Pharmacist in Springfield, OR

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Springfield, Oregon.

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The Salary Picture: Where Springfield Stands

As a pharmacist considering a move to Springfield, the first thing to understand is that you’re entering a market that pays slightly above the national average but is heavily influenced by the regional healthcare ecosystem. The median salary for a pharmacist here is $137,458/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $66.09/hour. This is a modest but meaningful step up from the $136,030/year national average for the profession.

However, the job market is tight. There are only 123 pharmacist jobs in the entire Eugene-Springfield metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is -3%, which reflects the national trend of retail pharmacy consolidation and the slow but steady expansion of clinical pharmacy roles in hospital and specialty settings. You’re not moving to a boomtown for pharmacy; you’re moving to a stable, niche market where experience and specialization matter.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range	Key Factors & Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$115,000 - $128,000	Often starts in retail chains or hospital staff roles. Limited bargaining power.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$128,000 - $142,000	This is the median range. Increased responsibility (e.g., lead pharmacist, clinical specialist).
Senior (10-15 years)	$142,000 - $155,000	Management tracks, specialty roles (oncology, infectious disease), or 24/7 hospital shift differentials.
Expert (15+ years)	$155,000+	Director-level positions, academia at University of Oregon, or highly specialized clinical niches.

Comparison to Other Oregon Cities

• Portland Metro: Salaries are generally 5-10% higher ($144,000-$151,000 median), but the cost of living and commute times are significantly worse. The job market is also more saturated.
• Salem: Salaries are slightly below Springfield ($132,000-$135,000 median), with a smaller, more centralized hospital system (Salem Health).
• Bend: A growing market with high demand, but salaries have not kept pace with the extreme cost of living. A median salary in Bend would be challenging for a single-income household.
• Medford: Salaries are comparable to Springfield, but the market is smaller and more reliant on retail chains. The healthcare network is less integrated than in the Willamette Valley.

Insider Tip: The salary bands in Springfield are compressed. The difference between a mid-career and senior pharmacist here is narrower than in larger metros. Your leverage for negotiation often comes from specific certifications (e.g., BCPS, BCCCP) rather than years of experience alone.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the financial reality for a single pharmacist earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Annual: $137,458)

• Gross Monthly Income: $11,455
• Estimated Tax (Federal, State, FICA - ~28%): -$3,207
• Take-Home Pay (Monthly): ~$8,248
• Average 1BR Rent ($1,063): -$1,063
• Remaining for Expenses/Savings: $7,185

This calculation shows that, on paper, Springfield is very affordable for a pharmacist. Even after rent and taxes, you have over $7,000 left for utilities, groceries, car payments, student loans, and savings. The Cost of Living Index here is 103.5 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s slightly more expensive than the national average, but this is heavily skewed by housing. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are often at or below the national average.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in the Springfield area is approximately $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% interest would be around $2,170/month (including property taxes and insurance). With your take-home pay of $8,248, this represents ~26% of your monthly income—well within the comfortable range.

Insider Tip: Many locals in the healthcare sector partner with spouses who are teachers or work at the University of Oregon. A dual-income household, even with one partner earning a modest teacher's salary, makes homeownership in desirable neighborhoods not just possible, but comfortable.

Where the Jobs Are: Springfield's Major Employers

The pharmacy job market in Springfield is dominated by a few key players. The competition for hospital roles is fierce, while retail positions are more fluid but have higher turnover.

1. PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend (Springfield, OR)

   • This is the largest employer in the region and the primary source of clinical pharmacy jobs. They have over 400 beds and a Level II trauma center.
   • Hiring Trends: Actively hiring for clinical specialists (e.g., ICU, oncology, infectious disease). The shift to decentralized pharmacy services means more bedside roles. They value BCPS-certified pharmacists. Expect a rigorous interview process.

2. PeaceHealth McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center

   • Located in Springfield, this is a 128-bed community hospital. It’s smaller and more intimate than RiverBend.
   • Hiring Trends: Often has openings for generalist pharmacists and overnight shifts. A good entry point into hospital pharmacy. Less specialty-focused than RiverBend.

3. Retail Giants: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid

   • These are the most accessible employers. Locations are scattered throughout Springfield (e.g., Main St., Gateway St., Mohawk Blvd).
   • Hiring Trends: Constant, high-volume hiring. High-pressure environment with metrics for vaccinations and script counts. Good for new grads to get licensed hours, but burnout is common. A stepping stone, not a destination for most.

4. Springfield School District

   • A unique but niche employer. Pharmacist roles here are rare but involve managing medication protocols for student health services.
   • Hiring Trends: Extremely low turnover. If a position opens, it’s often filled internally. Requires a deep understanding of pediatric and adolescent health needs.

5. Independent Pharmacies (e.g., Daniels Pharmacy, McKenzie Valley Pharmacy)

   • These offer a stark contrast to corporate chains. Community-focused, often compounding-heavy, and with deeper patient relationships.
   • Hiring Trends: Hiring is sporadic but based on retirements or expansion. They look for pharmacists who want to be part of the local fabric, not just a cog in a machine. Pay may be slightly lower, but quality of life is often higher.

6. Regional Health Systems (Salem Health, Adventist Health)

   • While based outside Springfield, they recruit heavily from the area. A 30-45 minute commute is common for pharmacists who can’t secure a role at PeaceHealth.
   • Hiring Trends: Actively recruiting for their larger facilities, often offering sign-on bonuses for critical specialties.

Getting Licensed in OR

Oregon has a clear but strict licensing process managed by the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. It’s not the most expensive state, but it requires meticulous paperwork.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Graduate from an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program. (Standard for all)
2. Pass the NAPLEX. The national exam fee is ~$595.
3. Pass the Oregon MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam). The exam fee is ~$215. Oregon's exam is specific to state laws, which emphasize collaborative practice and telehealth regulations.
4. Complete a 1,500-hour internship. This is a key differentiator. Oregon requires this internship to be completed under a licensed preceptor. If you’re an out-of-state pharmacist, the Board may require a period of supervised practice or additional verification.
5. Background Check & Application Fee. The total state application and licensing fee is approximately $485.

Timeline to Get Started:

• For New Graduates: 6-8 months post-graduation. This includes study time for the NAPLEX/MPJE (3-4 months), waiting for results (2-4 weeks), and processing the application (4-6 weeks).
• For Out-of-State Pharmacists: Minimum 4-6 months. Oregon is not a member of the Compact. You must apply as a pharmacist licensed in another state. The Board will review your credentials and may require a jurisprudence exam. There is a mandatory 30-day review period. Start the process before you move.

Insider Tip: Contact the Oregon Board of Pharmacy before you quit your current job. Their customer service is helpful, and they can give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation. Misunderstanding the internship verification can cause delays of months.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Springfield is divided by the I-5 corridor, with distinct vibes. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Major Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent
Downtown Springfield	Historic, walkable, community-focused. Home to many local shops and restaurants.	5-10 min drive to PeaceHealth McKenzie-Willamette; 15 min to RiverBend.	$1,150+
RIVERBEND Area	Modern, suburban, family-oriented. Master-planned communities near the hospital.	5-10 min walk/bike to PeaceHealth RiverBend. Ideal for hospital staff.	$1,300+
Gateway District	Quiet, residential, established. Older homes, larger lots.	10-15 min drive to RiverBend; 15 min to retail corridors.	$1,050
Coburg Road Corridor	Convenient, commercial. Easy access to I-5 and shopping.	10 min drive to RiverBend; 5 min to retail pharmacies.	$1,000
Pleasant Hill (Outskirts)	Rural, quiet, affordable. 15-20 minutes from downtown Springfield.	20-25 min commute to hospitals. For those who want space and don't mind driving.	$900+

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Springfield, career growth for pharmacists is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specializing or moving into leadership within the local healthcare network.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Certifications (BCPS, BCCCP, BCOP): These can add a $5,000-$12,000 salary premium at institutions like PeaceHealth. They are essential for moving from a staff pharmacist to a clinical specialist role.
• Management Path: Moving to a Pharmacy Manager or Director role at RiverBend can push salaries toward the $150,000+ range. This path requires strong operational skills and an MBA or extensive experience is a plus.
• Informatics Pharmacy: The rise of Epic and other EHR systems has created a need for pharmacists who can optimize medication order sets and clinical decision support. This is a growing, tech-focused path.
• Industry Roles: While not as prevalent as in Portland, there are remote opportunities with pharma/biotech companies based in the Willamette Valley. These roles often pay a premium but require relocation to the Portland metro for occasional meetings.

10-Year Outlook:
The -3% growth projection is real, but it’s misleading. The decline is in traditional retail dispensing. Growth is in clinical, regulatory, and administrative roles. In 10 years, the pharmacist in Springfield will be less of a pill counter and more of a medication therapy manager embedded in clinical teams. The University of Oregon’s expansion in health sciences could also create new academic and research pharmacist roles. The market will reward adaptability and specialization.

The Verdict: Is Springfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for homeownership.	Limited Job Market: Only 123 jobs in the metro. Competition is real.
Integrated Healthcare System: PeaceHealth is a dominant, stable employer.	Hospital-Centric Growth: Retail jobs are stagnant; growth is in hospital specialties.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Easy access to hiking, biking, and the Cascade mountains.	Smaller City Amenities: Fewer cultural events, restaurants, and nightlife than Portland.
Community Feel: You’re not a number. Patients and colleagues know you.	-3% Job Growth: You must be proactive to advance.
Dual-Income Potential: A spouse’s income significantly boosts lifestyle.	Weather: The gray, rainy winters (Oct-Apr) can be draining.

Final Recommendation:
Springfield is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who values work-life balance, affordability, and community integration over rapid career advancement. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career pharmacists looking to build experience in a hospital setting without the crushing cost of a major metro.
• Mid-career pharmacists seeking to specialize (e.g., ICU, oncology) and buy a home.
• Couples where one partner is a pharmacist and the other is in another stable field (e.g., education, tech).

It’s not ideal for a pharmacist who:

• Is looking for a fast-paced, high-growth corporate ladder (look to Portland or Seattle).
• Requires a vibrant nightlife and endless cultural events.
• Is unwilling to specialize and expects easy job hopping.

FAQs

1. How competitive are the PeaceHealth RiverBend jobs?
Very. They are the premier employer. Tailor your resume to their clinical needs. Having a BCPS certification or a residency is a major advantage. Network with current pharmacists there—local connections matter.

2. Can I live in Eugene and commute to Springfield?
Yes, it’s common. The commute is only 10-15 minutes via I-5. However, you’ll pay higher rent in Eugene (closer to $1,200 for a 1BR) and deal with worse traffic. Many pharmacists choose to live in Springfield for the shorter commute and lower cost.

3. What’s the pharmacist-to-pharmacist ratio like?
With only 123 jobs, it’s a tight-knit community. You’ll likely know most other pharmacists in the area within a few years. This is great for networking but means discretion and professionalism are paramount—reputations travel fast.

4. Is the -3% job growth a serious concern?
It should be, but it’s manageable. The key is to position yourself in a growing segment (clinical, informatics) rather than a declining one (retail dispensing). The demand for qualified clinical pharmacists at PeaceHealth is real and persistent.

5. How does Oregon’s scope of practice affect my daily work?
Oregon has robust Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs), allowing pharmacists to prescribe, adjust doses, and order labs under protocol. This is a significant opportunity for professional autonomy, especially in primary care and hospital settings. It’s a major pro for the state.