The Complete Career Guide for Pharmacists in Pembroke Pines, FL

If you're a pharmacist eyeing a move to South Florida, Pembroke Pines offers a unique blend of suburban comfort, strategic location, and a robust healthcare ecosystem. As a local who has watched this city grow from a collection of subdivisions into the second-largest city in Broward County, I can tell you it’s a pragmatic choice for healthcare professionals. This guide cuts through the promotional fluff and delivers a data-driven, on-the-ground look at what your career and life would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Pembroke Pines Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the pharmacists in the Pembroke Pines metro area—which includes the broader Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Miami Metropolitan Statistical Area—can expect a median salary of $140,845 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $67.71. This positions the area slightly above the national average of $136,030. However, this is a competitive market, and your compensation will vary significantly based on your experience, specialty, and employer type.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

The following table provides a realistic salary progression for pharmacists in the Pembroke Pines area, based on aggregated local job postings and BLS data.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Pembroke Pines)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Staff Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacy Manager	$115,000 - $130,000
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	Clinical Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacy Manager	$135,000 - $155,000
Senior (8-15 years)	Pharmacy Supervisor, Ambulatory Care Manager	$150,000 - $175,000
Expert (15+ years)	Director of Pharmacy, Clinical Specialist	$165,000 - $195,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates. Hospital systems (like Memorial and Broward Health) often offer higher base salaries than independent or chain retail pharmacies. Specialist roles (e.g., oncology, infectious disease) can command premiums.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

How does Pembroke Pines stack up against its Florida peers? The cost of living here is notably higher than in many other parts of the state, which is reflected in the salary data.

City	Median Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Pembroke Pines, FL	$140,845	$1,621	111.8
Tampa, FL	$138,450	$1,585	107.5
Jacksonville, FL	$132,900	$1,350	102.1
Orlando, FL	$137,200	$1,610	108.3
Miami, FL	$142,100	$2,050	123.5

While the Pembroke Pines median salary of $140,845 is higher than in Tampa or Jacksonville, it's crucial to weigh it against the local cost of living, which is 11.8% above the national average. You'll earn more here than in much of the country, but your dollar will go slightly less far.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary looks great on paper, but let’s get real about your monthly budget. For a single filer earning the median salary of $140,845, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes is approximately $103,000 per year, or about $8,583 per month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
After-Tax Income	$8,583	Based on single filer with standard deduction.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	-$1,621	Average for Pembroke Pines.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	-$250	Varies by season (AC is a major cost).
Groceries & Dining	-$700	Moderate budget.
Transportation (Car + Gas/Ins.)	-$500	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	-$400	If not fully covered by employer.
Retirement Savings (10%)	-$858	Highly recommended.
Discretionary / Other	-$1,254	Entertainment, shopping, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Pembroke Pines is approximately $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%), your monthly payment would be around $2,300 (including taxes and insurance). This is feasible on a $140,845 salary, provided you have significant savings for the down payment and closing costs. Many pharmacists here opt to buy in neighborhoods like Pembroke Lakes or SilverLakes after a few years of renting and saving.

The Jobs Are: Pembroke Pines's Major Employers

Pembroke Pines is a hub for healthcare in western Broward County. The job market is stable but competitive, with 342 reported pharmacist jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is -3%, indicating a slight contraction, likely due to automation in retail and consolidation in the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) space. However, demand remains strong in clinical and specialty roles.

Here are the key local employers:

1. Memorial Healthcare System – The largest employer in the region. Their flagship hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital, is just east of Pembroke Pines in Hollywood. They employ pharmacists in inpatient, ambulatory care, and specialty pharmacy roles. Hiring trends favor candidates with a PharmD and BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) credentials.
2. Broward Health – Based in Fort Lauderdale but serving all of Broward County, including Pembroke Pines. They have a significant need for pharmacists in their emergency departments and oncology units. They are known for offering competitive benefits and tuition reimbursement.
3. Publix Pharmacy – A dominant force in Florida retail. Publix has numerous locations in Pembroke Pines (e.g., at Pembroke Lakes Square and Pines City Center). They are a major employer for staff pharmacists and offer a well-regarded management track. Hiring is consistent, but turnover is low.
4. CVS Health & Walgreens – Both have a strong presence with multiple locations. These are often entry points for new pharmacists. The pace is fast, but they offer training programs and opportunities to move into corporate or specialty pharmacy roles.
5. South Florida Behavioral Health Network – For pharmacists interested in mental health and addiction treatment. They oversee medication-assisted treatment programs and often seek pharmacists with specialized knowledge.
6. Independent Pharmacies & Compounding Pharmacies – Places like Pines Pharmacy or Broward Compounding offer a more personal, community-focused environment. They often cater to specific medical neighborhoods and can be a great fit for those wanting to build strong patient relationships.

Insider Tip: The tightest job market is for retail staff pharmacists. The highest demand and best growth potential are in hospital clinical roles and specialty pharmacy (especially oncology and rare disease), driven by the aging population in South Florida.

Getting Licensed in FL

If you're moving from out of state, you must obtain a Florida Pharmacist License from the Florida Board of Pharmacy. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Key Requirements:

1. NAPLEX & MPJE: You must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Florida. If you’ve already passed these for another state, you may need to retake them unless you're licensed in a compact state (Florida is not part of the multi-state pharmacist licensure compact).
2. Foreign Graduate: If you graduated from a non-US school, you must complete the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) process.
3. Background Check & Fingerprints: Required. Cost is approximately $100-$150.
4. Application Fee: The current fee is $175.
5. Continuing Education: Once licensed, pharmacists must complete 30 hours of CE every 2 years, including a 2-hour course on medication errors and a 1-hour course on HIV/AIDS.

Timeline: The process can take 3 to 6 months from the time you submit your application, assuming you have already passed your exams. Start the process as soon as you have a job offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided by major arteries like Pines Boulevard and Flamingo Road, creating distinct vibes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Proximity to Employers
Pembroke Lakes	Family-oriented, walkable to Publix, parks. Easy commute to Memorial hospitals.	$1,650 - $1,800	Excellent (5-15 min to Memorial)
SilverLakes	Golf course community, quieter, more established. Slightly longer commute to Fort Lauderdale.	$1,500 - $1,650	Good (15-20 min to most places)
City Center (Downtown Pines)	Urban feel, apartments, shops, and restaurants. Busiest area.	$1,700 - $1,900	Central (10-25 min commute)
West Pines	Newer construction, luxury apartments, closer to I-75. Car-dependent.	$1,800 - $2,000	Good (10-20 min to hospitals)

Insider Tip: If you work at Memorial Regional or Broward Health, living in Pembroke Lakes or SilverLakes gives you a reverse commute (against traffic flow), saving you 20-30 minutes a day. Avoid living south of Pines Boulevard if you work in Hollywood, as traffic on Flamingo Road can be intense.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The -3% job growth statistic is a cautionary tale for those who plan to stay in traditional retail roles. The future for pharmacists in Pembroke Pines lies in specialization and moving into clinical or administrative roles.

• Specialty Premiums: Pharmacists with certifications like BCPS (Pharmacotherapy), BCOP (Oncology), or BCCCP (Critical Care) can command a $10,000 - $20,000 salary premium over the base median. Hospitals like Memorial actively recruit for these roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path from an entry-level staff pharmacist is to a clinical specialist, then to a manager or director of pharmacy. An MBA or a Master's in Health Administration can accelerate this path, especially in large hospital systems.
• 10-Year Outlook: While the overall job growth is flat, the demand for pharmacists in geriatric care, long-term care, and collaborative practice models (where pharmacists manage patient medication therapy directly) is growing. The aging population of Florida is a powerful driver. Pharmacists who adapt to value-based care models will remain highly employable.

The Verdict: Is Pembroke Pines Right for You?

Making the move is a big decision. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($140,845) to offset the cost of living.	High cost of living (111.8 index) and competitive housing market.
Strong, diverse healthcare employers (Memorial, Broward Health).	Job market saturation in retail; growth is in specialties requiring extra certs.
Excellent location—close to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and beaches.	Traffic congestion is a daily reality, especially on I-75 and Pines Blvd.
Family-friendly suburbs with good schools and parks.	Limited public transit; a car is a necessity.
No state income tax on your salary.	Hurricane season (June-Nov) is a serious consideration.

Final Recommendation: Pembroke Pines is an excellent choice for pharmacists who are mid-career or looking to specialize, especially those with families who value suburban life with city access. It’s less ideal for entry-level pharmacists who might find the cost of living daunting on a starting salary. If you’re willing to pursue clinical certifications and can tolerate the summer humidity, the career and lifestyle opportunities are robust.

FAQs

1. Is the -3% job growth a major red flag?
Not necessarily. This figure is heavily influenced by automation in retail pharmacy and mergers in the PBM industry. The demand for pharmacists in hospital, clinical, and specialty roles remains steady to strong. The key is to avoid being stuck in a traditional retail position and to upskill into a clinical specialty.

2. How competitive is the housing market for someone earning $140,845?
It’s manageable but requires planning. A single person can comfortably rent a nice 1-bedroom apartment. Buying a home is possible but requires a solid down payment ($80k+). Many dual-income households (e.g., two healthcare professionals) find purchasing easier. Start saving early.

3. What’s the real commute like?
It depends on your direction. If you live in Pembroke Lakes and work at Memorial Regional Hospital, it’s a manageable 10-15 minute drive. If you live in West Pines and work in Miami, you’re looking at a 45-60 minute commute with tolls. Always test your commute during rush hour before signing a lease.

4. Do I need to be bilingual (Spanish/Creole)?
While not a strict requirement, it is a significant advantage. South Florida has large Spanish and Haitian Creole-speaking populations. Being bilingual can make you a more competitive candidate for clinical roles that require direct patient interaction and can open doors to community-focused pharmacy positions.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
Yes. Hospital systems like Memorial and Broward Health often have per-diem openings for pharmacists to cover vacations or leaves. Retail chains also offer flexible scheduling. This is a great way to supplement income or gain experience in different settings.

Data sources for this guide include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida Board of Pharmacy, Zillow, Sperling's BestPlaces, and local job market analysis.