Pharmacist in Pompano Beach, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Pompano Beach Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight: pharmacy salaries in Pompano Beach are solid, but they don't dramatically outpace the national average. The median salary here is $140,845/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.71/hour. That's slightly above the national average of $136,030/year, but the difference is modest. The real story is in the stability—there are 227 pharmacist jobs in the metro area, a number that has held relatively steady despite a 10-year job growth rate of -3%. This isn't a market exploding with new positions, but it's a mature, reliable one where turnover creates consistent openings.

Experience is the biggest driver of earnings. Here’s how it typically breaks down:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Pompano Beach)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	Often starts at retail chains (CVS, Walgreens) or as a floater. New grads may find the first year challenging to land a full-time, stable position.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$135,000 - $150,000	This is the sweet spot. Experience in clinical settings, independent pharmacies, or specialized roles (e.g., compounding) is highly valued.
Senior (10-19 years)	$155,000 - $170,000	Management roles (Pharmacy Manager, PIC), institutional pharmacy (hospital), or specialty roles. Leadership is key here.
Expert (20+ years)	$175,000+	Often seen in corporate leadership, specialized consulting, or as the owner of a successful independent pharmacy. Top earners in the area likely exceed $180,000.

When you compare to other major Florida cities, Pompano Beach sits in a tier of its own. It's not as high-paying as the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro (where salaries are closer to $142,000), but it's also not as saturated. Orlando's market is more competitive for new grads, and Tampa's average is slightly lower, around $138,000. The key differentiator for Pompano Beach is the cost of living relative to salary—it offers a better balance than Miami-Dade County, where rents are significantly higher.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A pharmacist earning the median salary of $140,845/year is in a strong position, but Florida's lack of state income tax is a huge benefit. However, federal taxes and FICA will take a significant bite. After estimated federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, a single filer might take home roughly $105,000 - $110,000 per year, or about $8,750 - $9,170 per month.

Now, layer on housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Pompano Beach is $1,621/month. If you choose a modest 1BR, you're looking at about 18-19% of your take-home pay on rent alone, which is a healthy ratio. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single pharmacist:

Monthly Expense Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home (using $8,800)
Rent (1BR)	$1,621	18.4%
Utilities (incl. internet)	$220	2.5%
Groceries & Household	$600	6.8%
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	6.8%
Health Insurance (post-tax)	$350	4.0%
Retirement (401k, 10%)	$1,175	13.4%
Discretionary & Savings	$4,234	48.1%

Insider Tip: This budget allows for aggressive savings. The discretionary portion ($4,234) can be split between a high-yield savings account, investments, and lifestyle. This is why many pharmacists in the area build wealth faster here than in higher-cost coastal metros.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a strong credit score, a $140,845 salary can secure a mortgage well above the median home price in Pompano Beach (which is around $450,000). A 20% down payment on a $450,000 home is $90,000—achievable within 2-4 years of disciplined saving on this salary. The PMI and property taxes are manageable, and you'd still have a comfortable monthly payment compared to renting a comparable home.

Where the Jobs Are: Pompano Beach's Major Employers

The pharmacist job market in Pompano Beach is defined by a mix of national retail chains, regional health systems, and a few notable local players. Hiring is steady, not explosive, so networking is crucial.

1. CVS Health (Multiple locations): The largest employer of pharmacists. They have a heavy presence in the Pompano Beach area (e.g., NE 10th St, SW 18th Ave). Hiring Trend: Constant churn means lots of openings, especially for floaters. It's a common entry point, but burnout is real. Management positions are highly competitive.
2. Publix Pharmacy: A beloved Florida institution. While not as ubiquitous as CVS, "The Pharmacy" at stores like the one in the "Coral Springs" shopping center (technically just west of Pompano) is a prime workplace. Hiring Trend: Slower turnover. They value company culture and retention. Knowing someone inside is a huge advantage.
3. Broward Health North: The major hospital system for the area. Their pharmacy department is a key employer, especially for clinical pharmacists. Located right in Pompano Beach. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings tied to growth and retirements. Requires hospital experience or a strong clinical residency. Pay is often on the higher end.
4. Walgreens: Another major retail player with several storefronts in the area (e.g., NE 14th Ave). Similar to CVS, but with a slightly different corporate culture. Hiring Trend: Floater positions are common. Independent stores (not corporate-owned) are rare but exist and are prized.
5. Independent Pharmacies: Local gems like Pompano Drug & Gift (on NE 10th Ave) and Island Pharmacy (in the "Shoppes of Pompano") offer a different work environment. Hiring Trend: Rarely advertised. They hire through word-of-mouth. These are the most desirable jobs for pharmacists wanting community impact and autonomy. Networking at local pharmacy association events is key.
6. WellDyneRx / Specialty Pharmacies: While not headquartered here, regional specialty pharmacies serve the large retiree population. These roles are in high demand and pay a premium. Hiring Trend: Growing, due to the aging population and complex medication therapies.

Insider Tip: The best jobs (high pay, good work-life balance) are often at independent pharmacies or within hospital systems. The retail chain jobs are your foot in the door. Attend a meeting of the Broward County Pharmacy Association—that’s where the unadvertised opportunities surface.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida's licensing process is managed by the Florida Board of Pharmacy. It's a straightforward but bureaucratic process that requires planning.

Requirements:

1. Education: A graduate of an accredited pharmacy school (Pharm.D.).
2. Exams:
   • NAPLEX: The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. This is the big one.
   • MPJE: The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination for Florida. Florida's laws are specific, so study thoroughly.
3. Training: Passage of the exam(s) requires a passing score on the exam.
4. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Mandatory and done through a Florida-approved vendor.
5. Law Review: Florida requires a certificate of completion of a 2-hour Board-approved course on Florida pharmacy law. This is done online.

Cost Breakdown:

• NAPLEX Application Fee: $100
• MPJE Application Fee: $100
• License Fee: $155 (prorated based on birth month)
• Background Check/Fingerprints: $80-$150
• Total (approx.): $430 - $505

Timeline:

• Step 1 (Pre-Graduation): Start studying for the MPJE and NAPLEX 2-3 months before graduation.
• Step 2 (Post-Graduation): Apply for licensure immediately after graduation. The Board can take 30-90 days to process your application and grant you an ID number to schedule exams.
• Step 3 (Exams): Schedule and pass the NAPLEX and MPJE within 90 days of your application approval.
• Step 4 (Final Approval): Once you pass both exams and submit your fingerprints, it typically takes 2-4 weeks for the final license to be issued.

Insider Tip: Florida is a part of the NABP's Interstate Pharmacy Licensure Tracking Service (NABP e-Profile). Having your NABP ID ready speeds everything up. For out-of-state pharmacists, the process is similar but may involve additional steps for verifying your original license.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Choosing where to live depends on your lifestyle, commute tolerance, and budget. Pompano Beach is diverse.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
Pompano Beach (Central)	The heart of the city. Walkable to the beach, downtown. Mix of older and new apartments. 5-15 min drive to most jobs.	$1,650 - $1,800	Excellent. Close to Broward Health North, Publix, and many retail pharmacies.
Lighthouse Point	Upscale, quieter, and more residential. More single-family homes. 10-20 min drive to Pompano jobs.	$1,800 - $2,200	Good. Close to the beach and some retail, but a longer commute to central Pompano.
Coral Springs (West)	Family-oriented suburbs in the adjacent city. Very safe, good schools. 15-25 min commute to east Pompano.	$1,550 - $1,750	Decent. Close to many retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) and Publix.
Deerfield Beach	Similar to Pompano but with a stronger "beach town" vibe. More nightlife and restaurants. 5-20 min commute.	$1,600 - $1,900	Very Good. Directly south of Pompano, with easy access to jobs in both cities.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-95, especially during snowbird season (October-April), can be brutal. Living east of I-95 in Pompano or Deerfield Beach can significantly cut your commute if you're working at a hospital or retail pharmacy east of the interstate. Avoid living west of the turnpike if your job is east.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A pharmacist in Pompano Beach isn't stuck in a retail box. Career advancement hinges on specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: The real salary jumps come from specialty. Oncology pharmacy (working with cancer drugs, often at Broward Health or regional clinics) can add a 10-15% premium. Compounding is a niche with high demand; certified compounding pharmacists can earn $150,000+. Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) roles, though often remote, are accessible from Pompano and pay exceptionally well.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Retail: Staff Pharmacist -> Pharmacy Manager (PIC) -> District Manager. The PIC role at a busy store can hit $160,000+ with bonuses.
  2. Clinical: Clinical Pharmacist -> Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (e.g., Cardiology, ID) -> Director of Pharmacy. Hospital paths offer strong benefits and pensions.
  3. Independent: Staff Pharmacist -> Partner -> Owner. This is the highest-risk, highest-reward path. A successful independent can generate $200,000+ in income.
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% job growth indicates consolidation. Fewer new jobs, more competition. However, the demand for clinical pharmacy (driven by an aging population and complex therapies) will grow. The retiree influx in South Florida guarantees a steady need for pharmacists who can manage polypharmacy. The key to long-term success is to move from a commodity role to a specialized, clinical, or managerial one.

The Verdict: Is Pompano Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further than in Miami or nationally.	Stagnant Job Market: Few new positions; you often replace someone.
High Quality of Life: Beach access, no state income tax, diverse food scene.	Traffic: I-95 is a notorious bottleneck, especially in season.
Diverse Employment: Mix of retail, hospital, and independent opportunities.	Seasonal Influx: The population swells in winter, affecting traffic and pharmacy traffic.
Strong Pharmacist Community: Local associations and events facilitate networking.	Limited Nightlife/Social Scene: Less vibrant than Miami or Ft. Lauderdale.

Final Recommendation:
Pompano Beach is an excellent choice for pharmacists who value work-life balance, affordability, and community. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, and enjoy South Florida living without the extreme costs. It's not the best fit for new grads seeking explosive job growth or for those who crave a cut-throat, fast-paced urban environment. Your best move is to secure a position at a hospital or independent pharmacy, avoid the worst commute by choosing your neighborhood wisely, and leverage the strong salary-to-cost-of-living ratio to build a stable financial future.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new graduate. Should I move to Pompano Beach?
A: It's a tough market for new grads. Consider it if you have a strong network or are willing to start in a retail floater position. The experience you gain can be valuable, but be prepared for a competitive entry. Many new grads start in larger markets (like Orlando or Tampa) and move to Pompano later.

Q: How competitive is the job market for clinical pharmacists?
A: Moderately competitive. Jobs at Broward Health and other systems do open, but they often require a residency (PGY-1) or significant hospital experience. Having a BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) certification is a major advantage.

Q: What's the best way to find an independent pharmacy job?
A: Word-of-mouth is king. Join the Broward County Pharmacy Association. Attend their meetings, network, and let people know you're looking. Many independent owners don't advertise—they hire through referrals.

Q: Does Florida have a "snowbird" season that affects pharmacist work?
A: Yes, absolutely. From October to April, the population swells with seasonal residents. This means busier pharmacies, more prescriptions, and sometimes increased stress during your shift. It's a key factor in the work environment.

Q: Is the cost of living really that much better than other Florida cities?
A: Compared to Miami, yes. A 1BR in Miami often costs $2,000+. Compared to Orlando or Tampa, it's roughly similar, but Pompano's proximity to the beach and no state income tax gives it a slight edge. The key is that the $140,845 median salary goes farther here than in the most expensive metros.