Pharmacist in Somerville, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Somerville Stands

As a pharmacist considering a move to Somerville, you're looking at a market that pays slightly above the national average but sits in a high-cost region. The median salary for a pharmacist in the Greater Boston area is $140,763 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $67.67/hour. This is notably higher than the national average for pharmacists, which sits at $136,030/year.

However, Somerville itself is a unique market. It's not a standalone city for employment; it's a dense, residential hub within the larger Metropolitan Boston Area. While the metro area has approximately 160 pharmacist jobs, many of these are not in Somerville proper. You'll likely be commuting to surrounding areas like Cambridge, Medford, or Boston. This density means you have options, but the commute is a key factor in your decision.

The 10-year job growth projection for pharmacists in the region is -3%. This isn't a red flag for imminent unemployment, but it indicates a stagnant or slowly contracting field in the face of automation, mail-order pharmacies, and retail consolidation. Your career strategy in Somerville should focus on specialization, institutional roles, and leveraging your skills in high-demand settings beyond the traditional retail chain.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in the Greater Boston area will vary significantly based on your experience. While specific local data is scarce, we can extrapolate from national trends and adjust for the regional premium.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (MA Metro)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$110,000 - $125,000	Likely starts in retail (CVS, Walgreens) or hospital staff positions. Master's degree (Pharm.D.) is now the standard entry point.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$135,000 - $155,000	Transition to clinical roles, specialty pharmacy, or administrative positions. Certification (e.g., BCPS) becomes a differentiator.
Senior (10-19 years)	$150,000 - $175,000	Management (Pharmacy Manager, Clinical Coordinator), specialist roles in oncology or infectious disease.
Expert (20+ years)	$165,000+	Director-level positions, academic appointments, consulting. Salary is highly variable and tied to institutional prestige.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior is where you see the biggest salary leap in the Boston market. This is often tied to moving from a corporate retail chain to a hospital system or a biotech-adjacent role. The -3% growth means you must be proactive in seeking these advanced roles; they won't be filled by passive promotion.

Comparison to Other MA Cities

Somerville's salary context is best understood by comparing it to its neighbors:

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living (Index)	Notes
Somerville Metro	$140,763	111.6	High pay, high living costs. Commute often required.
Boston (Core)	$142,000 - $145,000	~130+	Highest salaries, but extreme rents and longer commutes.
Worcester	$130,000 - $135,000	~105	Lower pay, but significantly more affordable housing.
Springfield	$125,000 - $130,000	~100	Closest to national average affordability, but far from Boston's job density.
Cambridge	$141,000 - $144,000	~130	Very similar to Boston, with a focus on academic and research institutions.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $140,763 salary sounds excellent, but it doesn't stretch far in Somerville. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single pharmacist earning the median, assuming a standard tax situation (federal, state, FICA).

• Gross Monthly Income: $140,763 / 12 = $11,730
• Estimated Taxes (30%): ~$3,519
• Net Monthly Income: ~$8,211

Now, factor in the critical cost: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Somerville costs $2,064/month. This is for a basic unit; a modern apartment in a desirable area like Davis Square or near the Green Line can easily reach $2,400+.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income: $8,211)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$2,064	The biggest fixed cost.
Utilities	$150	Includes gas, electric, internet. Older Somerville homes can be drafty.
Groceries	$450	Higher than national average.
Transportation	$300	MBTA monthly pass ($90) + occasional ride-share or car maintenance.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer; estimate for a single, healthy adult.
Student Loans	$400	Crucial context: The average pharmacy school debt is over $170,000.
Miscellaneous	$500	Dining out, entertainment, clothing, personal care.
Savings	$4,047	After all expenses, you have ~$4,000 left.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Short answer: It's difficult, but not impossible with discipline.

• Home Prices: The median home price in Somerville is approximately $750,000+. A 20% down payment is $150,000.
• Mortgage: A $600,000 mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of $4,500 - $5,000.
• Reality Check: With a take-home of $8,211, a $5,000 mortgage would leave you with only $3,211 for all other life expenses—barely enough for a single person, let alone a family.

Insider Tip: To afford a home in Somerville, you typically need a dual-income household or a significant salary above the median (e.g., $180,000+). Many pharmacists in the area choose to buy in more affordable neighboring cities like Malden, Medford, or Everett, where homes can be found for $500,000 - $650,000, while still maintaining a reasonable commute to Boston.

Where the Jobs Are: Somerville's Major Employers

Somerville is a residential city, so your employment will likely be in the immediate metro area. Here are the key local and nearby employers, with an inside look at their hiring trends.

1. Massachusetts General Brigham (MGB) - Cambridge & Boston Campuses: This is the powerhouse. MGB is one of the largest employers in the state. Their pharmacy system includes inpatient, outpatient, home infusion, and specialty pharmacy. They are aggressively expanding their oncology and specialty pharmacy services. Hiring is steady for pharmacists with clinical experience and BCPS certification.
2. Tufts Medicine (Tufts Medical Center & Lowell General Hospital): A major network with a strong teaching hospital in downtown Boston. They have a residency program and are a key employer for clinical pharmacy specialists. Look for roles in critical care, pediatrics, and ambulatory care.
3. CVS Health & Walgreens: The retail giants are ubiquitous in Somerville (over 15 locations combined). These are the most common entry points. Hiring is consistent but high-turnover. Insider Tip: Consider negotiating for a position in a "CarePass" or specialty pharmacy model within the retail chain, as these often pay a premium and offer better hours.
4. Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH): With locations in Cambridge and across the region, BILH is a growing system. Their focus on community care means opportunities in ambulatory clinics and smaller community hospitals, which can offer a better work-life balance than large academic centers.
5. Somerville Hospital (a member of Cambridge Health Alliance): This is the most local option, but it's a small community hospital with limited pharmacist positions. It's a good fit for someone seeking a slower pace and a true local role, but career advancement may be limited.
6. Omnicell (based in Mountain View, CA, but with MA operations): A leader in pharmacy automation systems. They employ pharmacists and technicians for implementation, consulting, and client support roles in the Boston area. This is a great path away from direct patient care.
7. Biotech & Pharma Adjacent: While not traditional pharmacy employers, companies like Biogen (in Cambridge) and Moderna (in Cambridge) hire pharmacists for roles in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs. A retail pharmacist looking to pivot here needs to highlight transferable skills in medication management, counseling, and complex systems.

Hiring Trend: Demand is shifting. Traditional retail is stagnant (-3% growth), but clinical and specialty roles in hospitals and biotech are growing. The most secure jobs are in integrated health systems like MGB and Tufts.

Getting Licensed in MA

To practice in Massachusetts, you must be licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. It's a straightforward but mandatory process.

1. Education: Graduate from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (Pharm.D. is now the standard).
2. Examinations:
   • Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
   • Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Massachusetts.
3. Internship Hours: Complete 1,500 hours of pharmacy practice under a licensed preceptor (typically done during school).
4. Application & Fees:
   • Submit an application to the MA Board. The current fee is $225 (subject to change).
   • You must also register for the NAPLEX with a fee of $226.
5. Background Check: You will need to submit a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check.
6. Timeline: From taking the exams to receiving your license, the process typically takes 3-6 months. Start your application well before moving.
7. Reciprocity: If you are already licensed in another state, you can apply for licensure by reciprocity. It's a similar process, but you'll need to verify your existing license and provide proof of exam scores.

Resources:

• MA Board of Pharmacy: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-pharmacy
• NAPLEX/MPJE: https://nabp.pharmacy/

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Your neighborhood choice in Somerville will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown, with rent estimates for a 1-BR apartment.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Davis Square	The "heart" of Somerville. College-town feel, great transit, restaurants. Commute to Boston/Cambridge via Red Line is 15-20 mins.	$2,200 - $2,500	Young professionals who want a lively, walkable area with easy transit.
Assembly Row	Modern, waterfront development. Direct Orange Line access to downtown Boston (15 mins). More corporate, less "local" feel.	$2,300 - $2,600	Those who prioritize a short, direct commute and modern amenities over historic charm.
Magoun Square	Up-and-coming, more affordable than Davis. Good mix of restaurants and bars. Commute is 25-30 mins via bus or bike.	$1,900 - $2,100	Pharmacists on a budget who still want a vibrant neighborhood with character.
Winter Hill	Residential and quiet. Close to the Orange Line at Sullivan Square (20 mins to downtown). More family-oriented.	$1,850 - $2,100	Those seeking a quieter, more settled environment. Good for bike commuting to Cambridge.
Teele Square	Convenient to Tufts University and Davis Square, but quieter. Good bus access. Rent is slightly lower than Davis.	$1,950 - $2,200	A balanced choice for those who want Davis's amenities without the premium price.

Insider Tip: In Somerville, "average" rent means different things. A renovated apartment in a new building will cost $500-$700 more per month than an older, unrenovated unit in the same neighborhood. Always check the building's age and amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The -3% national growth rate is a call to action. To thrive in the Boston market, you must specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: Salaries for pharmacists with certifications can be $10,000 - $20,000 higher than the median. Key certifications include:
  • BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist): The most versatile for hospital roles.
  • BCOP (Oncology): Extremely high demand in the Boston area, home to top cancer centers (Dana-Farber, MGH Cancer Center).
  • BCCP (Cardiology): With major cardiac centers at MGH and Brigham, this is another premium skill.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Specialist: Focus on a disease state (e.g., diabetes, infectious disease). You'll work in clinics or hospital units, rounding with teams.
  2. Management: Move into a Pharmacy Manager or Director role in a hospital or retail chain. Requires leadership skills and often an MBA or MHA.
  3. Industry: Transition to pharma or biotech (see employers above). This is a common pivot for pharmacists in the Boston area, leveraging deep clinical knowledge for roles in medical science liaison (MSL), clinical research, or regulatory affairs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook in the Greater Boston area is stable with a shift. The traditional retail pharmacist role will continue to consolidate. The most growth will be in institutional, clinical, and industry roles. Pharmacists who embrace technology (e.g., becoming experts in pharmacy informatics) and specialize will command the highest salaries and job security.

The Verdict: Is Somerville Right for You?

Somerville is an excellent base for a pharmacist career in Boston, but it demands a specific set of priorities.

Pros	Cons
Proximity to Top Employers: Unbeatable access to world-class hospitals and biotech companies.	High Cost of Living: The $2,064 rent negates much of the salary advantage.
Vibrant, Walkable Lifestyle: Excellent dining, culture, and community. No need for a car in many neighborhoods.	Commuting is a Reality: Most jobs are not in Somerville; you will commute to Cambridge, Boston, or Medford.
Strong Public Transit (for MA): Red and Orange Line access makes commuting to major hubs manageable.	Housing Competition is Fierce: Finding a quality apartment at the "average" rent takes time and effort.
Dual-Income Potential: High concentration of professionals makes it a good place for a dual-income household, which is often necessary for homeownership.	Market Saturation for Retail: The retail market is competitive and slow-growing.

Final Recommendation

Somerville is right for you if: You are a pharmacist (ideally with 3-8 years of experience or a specialization) seeking to work in a major hospital or biotech setting, value an urban lifestyle, and are comfortable with high living costs and a commute. It's perfect for a single professional or a dual-income couple aiming to build a career in the Boston medical ecosystem.

Think twice if: You are a new graduate looking for the lowest cost of living, or if your primary goal is to work in a quiet, suburban setting. The -3% growth and high costs mean you need to be strategically focused on career advancement from day one.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Somerville and work at a pharmacy in Boston?
Yes, absolutely. The Red Line (from Davis or Porter Squares) and Orange Line (from Assembly or Sullivan) provide direct access to downtown Boston, the Longwood Medical Area, and the Seaport. A monthly MBTA pass is a smart investment.

2. Is the pharmacy job market in Somerville competitive?
It's competitive for the high-paying, specialized roles. The retail market is saturated. To stand out, gain experience in a hospital setting, pursue a residency if possible, and get certified. Networking through the Massachusetts Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) is critical.

3. What's the best way to find a pharmacist job in the area?
Check hospital career sites directly (MGH, Tufts, BILH). Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but set your location to "Greater Boston." Also, consult with pharmacy-specific recruiting agencies that serve Massachusetts, as they often have exclusive contracts with healthcare