Pharmacist in Rogers, AR

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Rogers, Arkansas.

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The Salary Picture: Where Rogers Stands

As a pharmacist considering Rogers, you're entering a market with a distinct character. It's not the high-cost, high-salary environment of a major coastal city, nor is it the most lucrative market in Arkansas. It's a stable, growing community where your paycheck goes a long way. Let's get straight to the numbers.

The median salary for a pharmacist in Rogers is $132,357/year, with an hourly rate of $63.63/hour. This figure is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, a common trade-off for the region's lower cost of living. However, with only 148 jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of -3%, this is not a market defined by explosive expansion. It's a mature, stable market where positions open up due to retirement or relocation rather than new clinic creation. The competition for desirable roles in hospital or specialty settings can be keen.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Rogers area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Rogers, AR)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$115,000 - $125,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$125,000 - $138,000
Senior-Level	10-19 years	$135,000 - $148,000
Expert/Manager	20+ years	$145,000 - $160,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the local median and industry trends. Specialized roles (e.g., oncology, infectious disease) can command higher salaries.

To put Rogers in context, here's how it stacks up against other major Arkansas metros for pharmacists:

Metro Area	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Rogers	$132,357	91.0
Little Rock	$134,500	92.5
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metro	$132,357	93.5
Jonesboro	$129,800	88.0
Hot Springs	$127,500	86.5

Salary data sourced from BLS and regional economic reports; cost of living from BestPlaces.net.

As you can see, Little Rock offers a marginally higher salary but a slightly higher cost of living. The key takeaway is that Rogers provides a competitive salary within the Arkansas landscape, positioned in the state's most economically dynamic region, the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metro. The slight dip in the 10-year outlook (-3%) reflects a national trend of consolidation and automation in retail pharmacy, making hospital and clinical roles more stable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after the essentials. Arkansas has a progressive income tax system, so your take-home pay will be less than your gross salary. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single pharmacist earning the median salary of $132,357/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Salary	$11,030	$132,357 / 12
Taxes & Deductions	~$2,800	Includes federal, state (approx. 4.4% for this bracket), FICA, and health insurance.
Net Monthly Take-Home	~$8,230	This is your realistic spending power.
Rent (1BR Average)	$924	The city-wide average.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200	Can be higher in older apartments or during peak summer.
Groceries	$400	Rogers has competitive grocery prices (Walmart, Kroger, Harps).
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Assumes a moderate car payment and full coverage.
Gas & Transportation	$150	Rogers is car-dependent; commutes are generally short.
Student Loans (Median)	$400	A major factor for new grads.
Retirement Savings (10% of gross)	$1,100	Highly recommended to maximize your 401(k) or IRA.
Discretionary Spending	$4,556	Left for dining out, entertainment, travel, and savings.

Insider Tip: The budget above is generous due to the low rent. Many pharmacists in Rogers live in newer, more desirable 1BR apartments for $1,050-$1,200/month, especially in areas like Pinnacle Hills or near the hospital. Even with that higher rent, your discretionary income remains strong. This financial flexibility is Rogers' primary advantage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is where Rogers truly shines for a professional with your income. The median home price in Rogers is approximately $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a 30-year mortgage at a 7% interest rate would have a monthly payment of around $1,460 (including property taxes and insurance). This is only about 50% more than the average rent, making homeownership highly attainable on a pharmacist's salary. This is a stark contrast to markets where a mortgage would be 2-3x the rent.

Where the Jobs Are: Rogers's Major Employers

The Rogers job market is dominated by a few key players, with an increasing focus on specialty care and integrated health systems. The retail landscape is mature, with growth centered in clinical and hospital roles.

1. Mercy Hospital Rogers: A major anchor in the community, Mercy is the largest employer for clinical pharmacists in the area. They have a robust pharmacy residency program and actively hire for roles in central pharmacy, sterile compounding, anticoagulation, and infectious disease. Hiring Trend: Stable to growing, with a focus on pharmacists with BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) credentials.
2. Northwest Medical Center - Springdale: While technically in Springdale, it's a primary employer for Rogers residents (a 10-15 minute commute). It's part of the larger Northwest Health system and offers a wide range of pharmacy opportunities, including a Level III trauma center. Hiring Trend: Active, especially for experienced clinical pharmacists.
3. Walmart Health & Wellness (Home Office): Rogers is the global headquarters of Walmart. Their pharmacy division is massive, with roles in corporate strategy, medication therapy management (MTM), and mail-order pharmacy operations. These are not retail staff positions; they are corporate clinical roles. Hiring Trend: Specialized and competitive; often requires several years of experience.
4. The Jones Center (in Springdale): A massive community health hub that includes a federally qualified health center (FQHC). They employ pharmacists for ambulatory care, chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension), and patient education. Hiring Trend: Growing, with a focus on value-based care models.
5. Major Retail Chains (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Kroger): The bulk of the 148 pharmacy jobs are in retail. While the -3% growth signals a tighter market, turnover still creates openings. These roles offer a fast-paced environment and often a signing bonus, especially for new graduates. Hiring Trend: Stable but with limited upward mobility outside of management.
6. Specialty Pharmacies: Companies like Encompass Health and various local independent specialty pharmacies are growing. They focus on high-cost medications for conditions like oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, and rare diseases. Hiring Trend: The most promising growth area, offering higher salaries and a more clinical focus.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy is your governing body. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.
2. Examinations:
   • Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination).
   • Pass the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) for Arkansas. The MPJE is a state-specific law exam.
3. Internship: Complete the required 1,500 hours of internship under a licensed preceptor. This is typically done during your Pharm.D. program.
4. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check through the Arkansas State Police and FBI.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: ~$200 (non-refundable)
• NAPLEX Fee: ~$490 (paid to NABP)
• MPJE Fee: ~$200 (paid to NABP)
• Fingerprinting/Background Check: ~$50
• Total Estimated Cost: $940+ (not including travel or study materials)

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're a new graduate: You can begin the application process immediately after graduation. Most candidates take 1-3 months to study for and pass both the NAPLEX and MPJE. Once you pass both exams and your background check is cleared, you can be licensed in as little as 4-6 weeks post-graduation.
• If you're licensed in another state: Arkansas is part of the Score Transfer Program. If you passed the NAPLEX in another state within the last 5 years, you can request your scores be sent to the Arkansas Board. You will still need to pass the Arkansas MPJE. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Insider Tip: The Arkansas MPJE is known for being detailed. Don't underestimate it. Use the official study materials from the Board and focus on dispensing laws, controlled substances (Arkansas has specific regulations), and pharmacy operations. Many new grads from UAMS in Little Rock have a slight edge due to familiarity with the state's legal landscape.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Rogers is geographically divided by I-49, with the west side being more historic and the east side being the newer commercial hub. Your choice of neighborhood will heavily influence your commute and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Downtown Rogers	Historic, walkable, and charming. Home to local restaurants, the Walmart AMP, and the Daisy Airgun Museum. Commute to Mercy or Walmart H.O. is 5-10 minutes.	$950 - $1,300	The pharmacist who wants a "small-town feel" with a vibrant local scene and a very short commute.
Pinnacle Hills	The modern, upscale commercial hub. Luxury apartments, high-end shopping (Pinnacle Hills Promenade), and fine dining. Commute is 5-15 minutes to most employers.	$1,100 - $1,500+	The young professional or couple seeking modern amenities, walkability to upscale retail, and a central location.
East Rogers (near I-49)	Practical and convenient. A mix of newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Easy access to highways, Walmart H.O., and the Springdale medical corridor.	$900 - $1,200	The pragmatic professional who prioritizes a short, easy commute and wants more square footage for their dollar.
Siloam Springs (15 min south)	A separate, smaller town with a strong community feel. Lower cost of living and a quieter pace. Commute to Rogers is straightforward via Hwy 412 or I-49.	$750 - $950	The pharmacist seeking a true suburban/rural lifestyle, lower rent, and a tight-knit community.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Rogers is minimal compared to larger cities. The I-49 corridor can get busy during rush hour, but a 15-minute commute is considered long for most locals. Living on the same side of the highway as your employer is the best way to ensure a stress-free drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% job growth, the path forward in Rogers isn't about finding a new job every two years; it's about growing within your role or organization.

• Specialty Premiums: To increase your earning potential beyond the median, specialization is key. Pharmacists with BCPS (Pharmacotherapy) or BCACP (Ambulatory Care) certifications can command a $5,000 - $15,000 salary premium. Oncology and infectious disease specialists are in high demand at Mercy and Northwest Medical Center.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from a staff pharmacist to a clinical specialist, then to a coordinator or manager role. This often requires additional certifications and project work.
  2. Management: Pharmacy manager roles in retail or hospital settings offer higher salaries but come with significant administrative and personnel responsibilities.
  3. Industry/Corporate: Leveraging your Pharm.D. for a non-traditional role in corporate (like at Walmart Health) is a high-growth path, though highly competitive.
  4. Ambulatory Care/FQHC: Joining a clinic like The Jones Center allows you to build long-term patient relationships and work at the top of your license in chronic disease management.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook for Rogers is one of consolidation and specialization. The easy retail jobs are disappearing due to automation and corporate consolidation. The future belongs to pharmacists who can provide direct patient care, manage complex medication regimens, and work in integrated health teams. The growth will be in hospital systems and specialty clinics, not in the number of traditional dispensing roles. Your long-term security lies in developing a niche skill set.

The Verdict: Is Rogers Right for You?

Making a move is a big decision. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of practicing pharmacy in Rogers.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Purchasing Power: A $132,357 salary goes much further here than in most metro areas. Homeownership is easily within reach.	Limited Job Market: Only 148 jobs means fewer opportunities and less leverage when negotiating.
Stable, Growing Economy: Home to Walmart, J.B. Hunt, and Tyson, the region has a resilient economic base that supports healthcare.	Slower Career Growth: The -3% growth indicates a mature market where advancement is slow and requires patience.
High Quality of Life: Low traffic, excellent public schools, and abundant outdoor activities (Lake Atalanta, nearby Ozarks).	Car-Dependent Lifestyle: Public transit is limited; you will need a reliable vehicle.
Strategic Location: Easy access to major cities like Fayetteville (home of the University of Arkansas), Bentonville, and a 2-hour drive to Tulsa or Little Rock.	Competitive for Top Roles: While the market is stable, the best hospital and clinical positions are highly sought-after.
Low Cost of Living (91.0): Your salary stretches further, allowing for a better lifestyle and more savings.	Limited Cultural Diversity: As a smaller, Midwestern city, it lacks the cultural and culinary diversity of a large coastal metro.

Final Recommendation:

Rogers is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who prioritizes financial stability, a high quality of life, and homeownership over rapid career advancement and a bustling urban environment. It is ideal for:

• New Graduates: Who want to pay down student loans aggressively and start building equity in a home.
• Mid-Career Pharmacists: Seeking a better work-life balance, a family-friendly environment, and a less stressful commute.
• Specialists: In oncology, infectious disease, or ambulatory care who can secure a stable role in the region's growing hospital systems.

If you are a career-driven pharmacist who thrives on constant change, high competition, and the energy of a major metropolis, Rogers may feel too slow. However, if you value a "work to live" ethos where your salary provides real freedom and security, Rogers is a hidden gem in the pharmacy landscape.

FAQs

1. I'm a new graduate. Will I be able to find a job in Rogers?
Yes, but you need to be strategic. The retail market is competitive, but the hospital systems (Mercy, Northwest) often have residency programs and entry-level clinical positions. Be open to starting in a retail role to get your foot in the door in the region, then pivot to a hospital role as one opens up. Networking with local pharmacists at UAMS alumni events can be highly effective.

2. How does the cost of living really compare to national averages?
Rogers is remarkably affordable. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.0, it's 9% cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing (rent and home prices are 30-40% below the U.S. median) and transportation. Groceries and utilities are also slightly below average. Your $132,357 salary here would need to be closer to $170,000 in Denver or $210,000 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.

3. Is it necessary to be Board Certified (BCPS) to get a good job?
It's