Pharmacist in Springfield, MO

As a career analyst who has watched the healthcare landscape in the Ozarks for years, I can tell you this: Springfield isn't trying to be a coastal metropolis. It’s a regional powerhouse with a cost of living that feels almost like a cheat code for healthcare professionals. If you’re a pharmacist considering a move here, you’re looking at a market where your salary stretches further, but you need to understand the local ecosystem—the employers, the neighborhoods, and the long-term career trajectory.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Missouri Board of Pharmacy, and local market observations. We’re not selling you on the lifestyle; we’re analyzing whether it’s the right career move for you.

The Salary Picture: Where Springfield Stands

Let’s cut to the chase. The pharmacist market in Springfield is tight, with a defined number of positions and a growth rate that’s slightly anemic. The median salary for Pharmacists in the Springfield, MO metro area is $131,663 per year. This breaks down to a median hourly rate of $63.3.

To put this in perspective, you’re earning slightly less than the national average of $136,030 per year. However, this gap is almost entirely erased when you factor in Springfield’s cost of living, which sits at 89.3 (where the US average is 100). You’re trading a few thousand in raw salary for a significant reduction in daily expenses.

The job market is defined by its stability. There are approximately 340 jobs for pharmacists in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at -3%. This isn't a sign of a collapsing market; it's a sign of a mature one. The healthcare system is well-established, and positions are often filled by internal promotion or through dedicated hiring pipelines rather than explosive growth.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Springfield follow a predictable progression, heavily influenced by whether you're in retail, hospital, or a niche clinical role.

Experience Level	Typical Role in Springfield	Estimated Salary Range	Key Local Context
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	Staff Pharmacist (Retail/Clinic)	$115,000 - $125,000	Often starts at major chains (CVS, Walgreens) or regional grocers.
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	Clinical Pharmacist or Pharmacy Manager	$125,000 - $140,000	Hospital roles at CoxHealth or Mercy Springfield offer higher starting points.
Senior-Level (9-15 yrs)	Clinical Pharmacy Specialist or Director	$140,000 - $160,000	Specialties like oncology, infectious disease, or pharmacy informatics.
Expert (15+ yrs)	Pharmacy Director, Consultant, or Specialist	$160,000+	Leadership at a major hospital system or consulting for local compounding pharmacies.

Comparison to Other Missouri Cities

Springfield is a solid middle-ground in the Missouri market. It doesn't have the high concentration of specialty roles found in St. Louis, but it offers better pay and lower costs than Kansas City.

Metro Area	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Job Growth (10-Yr)	Notes
Springfield, MO	$131,663	89.3	-3%	Defined market, high quality of life.
St. Louis, MO	$138,120	97.8	+1%	Larger, more specialized opportunities.
Kansas City, MO-KS	$134,830	98.5	+2%	Slightly higher pay but much higher cost of living.
Columbia, MO	$129,950	88.2	+4%	College town, dominated by university hospital.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the salary number. A pharmacist in St. Louis earning $136,000 pays nearly 10% more in housing and general expenses. The real purchasing power in Springfield is often higher.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a pharmacist earning the median salary of $131,663. We’ll assume a single filer with standard deductions (no dependents) to keep it simple.

Monthly Take-Home Pay Calculation:

• Gross Monthly Income: $131,663 / 12 = $10,972
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$3,200 (This is an estimate; consult a tax pro)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: $7,772

The Springfield Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): $723
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment & Insurance: $500 (Springfield is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $250
• Retirement Savings (10%): $777
• Discretionary Spending: $5,722 (This is your leftover for dining, travel, savings, etc.)

Can they afford to buy a home? With $5,722 in discretionary income, absolutely. The median home price in Springfield is approximately $180,000 - $210,000. A 20% down payment ($36k-$42k) is achievable within 2-3 years of saving. A 30-year mortgage on a $200k home would be roughly $1,000 - $1,200/month (including taxes and insurance), which is very manageable on this income. This is a key advantage of the Springfield market—homeownership is a tangible, near-term goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Springfield's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by two major health systems and a strong network of community pharmacies. Hiring is consistent but competitive.

1. CoxHealth: The largest employer in the region. They have a main campus on South National, a South Hospital, and multiple urgent cares. They have a strong internal pharmacy residency program. Hiring trends favor candidates with hospital experience or a PGY1 residency.
2. Mercy Springfield: The other major player, with a large hospital on South National and a network of clinics. Mercy is part of a national system, which can offer more mobility for specialists. They are actively expanding their specialty pharmacy services.
3. Burrell Behavioral Health: A significant regional mental health provider. They have their own pharmacy and often hire pharmacists with an interest in behavioral health and psychopharmacology. A unique niche in the market.
4. Walgreens & CVS: The national chains have a significant footprint. They are the primary employers for entry-level positions and offer clear, if traditional, career paths into management. Turnover here can create openings.
5. Jordan Pharmacy & Community Care Pharmacy: These are local, independent compounding pharmacies. They offer a different work environment, often with more direct patient interaction and the potential for ownership stakes. Hiring is less frequent but highly valued when it occurs.
6. Springfield Public Schools: The school district employs pharmacists for its district-wide medication management program for students with chronic conditions. A stable, government-backed role with summers off.

Hiring Trends: CoxHealth and Mercy are the primary targets for career-focused pharmacists. Having a Missouri license in hand before applying is a significant advantage. For retail, chain stores often recruit directly from local pharmacy schools (like the University of Missouri-Kansas City, which is the closest PharmD program).

Getting Licensed in MO

Missouri’s licensing process is straightforward but has a few key steps.

1. Education & Exams: You must graduate from an ACPE-accredited PharmD program and pass both the NAPLEX (national exam) and the MPJE (Missouri-specific law exam). The MPJE is Missouri’s own exam on state pharmacy laws.
2. Application: Apply through the Missouri Board of Pharmacy. The application fee is approximately $250. You will need to submit official transcripts and proof of passing exam scores.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required, costing around $50.
4. Timeline: If you have all documents ready, the licensing process can take 4-8 weeks after submitting your application. Insider Tip: Start the process at least 3 months before you intend to move. Delays are common if there’s a gap in your application.
5. Cost Summary:
   • Application Fee: ~$250
   • Background Check: ~$50
   • NAPLEX/MPJE Fees: ~$800
   • Total (excluding education): ~$1,100

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Springfield is divided into several distinct areas. Your choice will depend on your commute preference and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
Downtown	Historic, walkable, vibrant nightlife. Best for young professionals.	$850-$1,100	5-10 min to CoxHealth & Mercy downtown.
South Springfield	Family-oriented, newer developments, excellent schools.	$750-$900	10-15 min to Mercy & CoxHealth South.
West Side	Established, quiet, more affordable. Mix of older homes and apartments.	$650-$800	10-15 min to downtown hospitals; 15-20 min to Mercy.
North Springfield	More diverse, with a mix of retail and residential. Close to MSU.	$600-$750	10 min to Mercy; 15 min to CoxHealth downtown.
Glenstone & Battlefield	Commercial corridor with many chain retail/pharmacy locations.	$700-$850	10 min to everything; central location for retail pharmacists.

Insider Tip: For a pharmacist working at Mercy or CoxHealth, living south of the James River Freeway (Highway 13) puts you on the right side of the river for a predictable commute, avoiding downtown traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% growth projection, your career advancement in Springfield will be based on specialization and leadership, not market expansion.

• Specialty Premiums: To exceed the median salary of $131,663, you need to move into a specialty. Clinical roles in oncology (at CoxHealth’s Hematology/Oncology clinic), infectious disease (critical in a hospital setting), or pediatric pharmacy (via the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital) can command $145,000 - $160,000.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is Staff Pharmacist -> Clinical Pharmacist -> Clinical Specialist -> Pharmacy Director. Another viable path is retail management with a national chain, leading to a District Manager role, which can be based in Springfield but cover a multi-state region.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but requires proactive career management. The pharmacist who thrives in Springfield is the one who builds relationships within the two major health systems, pursues a board certification (e.g., BCPS, BCOP), and stays engaged with the Missouri Pharmacy Association. The cost of living allows for lower financial risk, so you can invest in additional certifications that pay off in higher salaries.

The Verdict: Is Springfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: $131,663 goes much further here than in most metro areas.	Limited Job Growth: Fewer new positions; you’re often moving into existing roles.
Affordable Homeownership: A realistic goal within a few years of working.	Market Saturation: The two major hospitals are the primary employers; retail is competitive.
Stable, Mature Market: Well-established healthcare infrastructure.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle for most commutes.
Unique Lifestyle: Access to outdoor activities (Lake Springfield, Ozark trails) with urban amenities.	Limited Diversity in Roles: Fewer niche pharmacy roles compared to a major city like St. Louis.

Final Recommendation:
Springfield is an excellent choice for pharmacists who value financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who are either early in their career and want to build savings quickly or for experienced pharmacists looking for a slower pace without sacrificing professional respect.

If you are a specialist seeking a highly niche, research-oriented role, St. Louis or Kansas City might offer more opportunities. But for the majority of pharmacists, Springfield presents a compelling, data-backed case for a high quality of life.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for pharmacists in Springfield competitive?
Yes, but in a structured way. The major hospitals (CoxHealth and Mercy) have formal hiring processes. It’s competitive for the best positions, but there are always openings in retail. Having your Missouri license ready is the biggest advantage.

2. What’s the typical commute for a pharmacist in Springfield?
Most pharmacists work at either the downtown or South National medical campuses. From most neighborhoods, the commute is 10-20 minutes by car. Traffic is minimal compared to larger cities.

3. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes. The major hospitals and large retail chains often have part-time positions. The independent pharmacies are also more likely to offer flexible arrangements. This is a common way to balance work with family or personal pursuits.

4. How does the cost of living affect a pharmacist’s lifestyle?
Immensely. With the median salary of $131,663 and an average 1BR rent of $723, a pharmacist in Springfield can save 20-30% of their income comfortably, afford a home, and enjoy discretionary spending—something far more challenging in coastal cities.

5. What is the best way to network in the Springfield pharmacy community?
Attend events hosted by the Missouri Pharmacy Association and local chapter meetings. CoxHealth and Mercy also host continuing education events. The community is relatively small, and reputation matters. A simple LinkedIn connection with a pharmacist at a target employer can go a long way.

(Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023. Cost of Living Index from the Council for Community and Economic Research. Population data from the U.S. Census Bureau.)