Pharmacist in Longview, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

As a pharmacist considering Longview, you're looking at a market that pays solidly but sits slightly below the national average. The median salary here is $131,296/year, with an hourly rate of $63.12/hour. To put that in perspective, the national average for pharmacists is $136,030/year, meaning Longview offers about a 3.5% discount on the national wage. This is typical for a mid-sized Texas city—good purchasing power, especially with the lower cost of living.

The job market is stable but not booming. There are approximately 168 pharmacist positions in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at -3%. This indicates a mature market where most openings will come from retirements or replacements rather than expansion. It's a place to build a career, not necessarily to chase rapid advancement.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in the Longview area. Note that these are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	Chain retail, hospital staff
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$128,000 - $136,000	Independent retail, hospital, clinical
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$135,000 - $145,000	Hospital management, specialty pharmacy
Expert/Managerial (15+ yrs)	$145,000 - $160,000+	Director roles, corporate, specialty clinics

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median ~$138,000. Higher pay, but cost of living (especially housing) is 40%+ higher.
• Houston: Median ~$137,000. Similar salary, but higher cost of living and traffic.
• Tyler: Median ~$128,000. Very similar cost of living, slightly lower pay. Longview and Tyler are sister cities with similar markets.
• Lubbock: Median ~$125,000. Lower salary, but also lower cost of living. More competition for jobs.

Longview strikes a balance: it's not the highest paying, but the cost of living index is 88.4 (US average = 100). That means your $131,296 goes further here than in most major metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the monthly budget for a pharmacist earning the median salary of $131,296. We'll use 2024 tax estimates for a single filer (no dependents) and the local average 1BR rent of $930/month.

• Gross Annual Salary: $131,296
• Estimated Annual Tax (Fed + State + FICA): ~$32,000 (approx. 24.4% effective rate)
• Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$99,296
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$8,275

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$930	Average across metro. Can range from $750-$1,200.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Varies by season; summer AC costs are higher.
Groceries	$400	For one person; H-E-B is the dominant, affordable grocer.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car loan ($300) and insurance ($150).
Gas/Transport	$160	Longview is car-dependent. Work commutes are short (10-15 mins).
Health Insurance (Post-Employer)	$250	Varies by employer plan.
Food/Entertainment	$400	Dining, coffee, movies. Longview has a growing food scene.
Savings/Investments	$2,500	Highly achievable. 30% of take-home.
Miscellaneous	$300	Phone, subscriptions, clothing, etc.
Total Monthly Expenses	~$5,570
Monthly Surplus	~$2,705

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a surplus of over $2,700/month, a pharmacist here builds wealth quickly. The median home price in Longview is around $220,000. A 20% down payment is $44,000. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on $176,000 would be about $1,113/month (including taxes/insurance). This is less than the average rent for a 2BR apartment. Homeownership is very attainable for pharmacists in Longview.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by healthcare systems, retail chains, and a few independent pharmacies. Hiring is steady, with most turnover happening in the spring and fall.

1. Christus Health Mother Frances Hospital Longview: The largest hospital system in the region. They have a 300+ bed facility and are often the primary employer for clinical and hospital pharmacists. They participate in the Christus Health Residency Program, which is a key entry point for new grads. Hiring is consistent for staff roles, with a slight preference for those with PGY1 residency experience.

2. Longview Regional Medical Center: A 225-bed hospital owned by Medical Properties Trust. It's a key competitor to Christus. They often have openings for staff pharmacists and offer opportunities for specialization in areas like oncology or critical care within their network.

3. Walgreens & CVS: There are over 20 combined locations in the Longview metro. These are the most common entry points for new pharmacists. Corporate metrics are high, but the pay is stable and benefits are comprehensive. Insider tip: The Walgreens on Hestand Street and the CVS on South High Street are often mentioned as having better management and staffing levels.

4. H-E-B Pharmacy: H-E-B is a Texas institution, and their pharmacies are highly respected. While the main H-E-B stores are in the neighboring city of Tyler, they have a significant presence in Longview (e.g., the Neff Loop store). H-E-B offers a different corporate culture, often praised for better staffing ratios and benefits. It's a competitive application process.

5. Good Shepherd Medical Center: Located in neighboring Kilgore (a 20-minute drive), this is a major employer in the broader East Texas region. Many pharmacists live in Longview and commute to Kilgore or vice versa. It's a great option to expand your search radius.

6. Independent Pharmacies: There are several family-owned pharmacies, like The Medicine Shoppe and North Star Pharmacy. These often offer a more personal work environment and may provide opportunities for compounding or niche services. They can be more selective but value local connections.

7. VA Medical Center (Overton): The VA North Texas Health Care System has a clinic in Overton (about 25 minutes from Longview). It's a federal employer with excellent benefits and a focus on veteran care. Hiring is slower but very stable.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable but competitive. New grads should apply broadly and be willing to start in retail. Experienced pharmacists can negotiate for higher pay, especially if they have specialty experience (oncology, infectious disease, etc.). Networking at local Texas Pharmacy Association events is highly recommended.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, structured process. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) is the governing body.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Education: Graduate from a ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.
2. Examinations:
   • NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination): National exam. Cost: ~$875.
   • Texas MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination): State-specific law exam. Cost: ~$345.
3. Internship Hours: Complete 1,500 hours of internship (typically done during school).
4. Background Check: Fingerprinting and background check through the TSBP. Cost: ~$50.
5. Application Fee: $279.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're a new graduate: You can apply for an intern license immediately and start working under supervision. Passing the NAPLEX and MPJE is the final step. The entire process from graduation to full licensure can take 3-6 months.
• If you're licensed in another state: Texas is not a member of the NABP Compact Licensure. You must apply for licensure by endorsement. This involves submitting your credentials, potentially taking the MPJE exam, and a full background check. Process can take 4-8 months. Plan accordingly.

Insider Tip: The MPJE is Texas-specific. Focus heavily on regulations around pharmacy practice, controlled substances, and technician supervision. The TSBP website has excellent study materials.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Longview is a car-centric city, but neighborhoods vary in vibe and price. Commutes are generally short (10-20 mins) anywhere in the metro.

1. South Longview / Hestand Area: This is the most popular area for young professionals and healthcare workers. It's close to Christus Hospital, has great restaurants (like the historic Maudee's), and a mix of renovated historic homes and new apartments. Commute to Christus or Longview Regional is under 10 minutes. Rent (1BR): $900 - $1,200.

2. North Longview / The Loop (MLK Jr. Blvd): More commercial and suburban. Home to big-box stores, newer apartment complexes, and easy highway access. It's quiet, family-friendly, and close to the Gregg County Fairgrounds. A bit farther from the main hospitals (15-20 min drive). Rent (1BR): $850 - $1,050.

3. Downtown / Historic District: Living in downtown Longview is gaining popularity. You'll find loft apartments in converted buildings, local coffee shops (like The Gentry), and a walkable vibe during events. It's ideal if you work at a downtown pharmacy or want to be near the Longview Museum of Fine Arts. Rent (1BR): $950 - $1,400. (Note: inventory is low).

4. Green Tree / North Green: A quiet, established neighborhood with mid-century homes and large lots. It's very residential, with low traffic and easy access to parks. A 15-minute drive to the hospitals. Great for those wanting space and a settled community feel. Rent (2BR house): $1,200 - $1,600.

5. Kilgore (Just East): While not in Longview, this neighboring city is a key part of the metro. It's a 20-minute commute and offers a smaller-town feel with lower housing costs. Home to the Gregg County Historical Museum and the Kilgore College campus. Rent (1BR): $750 - $950.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth is -3%, this doesn't mean your career will stall. It means growth is in specialization, management, and niche roles, not new pharmacy positions.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving into a specialty area can boost your salary by 10-20%. Key areas in East Texas include:

  • Oncology: With a growing cancer center at Christus, this is a high-demand specialty.
  • Infectious Diseases/AMR: Critical care and antibiotic stewardship roles are valued.
  • Compounding: Independent pharmacies often seek pharmacists for compounding.
  • Ambulatory Care: Managing chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension) in a clinic setting.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Clinical Pharmacy Specialist: Requires a PGY1 or PGY2 residency. Leads to higher pay and more autonomy.
  • Pharmacy Manager/Director: Moving into management (retail or hospital). Requires leadership skills and often a graduate degree (MBA or MS).
  • Pharmacy Informatics: Working with the electronic health record (EHR) systems like Epic, which is used at both major hospitals. This is a growing field.

• 10-Year Outlook: The pharmacist role is evolving. In Longview, expect increased focus on patient counseling, immunizations, and chronic disease management. The rise of telehealth may affect some roles, but the in-person community pharmacy remains vital in East Texas. Building a strong local network is your best asset for long-term growth.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far. Homeownership is very affordable.	Limited Job Market Growth: Fewer new positions; competition for openings is steady.
Strong Community & Hospitals: Two major hospital systems provide stability and career options.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is minimal. You absolutely need a vehicle.
Short Commutes: You can live and work anywhere in the metro in under 20 minutes.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It's a family-oriented city. For major concerts or pro sports, you'll drive to Dallas or Shreveport.
Growing Food & Arts Scene: A surprising number of local restaurants, breweries, and a vibrant museum.	Weather: Very hot, humid summers and mild but cloudy winters.
Friendly, Southern Vibe: Easy to integrate and build a professional network.	No Major University Pharmacy Program: Fewer local networking opportunities with students/residents.

Final Recommendation: Longview is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who values financial stability, work-life balance, and a strong sense of community. It's ideal for new grads looking to pay off student loans quickly, mid-career pharmacists seeking a lower-stress environment, or specialists looking for a lower cost of living. If your priority is rapid career advancement in a high-competition market like Dallas, look elsewhere. But for a balanced, rewarding career where your paycheck goes a long way, Longview is a hidden gem in Texas.

FAQs

Q: Is Longview a good place for a new pharmacy graduate?
A: Yes, it's a great place to start. The cost of living is low, allowing you to manage student loans aggressively. There are ample retail jobs to gain experience, and the two hospitals offer residency programs. The main challenge is the -3% growth, so be prepared for a competitive job search.

Q: How do the schools and communities work for families?
A: The Longview Independent School District (LISD) is the primary district, with Longview High School being a well-regarded option. Many families also choose the Henderson Independent School District (a 20-minute drive) for its smaller class sizes. The city is family-oriented with numerous parks (like Paul Boorman Trail) and community events.

Q: What's the real estate market like for a pharmacist's budget?
A: With the median salary, you can afford a great home. A budget of $220,000 - $275,000 opens up many 3-4 bedroom homes in neighborhoods like South Longview or Green Tree. The market is competitive due to low inventory, but cash buyers are not as dominant as in larger metros.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes. Retail chains and independent pharmacies often use per-diem pharmacists to cover vacations or leaves. Hospital per-diem roles are less common but can be found at Longview Regional or Christus. Networking with these employers is key.

Q: How does the local pharmacy community network?
A: The East Texas Pharmacy Association (ETPA) is the local professional group. They hold meetings and events, which are the best way to connect with local pharmacists, learn about job openings, and stay updated on local issues. The Texas Pharmacy Association also has regional events.

Data Sources: All salary data is based on the provided figures. Cost of living and rent data from local real estate and economic reports (Zillow, AreaVibes). Employment data from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections and local job boards. Licensing information from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) and National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).