Pharmacist in Scranton, PA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering Scranton, PA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

Scranton’s pharmacy market is shaped by its status as a regional medical hub for Northeastern Pennsylvania. The city’s economy supports a stable number of pharmacy roles, but salaries reflect the local cost of living rather than major metropolitan premiums. The median salary for a pharmacist in Scranton is $133,173/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.03/hour. This is slightly below the national average for pharmacists, which sits at $136,030/year. With 151 pharmacy jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of -3%, the market is stable but not expanding rapidly. This means opportunities are consistent but competition can be present for the best positions.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically progress in the Scranton area, based on local market data and industry standards:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$115,000 - $125,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$125,000 - $140,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$140,000 - $155,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$155,000+

Scranton vs. Other Pennsylvania Cities

To understand how Scranton’s pharmacy salaries compare, here’s a look at other major Pennsylvania metros:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market
Scranton	$133,173	93.0	Stable (151 jobs)
Philadelphia	$138,500	109.5	High Volume
Pittsburgh	$134,800	98.5	High Volume
Harrisburg	$132,900	96.5	Moderate
Allentown	$134,200	101.0	Moderate

Insider Tip: While Scranton’s salary is competitive for its region, the key advantage is the lower cost of living. A $133,173 salary in Scranton often provides a higher quality of life than a similar or slightly higher salary in Philadelphia, where housing and daily costs are significantly steeper.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down what your budget looks like on the median salary. This is a practical look at the financial reality of living and working in Scranton as a pharmacist.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Using Median Salary of $133,173)

Item	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$11,098	$133,173 / 12 months
Net Pay (Take-Home)	~$8,300	After taxes (est. 25% effective rate)
Rent (1BR, Avg)	-$854	Statewide average for Scranton
Utilities	-$180	Electric, gas, internet
Groceries	-$400	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	-$600	Assumes a modest payment, full coverage
Gas/Commuting	-$150	Based on a 20-mile daily commute
Health Insurance	-$250	Employer-sponsored plan
Retirement Savings (10%)	-$1,110	Highly recommended
Student Loans	-$500	Varies widely; average for pharmacists
Discretionary	$4,256	Dining out, entertainment, savings, etc.

After essential expenses, a pharmacist earning the median salary in Scranton has a significant surplus. This allows for robust savings, aggressive debt repayment, or a comfortable lifestyle with frequent local dining and entertainment.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. The Scranton real estate market is one of the most affordable in the Northeast. The average home price in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metro is approximately $190,000. With a $133,173 salary, a 20% down payment ($38,000) is achievable within a few years of disciplined saving. Your mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $152,000 loan would likely be under $1,000/month—less than many rents in larger cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

Scranton’s pharmacy jobs are concentrated in hospital systems, retail chains, and specialty clinics. The market is dominated by a few key players.

1. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine & Geisinger Health System: A major employer of clinical and research pharmacists. Geisinger’s Scranton campus is a hub for specialty care, including oncology and cardiology, creating demand for specialists.
2. The University of Scranton: The Jesuit university employs pharmacists for their campus health center and offers potential adjunct roles in their health sciences programs.
3. Regional Hospital of Scranton (Part of the Commonwealth Health System): The largest hospital in the area. Their pharmacy department is a primary employer for inpatient pharmacists, with roles in central pharmacy, IV room, and clinical services.
4. Walgreens & CVS Health: Scranton has a dense network of retail pharmacies. While often high-pressure, these are the most common entry points for new graduates and offer clear paths to management roles (Rx Manager, District Manager).
5. Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Located in nearby Taylor, this federal facility offers stable, government-backed positions with excellent benefits, often seeking experienced pharmacists.
6. Specialty & Independent Pharmacies: Scranton supports several independent and specialty pharmacies (e.g., for compounding or long-term care). These roles can offer more personalized work environments but may have less structured career ladders.

Hiring Trends: The -3% job growth suggests consolidation rather than expansion. Geisinger and the hospital system are the primary growth areas for clinical roles. Retail positions see constant turnover, creating steady openings. Networking with professionals at local events like the Northeastern Pennsylvania Pharmacy Association meetings is crucial for uncovering unadvertised positions.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• Requirements:
  1. Graduate from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school.
  2. Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
  3. Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Pennsylvania.
  4. Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practice (typically during an internship or post-graduation).
• Timeline: The process can take 3-6 months after graduation. This includes waiting for transcripts, submitting applications, and scheduling exams. The Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy is the governing body.
• Costs: Total fees are approximately $500 - $700, covering application, NAPLEX, and MPJE fees.
• Insider Tip: Start your application with the PA Board of Pharmacy before you graduate. You can often submit your application in advance, which speeds up the process once you have your diploma and internship hours verified.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Scranton’s neighborhoods offer diverse lifestyles, all within a short commute to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Downtown Scranton	Urban, walkable. Close to Regional Hospital and Geisinger. Easy access to restaurants and nightlife.	$950 - $1,200
South Side	Residential, family-friendly. Quiet streets, access to Nay Aug Park. 10-15 minute drive to hospitals.	$750 - $950
Dickson City	Suburban, convenient. Close to I-81, making commutes to all employers very easy. Great shopping access.	$800 - $1,000
Clarks Summit	Upscale, quiet suburb. A 15-20 minute commute. Highly rated schools and more expensive housing.	$900 - $1,200
Green Ridge	Historic, charming. Known for its tree-lined streets and larger Victorian homes. 10-15 minutes to downtown.	$800 - $1,000

Insider Tip: If you’re working at the Regional Hospital or Geisinger, living in the Green Ridge or South Side neighborhoods provides a very short and easy commute, often avoiding the main traffic spots on the Scranton Expressway.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth is -3%, this doesn’t mean your career will stagnate. Growth in Scranton is about specialization and advancement, not just new positions.

• Specialty Premiums: Pharmacists with certifications or experience in high-demand areas can earn a premium. For example:
  • Oncology Pharmacist: Often employed at Geisinger or the Hospital, can command a 5-10% salary premium.
  • Anticoagulation Management: A common specialty in hospital and clinic settings.
  • Compounding Pharmacist: Specialized training can open doors to independent pharmacies or long-term care facilities.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Pharmacist: Focus on direct patient care within a hospital or clinic.
  2. Pharmacy Manager (Retail): Lead a store, manage staff, and handle business operations.
  3. Director of Pharmacy: Oversee pharmacy operations for a hospital or health system. This is a senior leadership role with significant salary potential.
  4. Pharmacy Informatics: Work with IT to manage electronic health records, medication ordering systems, and data analysis. This is a growing niche.
• 10-Year Outlook: Scranton’s pharmacy market will remain stable, anchored by its healthcare systems. The key to long-term success will be obtaining specialty certifications (e.g., BCPS, BCOP) and building a strong professional network. Pharmacists who adapt to technology and take on leadership roles will continue to thrive.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Scranton offers a compelling package for pharmacists seeking a balance between a rewarding career and an affordable, manageable lifestyle. It’s not a fast-paced, high-growth market, but it is a stable one with a strong sense of community.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further than in most U.S. metros.	Modest Salary: Median pay is slightly below the national average.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by large hospital systems (Geisinger, Regional).	Limited Job Growth: Market is mature, not expanding. Fewer new roles.
Short Commutes: Easy to get anywhere in the city in under 20 minutes.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Quieter than major cities; may feel slow to some.
Strong Community Feel: Easy to build a network and feel connected.	Regional Economy: Less diversified than larger cities.
Outdoor Access: Nearby mountains, lakes, and hiking trails (e.g., Poconos).	Weather: Long, cold winters with significant snowfall.

Final Recommendation:
Scranton is an excellent choice for pharmacists who prioritize quality of life, affordability, and stability. It is particularly well-suited for those starting a family, looking to buy a home quickly, or seeking a less stressful work environment than in a major metropolitan area. If your career goal is rapid advancement in a hyper-competitive, high-growth environment, you may find Scranton limiting. However, for a pharmacist seeking a solid career with a comfortable, financially sustainable lifestyle, Scranton is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new pharmacy graduates in Scranton?
The market is moderately competitive. While there are openings, especially in retail, the most desirable positions at Geisinger or the hospital system often seek candidates with a PharmD and some experience. Building relationships during internships in the area is a significant advantage.

2. What is the cost of living really like for a healthcare professional?
It’s very manageable. The Cost of Living Index of 93.0 and $854 average rent mean a pharmacist earning the median salary ($133,173) has substantial disposable income after housing and taxes. You can afford a nice apartment, a car, and still save aggressively.

3. Do I need to be licensed in Pennsylvania before applying for jobs?
Not always. Many employers will hire you contingent on obtaining your PA license. However, having your license or at least having applied for it demonstrates commitment and can give you an edge over other candidates. It’s best to start the process early.

4. Is there a network for pharmacists in Scranton?
Yes. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Pharmacy Association (NEPPA) is the local professional organization. Attending their meetings and events is the best way to connect with peers, learn about job openings, and stay updated on local industry trends.

5. How does Scranton’s winter weather impact daily life and the commute?
Scranton’s winters are real, with an average of 40+ inches of snow. Commutes can be affected, but the city is well-equipped with plows. Most professionals own a vehicle with all-wheel drive or good snow tires. The key is to factor in a few extra minutes for travel during winter months and to be prepared for occasional school/business closures.

Sources: Salary data based on provided figures; cost of living and rent data from statewide averages and public indices; employer and job data from local economic reports and professional observations. Refer to the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the most current official data.