Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Lakewood, Colorado.

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Career Guide for Pharmacists in Lakewood, CO

As a Career Analyst who has watched the Denver Metro job market evolve over the last decade, I’m often asked about Lakewood. It sits in the shadow of Denver but has its own distinct professional landscape. For Pharmacists, Lakewood offers a unique blend of established hospital systems, community health centers, and retail chains, all while providing a slightly more affordable entry point into the Front Range than its more famous neighbor to the east.

This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground observations. We’ll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and what it actually takes to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Let’s start with the most critical data point. Pharmacists in Lakewood earn a Median Salary of $138,274/year, which translates to an Hourly Rate of $66.48/hour. This is actually higher than the National Average of $136,030/year, putting Lakewood in a competitive position for the profession. However, this figure masks significant variation based on experience, setting, and specialty.

The job market is tight, with only 311 jobs currently listed in the metro area. More critically, the 10-Year Job Growth is -3%. This is a crucial data point: the field is contracting slightly, not expanding. This makes strategic placement and specialization more important than ever.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median provides a snapshot, your earning potential will climb with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Lakewood market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Practice	Lakewood Salary Range (Annual)	Common Settings
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$115,000 - $125,000	Retail chains (Walgreens, CVS), hospital staff roles
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$130,000 - $145,000	Hospital clinical roles, specialty pharmacy, management
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$145,000 - $160,000+	Pharmacy management, clinical specialist, consultancy
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$165,000 - $190,000+	Director of Pharmacy, Health System Executive, Academic

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

Lakewood’s salary is competitive, but it’s important to see where it fits in the state’s hierarchy. Denver’s salary is often higher due to the concentration of corporate headquarters and large hospital systems, but the cost of living is also significantly steeper.

City	Median Pharmacist Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Types
Lakewood, CO	$138,274	105.5	Hospitals, Community Health, Retail
Denver, CO	$142,150	114.3	Academic Medical Centers, Corporate HQs, Large Hospitals
Colorado Springs, CO	$134,580	103.8	Military Healthcare, Regional Hospitals, Retail
Fort Collins, CO	$136,800	110.1	University Health, Regional Hospitals, Retail

Note: Salary figures for other cities are based on BLS metro area data for comparison.

Insider Tip: The -3% job growth means you can’t be passive. The best jobs—particularly the clinical and management roles that pay above the median—are filled through networks. Attend Colorado Pharmacy Association events and connect with recruiters from the Colorado Hospital Association.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $138,274 salary looks healthy, but Colorado’s cost of living and taxes change the picture. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single pharmacist earning the median salary.

Assumptions for Calculation:

• Gross Annual Salary: $138,274
• Pre-Tax Deductions: 5% to 401(k), $200/month for health insurance
• Taxes: Federal, State (4.4%), FICA (7.65%), and local taxes
• Rent: Average 1BR rent in Lakewood is $1,835/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$11,523
Net Pay (Take-Home)	~$8,200	After taxes & pre-tax deductions
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,835
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season (winter heating costs)
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries & Household	$500
Student Loan Payment	$500	Assumes standard repayment for a PharmD
Entertainment/Dining Out	$400
Savings/Investments	$4,115	Remainder from net pay

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but with a significant caveat. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $525,000. With a $138,274 salary, you could likely qualify for a mortgage, but your monthly housing cost (including taxes, insurance, and HOA fees) would jump to $2,800 - $3,200/month. This is a $1,000 increase over renting a 1BR. For a single pharmacist, this is doable but would require budget discipline. For a dual-income household, it’s very attainable.

Insider Tip: Many pharmacists in Lakewood live in the West Colfax or Belmar areas, which offer more single-family homes at a better price point than downtown Lakewood, with a manageable 15-20 minute commute to major hospitals.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

With only 311 jobs in the metro, knowing where to look is key. Lakewood’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few major players. Here are the primary employers for Pharmacists:

1. St. Anthony Hospital (Centura Health): Located in the Lakewood/Golden border, this is a 368-bed Level I Trauma Center. It’s the largest employer of clinical pharmacists in the area, with roles in critical care, oncology, and anticoagulation. Hiring is stable but competitive.
2. Lakewood Medical Center (SCL Health/Intermountain): A large multi-specialty clinic with an attached outpatient pharmacy. Focus here is on ambulatory care, chronic disease management, and specialty pharmacy services.
3. Kaiser Permanente (Rocky Mountain Region): While their main medical centers are in Denver and Aurora, the Lakewood area has several large Kaiser pharmacies. These roles are highly sought after for their benefits and work-life balance.
4. Walgreens & CVS Health: The backbone of community pharmacy. With dozens of locations in Lakewood, they are the most common entry point. Hiring is frequent, but turnover can be high. Use these as a stepping stone.
5. Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC): The state prison system, with facilities near Lakewood, employs a significant number of pharmacists for institutional pharmacy services. These are stable, government jobs with excellent benefits.
6. Community Health Centers (e.g., Westside Wellness): With the expansion of Medicaid in Colorado, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are growing. They offer roles in patient education, medication therapy management (MTM), and underserved population care.

Hiring Trends: There’s a clear shift away from pure dispensing roles toward clinical and administrative positions. The -3% growth is reflected here; retail chains are automating, while hospitals are expanding clinical services. To be competitive, gain experience in a hospital setting or pursue a BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) certification.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado is not a compact state, so you’ll need a Colorado-specific license. The process is managed by the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy.

Requirements:

1. NAPLEX & MPJE: Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Colorado.
2. Intern Hours: Complete 1,500 hours of internship under a preceptor in an approved setting.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required.
4. Application Fee: Approximately $200 for the application, plus exam fees (NAPLEX: ~$800, MPJE: ~$300).

Timeline to Get Started:

• For New Graduates: You can apply for a temporary license to start working while your final exam scores are pending. This can allow you to begin a job within 2-3 weeks of graduation, assuming your internship hours are complete.
• For Out-of-State Pharmacists: The process typically takes 4-8 weeks from submitting a complete application to receiving your license. Colorado does not have reciprocity; you must go through the full licensure process.
• Cost Estimate: Total cost for a new graduate is roughly $1,500 - $2,000 (exams, fees, background check).

Insider Tip: Colorado’s MPJE is known for being state-specific and detailed. Focus on Colorado’s rules on pseudoephedrine, controlled substance prescribing for telehealth, and the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are top picks for Lakewood-area pharmacists:

1. Belmar: This is a master-planned community with its own downtown (Belmar Shopping District). It’s walkable, has great amenities, and is a 10-15 minute drive to St. Anthony Hospital. It’s popular with young professionals.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,750 - $1,950/month
2. West Colfax (Lakewood Edge): Bordering Denver, this area is undergoing rapid revitalization. It offers more affordable rent and a vibrant, diverse culture. Commute to central Lakewood is 15-20 minutes.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,700/month
3. Green Mountain: A quiet, suburban neighborhood with excellent access to the foothills. Great for outdoor enthusiasts. Commute to major employers is 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,650 - $1,850/month
4. Downtown Lakewood: The civic and cultural heart of the city. Offers a mix of apartments and townhomes. Close to the Lakewood Cultural Center and Wadsworth corridor. Commute to St. Anthony is under 10 minutes.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,100/month
5. Aurora (Eastern Edge): While not technically Lakewood, many pharmacists live in Aurora’s western neighborhoods (like Meadow Hills) for more space and lower rent. The commute to Lakewood can be 20-30 minutes via I-225/I-70.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,600/month

Insider Tip: Traffic on Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard during rush hour can be brutal. If you work at St. Anthony or Lakewood Medical Center, living north of 6th Avenue or west of Wadsworth can cut your commute significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of -3%, stagnation is a real risk. Your career trajectory must be intentional.

Specialty Premiums:

• Oncology: High demand at St. Anthony and in Denver metro. Can add $10,000 - $15,000 to your base salary.
• Critical Care: Essential for hospital roles. Certification (BCCCP) is a major advantage.
• Ambulatory Care: Growing with value-based care models. BCACP certification is valuable.
• Informatics: A niche but growing field within large health systems like Centura and Kaiser.

Advancement Paths:

1. Staff Pharmacist -> Clinical Specialist: Requires additional residency (PGY1/PGY2) or significant experience + BCPS.
2. Clinical Specialist -> Pharmacy Manager: Move into leadership, managing staff and budgets.
3. Manager -> Director of Pharmacy: The top of the clinical ladder in a hospital, overseeing the entire department.
4. Industry/Consulting: Leverage clinical experience for roles with pharmaceutical companies or pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), which often have offices in the Denver metro.

10-Year Outlook: The decline in traditional retail jobs will continue. The future for Lakewood pharmacists is in integrated clinical services—working directly with physicians in clinics, managing complex patients remotely, and leading medication safety initiatives. The pharmacists who thrive will be those who adapt from dispensers to clinical experts.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Lakewood is not Denver, and that’s its biggest selling point. It offers a more grounded, community-focused environment with direct access to the mountains and a slightly lower cost of living. For a pharmacist, it’s a stable market with major employers, but one that requires strategic career planning.

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost: $138,274 goes further here than in Denver.	Tight Job Market: Only 311 jobs and -3% growth.
Employer Diversity: Mix of hospital, community health, and retail.	Competition: Top clinical and management roles are competitive.
Outdoor Access: Unbeatable proximity to mountains and trails.	Traffic: Can be a daily challenge on major arteries.
Community Feel: Less transient than Denver, easier to build networks.	Limited Nightlife: Compared to Denver, the scene is quieter.
Stable Healthcare Sector: Hospitals like St. Anthony are anchors.	Reliance on Car: Limited public transit options.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood is an excellent choice for pharmacists who value work-life balance, access to nature, and a stable professional environment. It’s ideal for those with 3-7 years of experience looking to buy a home and settle down, or for new grads willing to start in retail to build a network. If you’re seeking the highest possible salary and the bustle of a major city center, you may find Denver more appealing. But for most, Lakewood offers the best balance of career opportunity and quality of life on the Front Range.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to transition from retail to hospital pharmacy in Lakewood?
A: It’s challenging but doable. The key is to leverage your network. Start by per-diemming at a hospital while in retail. Connect with pharmacy managers at St. Anthony or SCL Health through professional events. Many hospitals prefer candidates with prior hospital experience, so a PGY1 residency is the most direct path.

Q: How does the cost of living impact a pharmacist’s salary in Lakewood?
A: While the $138,274 median salary is strong, the 105.5 Cost of Living Index means your dollar buys about 5.5% less than the national average. Housing is the biggest factor. Your salary is comfortable for renting but requires careful budgeting for homeownership, especially if you have student loans.

Q: What’s the job market like for new pharmacy graduates in Lakewood?
A: Tight. The -3% growth means there are fewer entry-level positions than graduates. New grads should be prepared to apply statewide and consider residencies to be competitive for the desirable hospital and clinical roles in Lakewood. Retail chains are the most common entry point.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes. The hospital systems (St. Anthony, SCL) and large retail chains frequently hire per-diem pharmacists to cover vacations and leaves. This is a great way to gain experience, network, and supplement income while searching for a full-time role.

Q: Does Colorado have a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP)?
A: Yes, it’s called CURES (Colorado USE Reporting System). Colorado pharmacists are required to check CURES for controlled substance prescriptions before dispensing. It’s a critical part of the state’s opioid stewardship efforts and a key topic on the MPJE.

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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Salary Survey, Zillow Rental Data, Sperling's BestPlaces Cost of Living Index, and local healthcare system job postings.