every biennium (24 hours formal, 6 hours drug diversion prevention)

Costs:

• NAPLEX: $600
• MPJE: $200
• ND License Application: $150
• Background Check: $75
• Total Initial Cost: ~$1,025

Timeline:

• Exam Prep: 2-3 months (recommended)
• Application Processing: 4-6 weeks after passing exams
• Total Time: 3-5 months from graduation to full license

Insider Tip: The ND Board is efficient but not speedy. Apply for your license before moving if possible. They require a physical address in North Dakota for the application, so many candidates use a temporary address or have an offer in hand first. Critical: Keep your license active even if you're not practicing. ND requires a minimal annual fee ($50) to maintain inactive status.

Reciprocity: ND offers license reciprocity for those licensed in another state with equivalent requirements. You'll still need to pass the MPJE for ND law and pay application fees.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Jamestown isn't divided into formal neighborhoods like a big city, but areas have distinct personalities. Commutes are negligible—anywhere to anywhere is 5-10 minutes.

1. Downtown/Riverfront District

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, close to Sanford Hospital and main retail
   • Rent: $750-$950 for 1BR
   • Best For: Young professionals who want to be near everything
   • Insider Tip: Street parking is free but limited. Many professionals walk to work here. The riverwalk is a nice bonus for evening walks.

2. University Area (near NDSU Jamestown campus)

   • Vibe: Quiet, academic, close to schools
   • Rent: $700-$850 for 1BR
   • Best For: Pharmacists with families or who prefer a residential feel
   • Insider Tip: This area has the best public schools and newer housing stock. Great for resale value if you buy.

3. West End

   • Vibe: Established, family-oriented, close to shopping
   • Rent: $650-$800 for 1BR
   • Best For: Those seeking affordability and community
   • Inside tip: This is where many healthcare workers live. You'll run into colleagues at the grocery store.

4. Southside

   • Vibe: Working-class, practical, close to industrial areas
   • Rent: $600-$750 for 1BR
   • Best For: Those prioritizing budget and proximity to the hospital
   • Insider Tip: The most affordable option, with older housing stock but well-maintained. Great for renters.

Rent Reality Check: The average 1BR rent of $837/month is accurate but symmetric. You can find solid 1BRs for $700-$900 throughout the city. Two-bedroom units average $1,050-$1,200. Pro tip: Many landlords prefer 12-month leases, but with your salary, you can negotiate slightly shorter terms if needed.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Jamestown, career advancement means adding responsibilities, not necessarily jumping titles. The path typically looks like:

1. Staff pharmacist → 2. Clinical pharmacist → 3. Pharmacy manager/director → 4. Regional roles (if with chain)

Specialty Premiums:

• BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist): Adds $5,000-$8,000 annually
• Ambulatory Care Certified: Adds $4,000-$6,000
• Infectious Disease Specialization: Highly valued in hospital settings; $7,000+ premium
• Compounding Certification: Useful for independent pharmacies

Advancement Paths:

• Clinical: Move from dispensing to patient care (MTM, anticoagulation clinics, diabetes management)
• Management: Pharmacy manager → Director of Pharmacy (hospitals) or Regional Manager (chains)
• Specialty: LTC consultant, infectious disease, oncology (limited in Jamestown but possible via telehealth)

10-Year Outlook (2024-2034):
The -3% job growth reflects a mature market. However, this doesn't mean no opportunities—it means:

• Retirements: Many boomers will retire, creating openings
• Telehealth Expansion: Remote medication reviews and MTM services are growing
• Specialization: Niche roles (geriatrics, rural health) will be in demand
• Practice Model Changes: More pharmacist-led clinics and collaborative practice agreements

Insider Tip: The most successful pharmacists here diversify. One local pharmacist runs a consulting business for nursing homes, another teaches at the community college, and a third does telehealth MTM for multiple states. Don't limit yourself to one employer.

The Verdict: Is Jamestown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary goes far - $133,173 feels like $150,000+ in major cities	Limited job variety - Fewer specialty roles
Strong community - Patients know you by name	Professional network - Smaller than metro areas
Work-life balance - Predictable hours, no traffic	Advancement ceiling - Fewer management positions
Low cost of living - $837/month rent vs. national average	Weather - Harsh winters, long cold seasons
Stable healthcare system - Sanford & Essentia are solid	Cultural/entertainment - Limited options
Autonomy - Pharmacists have more responsibility here	Travel - 3+ hours to the nearest airport (Fargo)

Final Recommendation:
Jamestown is ideal for pharmacists who value stability, affordability, and community impact over rapid career climbs and urban amenities. It's perfect if you're:

• Early in your career and want to build broad experience
• Looking to buy a home quickly on your salary
• Seeking a slower pace after burnout in a busy city
• Interested in rural health and making a tangible difference

It's less ideal if you:

• Need highly specialized practice areas (oncology, pediatrics)
• Thrive on constant professional events and networking
• Require diverse cultural dining and entertainment
• Want to climb to executive roles quickly

The bottom line: Jamestown offers a high quality of life on a pharmacist's salary. Your $133,173 median salary stretches remarkably far here. The -3% job growth means you'll need patience and networking, but for the right person, it's a place to build a fulfilling, stable career—and maybe even buy that home with a yard.

FAQs

Q: Can I get licensed in ND if I've been out of school for a few years?
A: Yes. ND doesn't have an expiration on your pharmacy education. You'll just need to pass the exams and complete the 1,500 supervised hours (which can be done post-grad). Many pharmacists re-enter the workforce this way.

Q: How quickly can I find a job in Jamestown?
A: Realistically, 3-6 months. The market moves slowly. Use that time to network, get licensed, and visit. Insider tip: Contact hospital pharmacy managers directly—even if no opening is posted. They often know of upcoming retirements.

Q: Is it easy to transition from retail to hospital pharmacy here?
A: Moderately. Hospital positions are coveted and often filled internally. However, showing interest in clinical roles (MTM, anticoagulation) and getting a BCPS certification can open doors. Start in retail to get local experience, then pivot.

Q: What's the winter really like?
A: Expect temperatures from -20°F to 30°F from December through March. Snow is frequent but manageable. Most professionals drive all-wheel-drive vehicles. Key tip: Invest in a good winter coat and remote car starter. The community handles winters well—people are helpful.

Q: Are there opportunities for spouses or partners in healthcare?
A: Yes, but limited. Jamestown has multiple healthcare employers (Sanford, Essentia, private practices). Nurses, therapists, and technicians can find work. However, if your partner is in a non-healthcare field requiring a larger market, this could be a challenge. Pro tip: Many couples in healthcare here commute from nearby smaller towns to maximize housing affordability.

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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), North Dakota Board of Pharmacy, local real estate listings, and employer websites. Salary data reflects 2024 estimates. All figures are approximate and subject to change.