Pharmacist in Redding, CA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Redding, CA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Redding Stands

As a pharmacist considering Redding, the first question is about compensation. Let's cut straight to the data. The median salary for a pharmacist in the Redding metro area is $137,172/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.95/hour. This positions Redding slightly above the national average for pharmacists, which sits at $136,030/year. While the difference is modest, it’s significant when you factor in Redding's lower cost of living compared to major California metros.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this region. Keep in mind these are estimates based on regional market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$120,000 - $130,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$130,000 - $145,000
Senior-Level	10-19 years	$140,000 - $155,000
Expert/Specialist	20+ years	$150,000 - $165,000+

Insider Tip: In Redding, salaries can vary significantly between a retail chain position (like CVS or Walgreens) and a hospital or clinical role at Mercy Medical Center or Shasta Regional Medical Center. Hospital positions often have a slightly lower base pay but come with better benefits, more predictable hours, and opportunities for clinical specialization, which can lead to higher long-term earnings.

When you compare Redding to other California cities, its value becomes clear. A pharmacist in San Francisco might earn a median of $165,000+, but with a cost of living that's nearly 80% higher than the national average, that salary doesn't stretch as far. Similarly, a pharmacist in Los Angeles might see a median around $150,000, but face brutal commutes and housing costs that dwarf Redding's. For a pharmacist seeking a better work-life balance and financial sustainability, Redding offers a compelling alternative.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Redding? Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single pharmacist earning the median salary of $137,172/year.

• Gross Monthly Income: $11,431
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$3,200 (This is a rough estimate; actuals depend on filing status, deductions, etc.)
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$8,231

Now, let's layer in key living expenses for Redding:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1-BR Apartment)	$1,132	Redding's average. Varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; summers can be hot.
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Assumes a modest car payment and insurance.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely by employer plan.
Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings)	$1,500	Discretionary spending and savings.
Total Estimated Expenses	$4,082

After expenses, you're looking at a potential monthly surplus of over $4,000. This is a significant financial cushion that is difficult to achieve in larger, more expensive California metros.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With that kind of surplus, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Redding is approximately $425,000. A 20% down payment is $85,000. By allocating $2,500/month to savings, you could save for a down payment in under three years. A mortgage on a $425,000 home (with 20% down) would be roughly $2,200-$2,400 per month, including taxes and insurance—well within a manageable budget for someone earning the median pharmacist salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Redding's Major Employers

The job market for pharmacists in Redding is tight, with only 185 jobs in the metro area as of the most recent data. This means competition can be fierce for the best positions. However, the demand is steady, especially in clinical settings. Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Mercy Medical Center (Dignity Health): The largest hospital in the region. They have a robust inpatient pharmacy and often have openings for clinical pharmacists, medication safety officers, and managers. Hiring is stable but slow; they value experience and cultural fit.
2. Shasta Regional Medical Center: The other major hospital in town, part of Prime Healthcare. Their pharmacy department is active, with roles in acute care and outpatient services. They often hire pharmacists with strong clinical skills.
3. CVS Health & Walgreens: The major retail chains have a significant presence throughout Redding, from Downtown to the Hilltop Drive corridor. These are often the most accessible entry points for new pharmacists or those moving to the area. Expect high pace and a focus on immunizations and patient counseling.
4. Safeway & Walmart Pharmacies: These big-box and grocery store pharmacies offer a slightly different retail environment, often with a strong community focus. They can be a good alternative to the major chains.
5. Shasta Community Health Center: This Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) provides care to underserved populations. They sometimes have pharmacist positions focused on patient education, medication therapy management (MTM), and chronic disease management.
6. Independent Pharmacies: While smaller, local independents like Redding Drug & Compounding or Medi-Mart can offer a more personalized work environment. They often seek pharmacists who want to build community relationships. Networking is key to finding these roles.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable, not booming. The 10-year job growth is -3%, which reflects a national trend of consolidation in retail pharmacy and slower growth in hospital settings. This makes specialized skills (e.g., oncology, infectious disease, sterile compounding) more valuable for long-term job security.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has one of the most rigorous pharmacy licensing processes in the country. If you're licensed in another state, you'll need to navigate the California State Board of Pharmacy (CA BOP) requirements.

1. Pass the NAPLEX: The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination is standard nationwide. You must pass this.
2. Pass the California MPJE: The Multistate Jurisprudence Examination focuses specifically on California pharmacy law. This is a critical and often challenging step.
3. Complete a Live Scan: California requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check through a Live Scan service provider.
4. Foreign Graduates: If you graduated from a non-accredited program, you'll need to complete additional coursework and possibly the FPGEC (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee) certification.

Timeline and Costs:

• Timeline: From application submission to a full license can take 3 to 6 months, assuming all exams are passed on the first attempt. Delays are common, so start the process well before you plan to move.
• Estimated Costs:
  • NAPLEX Fee: ~$800
  • MPJE Fee: ~$200
  • License Application Fee: ~$250
  • Live Scan Fee: ~$70
  • Total (Approximate): $1,320

Insider Tip: The CA BOP website is your best friend but can be confusing. Read the instructions for the "Application for Licensure by Examination" or "Licensure by Reciprocity" very carefully. Incomplete applications are the #1 cause of delays.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Redding is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute time to the major employers (mostly clustered around the hospital district and Hilltop Drive).

1. Parkview Area: Located just east of Downtown and near Mercy Medical Center. This is a popular area for young professionals. You'll find a mix of older, charming homes and newer apartments. Rent for a 1BR is around $1,100 - $1,250/month. The commute to Mercy is 5 minutes; to Shasta Regional, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Brentwood: A quiet, residential neighborhood north of Downtown and east of Highway 44. It's family-friendly with good access to shopping and restaurants on Hilltop Drive. Commutes are easy: 10 minutes to the hospitals, 5-10 minutes to most retail pharmacies. Rent is similar to Parkview, around $1,150 - $1,300/month.
3. Hilltop Drive Corridor: This is the commercial heart of Redding. Living here means being close to work if you're at a retail pharmacy or near the hospitals. It's busy and convenient, with many apartment complexes. Expect rent for a 1BR to be $1,050 - $1,200/month. Commutes are negligible for anyone working in this central corridor.
4. West Redding / Lake Redding Area: This area offers more space and a quieter, almost suburban feel. It's great for those who want a single-family home with a yard. The trade-off is a longer commute—15-20 minutes to the hospitals and central employers. Rent here can be slightly lower, with 1BR apartments around $1,000 - $1,150/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the overall job growth is flat, individual career growth is absolutely possible if you are strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: In Redding, the most significant salary boosts come from specialization. Pharmacists with experience or certifications in Oncology (relevant for Mercy's cancer center), Infectious Disease (a critical need in any hospital), or Sterile Compounding (especially for a specialty pharmacy) can command salaries at the higher end of the $150,000 - $165,000+ range.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Ladder: In hospitals, you can advance from a Staff Pharmacist to a Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, then to a Pharmacy Manager or Director. This path requires advanced certifications (e.g., BCPS - Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist).
  • Retail Management: In chain pharmacies, the path is from Pharmacist to Pharmacy Manager, then to District Manager or a corporate role. This focuses more on business operations than clinical skills.
  • MTM and Ambulatory Care: There's growing opportunity in outpatient settings, managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Shasta Community Health Center or hospital-affiliated clinics are good places to explore this.
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth figure is a sobering reality. The role of the pharmacist is evolving. Automation is handling more dispensing tasks. To thrive, you must position yourself in a patient-facing, clinical, or managerial capacity. The pharmacists who will succeed in Redding over the next decade are those who embrace MTM, immunizations, and collaborative practice agreements with local physicians. The demand won't be in volume of new jobs, but in the quality and specialization of existing roles.

The Verdict: Is Redding Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power: A $137,172 salary goes much further here than in coastal CA.	Limited Job Market: Only 185 jobs and -3% growth means fewer opportunities and more competition.
Outdoor Paradise: Unparalleled access to hiking, biking, and fishing (Shasta Trinity National Forest, Lassen Park).	Geographic Isolation: You're a 3-4 hour drive from Sacramento or the Bay Area. Limited direct flights.
Manageable Lifestyle: Easy commutes, less traffic, and a relaxed pace of life.	Healthcare Access Can Be Challenging: As in many rural areas, finding specialists can require travel.
Affordable Home Ownership: Home prices are within reach for someone on a pharmacist's salary.	Summers are Intense: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, which can be a major adjustment.
Close-Knit Community: It's easier to build relationships and feel connected in a smaller city.	Limited Cultural & Dining Scene: Fewer options compared to major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Redding is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who prioritizes work-life balance, outdoor recreation, and financial stability over the hustle and anonymity of a major metropolitan area. It is ideal for mid-career pharmacists looking to buy a home, start a family, and build a life outside of work. It is less suitable for early-career pharmacists who thrive on a vast array of networking events, specialized conferences, and diverse job-hopping opportunities, or for those who require a bustling, 24/7 urban environment.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for pharmacists in Redding really that competitive?
Yes. With only 185 jobs in the metro, openings don't come up daily. When a good position at Mercy or a desirable retail store opens, it attracts a lot of local and out-of-state applicants. It's crucial to have a polished resume and to network with local pharmacists if possible. Don't expect to apply online and get a call back within a week.

2. What is the demand for clinical vs. retail pharmacists in Redding?
The demand is more stable for clinical pharmacists in hospital settings. While retail has more total positions, turnover can be high due to workload and corporate pressures. Hospitals offer more stability and opportunities for specialization, which is key for long-term growth given the flat job market.

3. How does the cost of living in Redding compare to the national average?
Redding's Cost of Living Index is 102.8, meaning it's 2.8% more expensive than the U.S. average. However, this is dramatically lower than California's coastal cities. The biggest savings come from housing. A 1BR apartment averaging $1,132/month is a fraction of the cost in San Francisco or Los Angeles.

4. Will my CA pharmacist license allow me to work in a nearby state like Oregon?
No. Each state has its own licensing board and requirements. While Oregon might have reciprocity agreements or streamlined processes for CA-licensed pharmacists, you would still need to apply for and obtain a separate license from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy to work there. This is important if you live near the state border.

5. What is the community like for pharmacists in Redding?
It's a professional but tight-knit community. There are local and state-level pharmacy associations (like the California Pharmacists Association - CPhA) where you can connect with peers. Because it's a smaller city, you'll likely run into colleagues from other pharmacies or hospitals at community events. This can be a great support system.