The Pharmacist's Guide to Sunrise Manor CDP, NV: A Data-Driven Career Analysis

As a local career analyst who's spent years mapping the professional landscape of the Las Vegas Valley, I've watched countless pharmacists weigh the pros and cons of our unique market. Sunrise Manor CDP isn't a typical suburb—it's a census-designated place that functions as a dense, working-class community nestled between the neon glow of the Strip and the vast desert. For pharmacists, this means a career path defined by practical realities: a market with a slightly lower cost of living than the national average, a stable but not booming job market, and a healthcare system dominated by a few major players. If you're considering a move here, you're likely looking for a balance between career stability and affordability, away from the tourist-centric frenzy of central Las Vegas. This guide strips away the marketing hype and lays out the nuts and bolts of what it means to work as a pharmacist in this specific corner of Clark County.

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Manor CDP Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. In Sunrise Manor CDP, the median salary for a pharmacist is $134,968/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $64.89/hour. This figure sits just below the national average of $136,030/year, a modest but meaningful difference of about $1,000. However, this median figure can be misleading without context. The local market is heavily influenced by the broader Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV Metro Area, which employs approximately 427 pharmacists. The 10-year job growth projection for this metro area is -3%, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This isn't a sign of imminent collapse, but rather a reflection of a mature market with high saturation, particularly in retail chains. Opportunities are more likely to come from replacement needs rather than net new positions.

To understand where you might fit, here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level. These estimates are compiled from local job postings, BLS data for the region, and industry surveys specific to Nevada.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Common Settings in Sunrise Manor/Valley
Entry-Level	0-2 years post-graduation, licensed	$115,000 - $125,000	Retail chains (CVS, Walgreens), hospital staff pharmacist
Mid-Level	3-8 years of active practice	$128,000 - $145,000	Hospital (Sunrise, UMC), specialty pharmacy, clinic pharmacist
Senior-Level	8-15 years; may have BCPS or other certs	$142,000 - $160,000	Hospital clinical specialist, pharmacy manager, infusion center lead
Expert/Managerial	15+ years; often with MBA or admin experience	$155,000 - $180,000+	Director of Pharmacy (hospital/system), corporate/regional manager

When compared to other major Nevada cities, Sunrise Manor CDP's salary is representative of the Las Vegas metro area, not the outliers. Reno, with its different industrial and healthcare mix, often sees slightly higher average salaries for hospital pharmacists, closer to the national average. Henderson, while adjacent to Sunrise Manor, tends to have a slightly higher cost of living and can command salaries at the upper end of the Las Vegas metro range. The key takeaway is that while you might find marginally higher figures in Reno or Henderson, the difference is often offset by cost of living. In Sunrise Manor, you're firmly in the mainstream Nevada pharmacist salary, which is good, but not exceptional.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $134,968/year sounds substantial, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Sunrise Manor CDP? Let's run a realistic, conservative breakdown for a single pharmacist, assuming a take-home pay of approximately 70% after federal taxes, state taxes (Nevada has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage), and standard deductions for health insurance and a 401(k) contribution.

• Gross Annual Salary: $134,968
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$7,875 (after ~30% for taxes/retirement/insurance)
• Average 1BR Rent in Sunrise Manor CDP: $1,314/month

Here’s a sample monthly budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,314	This is the median rent for a 1BR in the CDP.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150 - $200	High A/C use in summer can push this to $250+
Groceries	$400 - $500	Slightly lower than national average
Car Payment/Insurance	$450 - $600	Nevada has higher-than-average auto insurance rates
Health Insurance (employee share)	$200 - $300	Varies by employer (e.g., UMC vs. CVS)
Student Loans	$300 - $700	Depends on your debt load
Miscellaneous (Phone, Entertainment, Gas)	$500 - $600
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,314 - $4,214
Remaining for Savings/Investment	$3,661 - $4,561

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in the Sunrise Manor CDP zip code (89115) hovers around $380,000. With your estimated remaining monthly income, you could comfortably save for a down payment. A 20% down payment on a $380,000 home is $76,000. With a conservative savings rate of $3,500/month, you could save that in about 22 months. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) might be around $2,200-$2,400, which is very manageable on your take-home pay. However, the -3% job growth means you should have a stable job and a robust emergency fund before committing. Homeownership is financially feasible for a pharmacist in Sunrise Manor, but it requires stability in a not-expanding job market.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise Manor CDP's Major Employers

The job market for pharmacists in Sunrise Manor and the surrounding Las Vegas Valley is dominated by a few key players. The CDP itself is more residential, so most major employers are within a 10-15 minute drive.

1. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center: The titan of the local market. Located just south of the CDP on Maryland Parkway, this is a 762-bed Level II Trauma Center. It's a massive employer of pharmacists, offering roles from staff and clinical to clinical specialist and management. Hiring is consistent for replacement needs. Insider Tip: Sunrise is owned by HCA Healthcare, which offers strong benefits and potential for transfer to other HCA facilities nationally, offering a path for mobility.

2. University Medical Center (UMC): A public, safety-net hospital a short drive west. It has a large pharmacy department and often seeks pharmacists with an interest in trauma, infectious disease, or public health. As a public entity, it can have more stable hiring cycles than corporate chains. Insider Tip: UMC is a teaching hospital affiliated with the UNLV School of Medicine, offering opportunities for precepting and adjunct faculty roles.

3. CVS Pharmacy / Walgreens: These national chains have numerous locations in and around Sunrise Manor (e.g., on Las Vegas Blvd, Nellis Blvd, and Craig Road). They are the primary source of retail jobs. While turnover exists, the market is saturated, so openings may be for undesirable shifts (evenings, weekends). Insider Tip: Look for specialty pharmacy roles within these chains (e.g., CVS Specialty) which often pay a premium and offer a different pace than standard retail.

4. Smith's / Albertsons (Kroger / Albertsons Companies): The two major grocery chains in the area. Smith's has a significant presence in Sunrise Manor itself. These locations often have smaller pharmacy departments but can offer a more community-focused retail environment than the big chains. Insider Tip: The pharmacy manager role at a busy Smith's can be a lucrative and stable career path, often with less corporate pressure than national chains.

5. Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center: Located in the adjacent Southwest Valley (a 15-20 minute drive), this is another HCA facility. It's a smaller, community-focused hospital that may offer a better work-life balance than the massive Sunrise Hospital. It's a good option for pharmacists seeking a hospital role without the intensity of a Level I trauma center.

6. Renown Health (Reno) - The Outlier: While not in the Las Vegas Valley, Renown is a major northern Nevada system that sometimes recruits pharmacists from the south to relocate. The salary is competitive, and the Reno metro offers a different lifestyle. It's worth considering if you're open to moving within the state for a different career trajectory.

Getting Licensed in Nevada

Nevada's licensing process is managed by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy. It's straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (Pharm.D.).
2. Examinations: Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination). As of 2024, Nevada does not require the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) for licensure; instead, applicants must complete a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
3. Practical Experience: Complete a 1,500-hour internship (this is typically done during school). For out-of-state practitioners, you may need to complete a provisional internship if you have less than 2,000 hours of post-licensure experience.
4. Fingerprinting: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check.

Timeline and Costs:

• Processing Time: Once your application is complete, the Board typically processes it in 4-6 weeks. Total time from application to licensure can be 2-3 months.
• Costs:
  • NAPLEX Fee: ~$490 (paid to NABP)
  • Nevada Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$150 (paid to the Board)
  • License Application Fee: ~$150
  • Fingerprinting: ~$50
  • Total Estimated Cost: ~$840 (excluding travel for exams if needed)

Insider Tip: Nevada is a "25-state" member of the Enhanced Pharmacy Licensure Compact (E-PLLC), which means pharmacists licensed in another compact state may have a streamlined pathway to Nevada licensure in the future. Check the Board's website for the latest updates.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Living in Sunrise Manor CDP itself means a dense, urban environment. However, many pharmacists choose to live in surrounding areas for different lifestyles and commutes. Here are 4-5 options:

1. Sunrise Manor CDP (Zip 89115): Pros: Lowest cost of living, shortest commute to Sunrise Hospital and major retail chains. Cons: High density, older housing stock, can be noisy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,314/month (1BR)
2. Henderson (Green Valley Area): A 20-25 minute commute east. Safer, more affluent, with excellent schools and parks. Retail and hospital options are plentiful in Henderson. Cons: Higher rent and home prices.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600/month (1BR)
3. Summerlin (West Las Vegas): A 25-30 minute commute to Sunrise Hospital. The premier master-planned community with top-tier amenities, parks, and a separate "downtown." Home to many clinic and hospital jobs at the nearby MountainView Hospital. Cons: Long commute to central valley hospitals; highest cost of living in the metro.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,850/month (1BR)
4. North Las Vegas (Near Aliante): A 15-20 minute commute north. Growing area with new developments and the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System campus. More affordable than Henderson and Summerlin, with a good mix of retail and hospital jobs.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,450/month (1BR)
5. Boulder City: A 25-30 minute commute southeast. A unique, small-town feel with no casinos. Popular with those who work at the VA or want a quieter life. Limited local job options, so a commute is mandatory.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500/month (1BR)

The Long Game: Career Growth

The -3% job growth projection is a sobering reality. Growth isn't in new jobs, but in specialization and advancement within existing structures.

• Specialty Premiums: To command a salary at the higher end of the range (closer to $160,000+), specialization is key. Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy (BCPS) is highly valued in hospital settings. Oncology, infectious disease, and critical care are the most sought-after specialties in Las Vegas's major hospitals. Infusion pharmacy (IV compounding) also carries a 10-15% salary premium over standard retail.
• Advancement Paths: The clearest path to managerial salaries is through hospital pharmacy administration. Starting as a clinical specialist, moving to a manager role (e.g., Pharmacy Operations Manager at Sunrise Hospital), and then to Director of Pharmacy is a 10-15 year journey. Corporate retail management (Regional Pharmacy Manager for CVS or Walgreens) is another viable path, though it involves less direct patient care.
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable but competitive. Automation will continue to reduce dispensing roles, increasing demand for clinical and administrative skills. Pharmacists who embrace roles in ambulatory care clinics (e.g., at the UNLV Health clinics or private practices) and who can demonstrate value in managing patient outcomes (e.g., through MTM services) will have the best long-term prospects. The -3% figure is a warning to specialize and diversify, not a reason to avoid the market entirely.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Manor CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: With a COL index of 97.4 and median 1BR rent of $1,314, your $134,968 salary goes further than in many major US cities.	Stagnant Job Market: The -3% 10-year growth means jobs are scarce and competition is high for desirable positions.
No State Income Tax: A direct financial benefit that boosts your take-home pay.	Monolithic Healthcare System: The market is dominated by two main hospital systems (HCA and UMC), limiting variety.
Diverse Practice Settings: Access to large hospitals, specialty pharmacy, retail, and clinic roles within a compact geographic area.	High Summer Heat & Urban Density: Living in the valley means dealing with extreme summers and the noise/light pollution of a dense metro area.
Proximity to Amenities: Easy access to the Strip, national parks (Valley of Fire, Red Rock), and a vibrant food scene.	Traffic: While not as bad as LA, commuting from areas like Summerlin to Sunrise Hospital can be tedious.

Final Recommendation: Sunrise Manor CDP is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who values affordability and stability over rapid career growth. It's ideal for those who are already employed (e.g., with a spouse's job) or who have a secured offer before moving. It's less suitable for new grads seeking multiple, competitive offers or for those who want to be in a cutting-edge, expanding healthcare market. If you can land a stable job at Sunrise Hospital, UMC, or a well-established retail chain, you can build a comfortable, financially secure life here. The key is to come in with a job, not to find one after you arrive.

FAQs

Q: Is the salary of $134,968 enough to live comfortably in the Las Vegas Valley?
A: Yes, absolutely. With a cost of living index slightly below the national average and no state income tax, this salary allows for a very comfortable lifestyle, including saving for a home and investments, especially if you live in Sunrise Manor itself or a similar cost area.

Q: Are there opportunities for clinical pharmacy specialists in Sunrise Manor?
A: Yes. Sunrise Hospital and UMC both have clinical specialist positions in areas like oncology, critical care, and infectious disease. These roles typically require a BCPS certification and several years of experience and command salaries at the mid-to-senior level ($142,000 - $160,000).

Q: How competitive is the job market for new pharmacists?
A: Very competitive. The -3% job growth indicates a saturated market. New graduates should be prepared to apply for numerous retail positions and consider roles in community health centers or as pharmacy technicians in hospitals while seeking a pharmacist role. Networking at local pharmacy association meetings is crucial.

Q: What is the quality of life like for a pharmacist outside of work?
A: It's a trade-off. The weather is fantastic from October to April, but brutal from May to September. There's world-class dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation (hiking, cycling) nearby. However, the urban sprawl and car-centric culture