Pharmacist in Mansfield, TX

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering Mansfield, TX.

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The Salary Picture: Where Mansfield Stands

As a pharmacist in Mansfield, you're looking at a salary that is competitive within the DFW metroplex, often slightly above the national average, which is a significant draw for a city with a more manageable cost of living. The median salary for a pharmacist in Mansfield is $137,376/year, with an hourly rate of $66.05/hour. This places you nearly $1,400 above the national average, a notable premium for a mid-sized city.

This salary reflects the high demand in the area, driven by the sprawling DFW metro and the presence of several large healthcare systems and retail chains. However, it’s crucial to understand that this is a median figure. Salaries can vary significantly based on your experience, specialty, and the specific work setting (e.g., hospital vs. retail). The job market in the metro area is tight, with only 159 pharmacist positions listed, and a 10-year job growth projection of -3%. This isn't necessarily a red flag; it indicates a mature, stable market where positions are often filled through internal promotions and networking rather than constant new openings.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Mansfield area. These figures are estimates based on local market data, national trends, and the provided median.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$120,000 - $130,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$135,000 - $145,000
Senior	10-19 years	$145,000 - $155,000
Expert/Managerial	20+ years	$155,000+ (can reach $165,000+ in specialized roles)

Insider Tip: Your first job out of pharmacy school will likely be the lowest-paying, but the Texas market moves quickly. After 2-3 years of solid experience, you can command a significant pay increase by switching employers or negotiating a promotion.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

How does Mansfield stack up against other major Texas cities? The data shows a favorable position for pharmacists who want a blend of good pay and a lower-stress lifestyle compared to the state's largest metros.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Mansfield	$137,376	103.3
Dallas	$138,500	107.1
Austin	$139,200	114.3
Houston	$136,800	103.8
San Antonio	$133,100	97.9

While Dallas and Austin offer slightly higher median salaries, their cost of living is significantly higher, especially in desirable neighborhoods. Houston's salary is comparable, but its sprawling nature can lead to longer commutes. San Antonio has a lower cost of living but also a notably lower median salary. Mansfield hits a "sweet spot," offering a salary that is competitive with the state's largest cities while maintaining a more suburban, family-friendly environment with a cost of living just slightly above the national average.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down what your budget looks like on a pharmacist's salary in Mansfield. The key variable here is your tax situation, but we can create a realistic estimate based on Texas's state tax structure (no state income tax) and federal obligations.

Assumptions for a Single Filer:

• Gross Annual Salary: $137,376
• Filing Status: Single
• Deductions: Standard deduction ($14,600 for 2024)
• Pre-tax Deductions: 401(k) contribution (6% or $8,243), health insurance ($6,000)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$11,448	Based on $137,376 annual salary.
Pre-Tax Deductions	-$1,187	401(k) & Health Insurance.
Taxable Income	$10,261
Federal Taxes (Est.)	-$1,900	Varies greatly; this is a conservative estimate.
Social Security & Medicare	-$784	7.65% of taxable income.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$7,577	This is your "in-hand" monthly income.
Average 1BR Rent	-$1,291	The city-wide average.
Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings	~$6,286

With over $6,200 remaining after rent and taxes, a single pharmacist has considerable financial flexibility. For a dual-income household, this financial power is even greater. This budget allows for aggressive savings, significant discretionary spending, and a comfortable lifestyle.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. Mansfield's real estate market is a key part of its appeal. While the average home price is on the rise, it remains affordable compared to the national landscape, especially for a professional earning $137,376.

• Median Home Price (Mansfield): ~$425,000
• Estimated 20% Down Payment: $85,000
• Estimated Mortgage (Principal & Interest, 30-year fixed): ~$2,100/month
• Estimated Property Taxes (Texas avg ~2.1%): ~$744/month
• Estimated Homeowners Insurance: ~$125/month
• Total Estimated Monthly Housing Cost: ~$2,969

Even with a conservative budget, a monthly housing cost of $2,969 represents only about 39% of your net take-home pay, which is within the recommended range (under 35-45%). With a dual income, this becomes even more manageable. Building a down payment of $85,000 is feasible on this salary within a few years of disciplined saving.

Insider Tip: Property taxes in Texas are high, and they are a non-negotiable part of homeownership. Always factor in Texas's ~2.1% property tax rate when calculating your true monthly housing payment. It's not a hidden cost; it's a significant, predictable line item.

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Where the Jobs Are: Mansfield's Major Employers

The pharmacist job market in Mansfield is defined by retail, hospital, and a growing specialty care sector. The "jobs in metro" figure of 159 is low, meaning competition for desirable roles is real. Most pharmacists find work within a 15-20 minute commute, often in neighboring Southlake, Fort Worth, or Arlington.

Here are the primary local employers:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Mansfield: The anchor of the local healthcare scene. This 72-bed hospital offers roles for clinical pharmacists, often with a focus on internal medicine, critical care, and oncology. Hiring is steady but competitive; positions are often posted internally first. They value pharmacists with a Pharm.D. and residency training.

2. Texas Health Resources (THR) - Mansfield: While the main hospital is in Fort Worth, THR has a significant outpatient and retail presence in the area, including primary care clinics with integrated pharmacies. They offer opportunities for both retail and clinical pharmacists in a team-based care environment.

3. Walgreens & CVS Health: As in most suburban markets, these two giants have a heavy retail presence. You'll find multiple locations in and around Mansfield. These are often the entry points for new graduates. While demanding, they offer structured training programs and a clear path to store management or district-level roles. Hiring is frequent, but turnover can be high.

4. H-E-B Pharmacy: The beloved Texas grocery chain has a strong pharmacy division. The nearest locations with pharmacies are in Burleson and Arlington. H-E-B is known for competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a strong company culture. Their pharmacists often enjoy better work-life balance than those in corporate drugstore chains. Hiring is less frequent but highly sought after.

5. Albertsons / Tom Thumb: Another major grocery chain with a pharmacy presence in the area. They offer a similar environment to H-E-B, focusing on community-based care and customer relationships. Keep an eye on their career pages for openings in the DFW region.

6. Independent Pharmacies: While fewer in number, local independents like Mansfield Pharmacy or St. Mark’s Pharmacy in nearby Arlington offer a completely different work environment. They often focus on compounding, specialized medication therapy management (MTM), and a more personal connection to patients. Pay can be competitive, and the pace is often more manageable. These are great for pharmacists looking to escape the corporate structure.

Hiring Trends Insight: The market favors pharmacists with flexibility. Those willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in a retail setting will find more openings. For hospital roles, a PGY-1 residency is becoming the standard, not a bonus. Network on LinkedIn with pharmacists already working in the DFW area; many positions are filled through referrals before they're ever publicly listed.

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Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but rigorous licensing process managed by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). If you're licensed in another state, Texas is not part of the licensure compact, so you'll need to go through the full licensure by examination or reciprocity process.

For New Graduates or Those Needing Licensure:

1. Pass the NAPLEX: The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination is the national standard.
2. Pass the Texas MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination): This is a state-specific law exam. Texas's version is known for being detailed. Study the Texas Pharmacy Act and Rules thoroughly.
3. Submit Your Application: Apply online through the TSBP website. You'll need to provide official transcripts, proof of graduation, and a background check.
4. Fingerprinting: The TSBP requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check.

Timeline to Get Started:

• For New Grads: Your pharmacy school should guide you through the process. Plan on 3-6 months after graduation to complete exams and paperwork before you can officially start working.
• For Out-of-State Pharmacists: The process can take 4-8 months. You must request verification of your license from every state you've held a license in. The TSBP will review your application and may require additional documentation.

Estimated Costs:

• NAPLEX Fee: $595
• MPJE Fee: $80
• Texas License Application Fee: $287
• Fingerprinting: ~$50
• Total: ~$1,012 (plus any costs for study materials or review courses).

Insider Tip: Start the Texas licensure process before you accept a job offer. Employers will need you to be eligible for licensure, and having your exams scheduled or passed makes you a much stronger candidate.

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Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Mansfield and its surrounding communities offer a range of lifestyles, from established suburban neighborhoods to newer master-planned communities. Commute times to major employers in Fort Worth, Southlake, or Arlington are a key consideration.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Lifestyle	Typical Rent (1BR)	Commute to Major Employers
Mansfield Historic Downtown	Charming, walkable, community-focused. Older homes, local shops, and a strong sense of local pride. Ideal for those who want a small-town feel.	$1,350 - $1,550	20-25 mins to Fort Worth/Southlake; 15 mins to local hospitals.
Highland Ridge / South Point	Master-planned, family-centric. Excellent schools (Mansfield ISD), parks, and community pools. Very safe and quiet.	$1,400 - $1,650	25-30 mins to Fort Worth/Southlake; 10-15 mins to local hospitals.
Arlington (South/Southeast)	Diverse, established suburbs. More affordable than Mansfield, with a mix of older and newer housing. Home to major employers like Texas Health Resources.	$1,150 - $1,350	15-20 mins to Fort Worth/Southlake; 5-15 mins to local hospitals.
Burleson (North)	Another strong suburban option. Known for a slightly more rural feel on its western edge but with modern conveniences. Good schools and value.	$1,200 - $1,400	25-30 mins to Fort Worth/Southlake; 10-15 mins to local hospitals.
Midlothian / Ellis County	Fast-growing, more rural-suburban. Significantly more affordable housing with larger lots. The commute is the main trade-off.	$1,000 - $1,250	35-45 mins to Fort Worth/Southlake; 20-30 mins to local hospitals.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-20, Highway 360, and US-67 can be significant during rush hour. If you work a standard 9-to-5, living west of I-35W (like in Burleson or southern Mansfield) can make your commute to Fort Worth-based hospitals much smoother than living east of the metroplex.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of -3% for pharmacists nationally is a signal to think strategically about your career. The era of simply filling prescriptions is fading. To thrive in Mansfield, you need to specialize and evolve.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Pharmacy (Hospital): This is the primary growth area. A pharmacist with a PGY-1 residency can work in a hospital setting (like Baylor Scott & White) focusing on critical care, oncology, or infectious diseases. This often comes with a $5,000 - $15,000 salary premium over a零售 pharmacist and offers a more predictable schedule.
• Ambulatory Care / Primary Care: Working in a clinic setting (like those affiliated with THR or Baylor) allows you to work directly with physicians on managing chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension). This is a growing field that emphasizes patient counseling and outcomes.
• Pharmacy Management: The traditional path. Moving from a staff pharmacist to a Pharmacy Manager (retail) or Pharmacy Director (hospital) offers a significant pay bump ($160,000+) but comes with administrative and personnel responsibilities.
• Specialty Pharmacy: The DFW is a hub for specialty drugs (e.g., for rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, MS). Working for a specialty pharmacy (often affiliated with a hospital or a standalone company) involves prior authorizations, patient education, and high-cost drug management. This is a high-demand, high-skill area.

10-Year Outlook in Mansfield:
The outlook is one of stability and evolution. The -3% growth isn't a sign of collapse but of a market in transition. The basic retail dispensing role will likely see some automation and consolidation. However, pharmacists who position themselves as clinical experts, MTM providers, and integrated care team members will be highly valuable. The growth of the DFW metro will continue to support demand in specialty and hospital settings. The key is to never stop learning and to obtain board certifications (e.g., BCPS, BCACP) to demonstrate expertise and command a higher salary.

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The Verdict: Is Mansfield Right for You?

Mansfield represents a compelling option for pharmacists seeking a high quality of life without sacrificing a competitive salary. It's a city for those who value suburban comfort, good schools, and weekend access to both nature and major city amenities, all while building financial security.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($137,376) with a lower cost of living than Dallas or Austin.	Competitive job market with only 159 positions in the metro; networking is key.
Excellent public schools (Mansfield ISD) and a family-friendly environment.	10-year job growth is flat (-3%), requiring proactive career management.
Strategic location within the DFW metro for weekend entertainment and professional sports.	Dependence on a car; public transit is limited, and commutes can be long.
Homeownership is achievable on a pharmacist's salary.	The pace of retail pharmacy can be demanding; hospital roles may require a residency.
No state income tax on your salary.	Limited independent pharmacy options compared to larger cities.

Final Recommendation

Mansfield is an excellent choice for:

• Early to mid-career pharmacists looking to maximize their take-home pay.
• Pharmacists with families who