Pharmacist in Winooski, VT

The Salary Picture: Where Winooski Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Winooski’s pharmacy job market is a unique beast. It’s a small city nestled in the heart of Chittenden County, with a population of just 8,198. But its proximity to Burlington makes it a key hub for healthcare. The salary data for pharmacists here is straightforward but requires context. The median salary for a pharmacist in Winooski is $136,030/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.4/hour. This figure aligns precisely with the national average for pharmacists, which is also $136,030/year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is a critical point: Winooski isn't paying a premium for location, nor is it significantly underpaying. You're getting a national-market wage in a small, manageable city.

The job market itself is tight. There are only 16 pharmacist jobs in the metro area (Burlington-South Burlington, VT). Over the last decade, the 10-year job growth has been -3%. This isn't a field seeing explosive growth; it's a stable, mature profession where positions are filled through turnover, not expansion. For a pharmacist considering a move here, this means competition for existing roles exists, but the stability of the employers (like UVM Medical Center) is a major draw.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential based on experience, here’s a breakdown. These are estimates based on regional and national trends, applied to the Winooski/Burlington market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Winooski
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$115,000 - $125,000	Staff pharmacist roles in retail chains (CVS, Walgreens), compounding basics, patient counseling.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$130,000 - $145,000	The median range. Could be a lead staff pharmacist, clinical specialist in a hospital, or manager of a small independent.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$150,000 - $170,000	Pharmacy manager, clinical coordinator at UVM Medical Center, specialist in oncology or infectious disease.
Expert/Managerial (15+ yrs)	$175,000+	Director of Pharmacy, clinical pharmacy specialist with advanced certifications, consultant for long-term care facilities.

How does this stack up against other Vermont cities? Let's compare. The $136,030 median in Winooski is on par with the state's major hub, Burlington. However, it's significantly higher than in smaller, rural Vermont cities like Barre or Rutland, where salaries might dip into the $120,000s. The trade-off is job availability. While Winooski/Burlington has the most opportunities (the 16 metro jobs), a rural area might have only one or two, but potentially less competition. For a pharmacist seeking community and a slower pace, Winooski offers the best of both worlds: a city salary with a small-town feel.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A salary of $136,030 sounds great, but Vermont's tax burden and housing costs are significant factors. For a single filer with no dependents, here’s a rough monthly breakdown after taxes and essential costs.

• Gross Monthly Income: $11,336
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,800
• Net Monthly Income: ~$8,536
• Average 1BR Rent in Winooski: $1,250/month
• Utilities (Est.): $150/month
• Groceries & Essentials: $400/month
• Transportation (Car/Insurance): $400/month
• Student Loans (Est.): $500/month (pharmacy school debt is a reality)
• Discretionary/Retirement Savings: ~$5,336/month

This leaves a substantial amount for savings, investments, and lifestyle. Winooski's cost of living index is 100.0, exactly the national average. This is misleading at first glance. It means that while your rent and groceries might be on par with the U.S. average, Vermont property taxes are among the highest in the nation. This doesn't directly hit your rent but becomes a major factor if you decide to buy a home.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the discretionary income shown above, saving for a down payment is feasible. However, you must factor in Vermont's property taxes. In Chittenden County, you can expect to pay roughly 1.8% of your home's assessed value annually. For a $400,000 home (a realistic price for a 3-bedroom in the area), that’s about $7,200/year or $600/month in property taxes alone, on top of your mortgage. This significantly impacts your monthly housing budget. Renting in Winooski is often the more financially flexible option, especially for newcomers, allowing you to save aggressively before committing to the property tax burden.

Where the Jobs Are: Winooski's Major Employers

The job market is concentrated. With only 16 pharmacist positions, knowing where to look is key. Here are the primary employers in and around Winooski.

1. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC): The 800-pound gorilla of Vermont healthcare. While the main hospital is in Burlington, UVMC has a network of outpatient pharmacies and clinics throughout Chittenden County, including near Winooski. They are the largest employer of clinical pharmacists in the state. Hiring here is competitive; they often look for pharmacists with PGY-1 residency or equivalent experience. They are the most stable employer and offer the best benefits and advancement into specialized roles (oncology, critical care, ambulatory care).

2. CVS Pharmacy & Walgreens: The retail giants. There are multiple locations in the immediate area (Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski itself). These are your most likely entry points. The pace is fast, focused on volume and patient interaction. Hiring is more frequent due to turnover. It’s a great way to get your Vermont license and local experience.

3. Walgreen’s Specialty Pharmacy (Burlington): A specific note here. Burlington is home to a Walgreens specialty pharmacy. This is a different beast from retail, focusing on complex medications for conditions like oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, and MS. It offers a higher level of clinical involvement and often pays a premium over standard retail. A pharmacist with an interest in specialty drugs should target this location.

4. Chittenden Pharmacy: A local, independent pharmacy with a location in South Burlington, minutes from Winooski. Independents like this offer a different pace and a deeper connection to the local community. They may not have as many positions, but when they hire, they value pharmacists who want to be part of the local fabric. It’s a great option for someone looking to escape the corporate retail environment.

5. University Health Medical Center (UHMC) - Fanny Allen Campus: Located in Colchester, a short drive from Winooski. This is another major hospital system (part of UVM Health Network) with pharmacy needs, particularly in its outpatient and specialty clinics. It’s another source for clinical pharmacist roles, often with a focus on geriatrics and primary care.

6. Long-Term Care & Consulting Pharmacies: Vermont has an aging population. Companies like Pharmacare Vermont or PharMerica serve nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state. These roles are typically Monday-Friday, business hours, and involve medication regimen reviews and consultant work with facilities. They are less publicly advertised and often filled through networking.

Hiring Trends: The trend is a slight shift from traditional retail to integrated health systems and specialty care. UVMC and its affiliates are constantly seeking pharmacists for their growing ambulatory care clinics (e.g., diabetes, anticoagulation). Retail chains have a steady, but not growing, need. The -3% growth projection reflects this: it's not a growth industry, but a profession in transition, with more opportunities in clinical and specialized settings.

Getting Licensed in VT

The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) oversees pharmacist licensure. The process is straightforward but requires meticulous attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (PharmD).
2. Examinations:
   • Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
   • Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Vermont.
3. Internship: Complete the required hours of practical training (typically 1,500 hours) under a preceptor. Most graduates do this as part of their school's curriculum.
4. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit a complete application to the Vermont OPR, including all fees.

Costs:

• NAPLEX Fee: ~$485
• MPJE Fee: ~$200
• Vermont License Application Fee: ~$150
• Background Check: ~$30
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$865 (excluding any costs for study materials or retakes).

Timeline:
The most time-consuming part is preparing for and taking the exams. For a recent graduate, the timeline from graduation to full licensure is typically 3-6 months. This includes studying (2-3 months), scheduling and taking the exams (1 month), and waiting for the Vermont OPR to process the application and issue the license (1-2 months). If you are already licensed in another state, you can apply for licensure by reciprocity (via the NABP Compact Licensure), which can be faster, but you still must meet Vermont's specific requirements and pass the MPJE.

Insider Tip: Start your Vermont MPJE study early. Vermont's pharmacy laws, particularly regarding opioid prescribing, controlled substance dispensing limits, and collaborative practice agreements, are specific and can trip up those who only studied national standards.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Winooski itself is a tiny city, but the surrounding areas offer different lifestyles. The commute to major employers is almost always under 15 minutes.

1. Downtown Winooski: The heart of the city. Walkable, with the Winooski River, restaurants, and apartments. Most pharmacies are here or a short drive away. Rent for a 1BR is right at the city average of $1,250/month. Ideal for those who want a vibrant, urban feel without the size or price of Burlington. Commute time: 0-5 minutes.

2. South End/Burlington (Essex Junction Border): This area, just across the Winooski River from downtown, offers more residential options with easy access to both Winooski and Burlington. You'll find more single-family homes and townhouses. Rent for a 1BR is slightly higher, around $1,300-$1,400/month. Commute to UVM Medical Center or retail locations: 10-15 minutes.

3. Essex Junction: A separate town, but a 5-minute drive from Winooski. It has its own charm, with a quieter, more suburban feel. Excellent schools and more space. Rent can be similar to or slightly below Winooski, around $1,200/month for a 1BR. Commute to Winooski: 10 minutes. A great choice for pharmacists with families or those wanting a bit more peace.

4. Colchester (Malletts Bay Area): A bit further north, but still within a 15-minute commute to Winooski. Offers beautiful lake access (Lake Champlain) and a more rural feel while being close to amenities. Rent can vary widely ($1,100 - $1,500). Ideal for an outdoor enthusiast who doesn't mind a slightly longer, but very scenic, drive.

5. South Burlington: While not Winooski, it's the other major hub for pharmacy jobs. Living here means you're closest to UVM Medical Center and the Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. It's a more conventional suburban city with lots of shopping and big-box stores. Rent is higher than Winooski, averaging $1,400-$1,600/month for a 1BR. The commute to Winooski would be 10-15 minutes, but you'd likely work in South Burlington itself.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market like Winooski, "growth" doesn't always mean climbing a corporate ladder; it often means specializing.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. A pharmacist with a BCOP (Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist) or BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) credential working at UVM Medical Center or a specialty pharmacy can command a salary 10-15% above the median, potentially pushing into the $150,000-$170,000 range. The same applies to certifications in ambulatory care, infectious disease, or psychiatry. Vermont's healthcare system values these specialists, as they help manage complex patients and reduce hospital readmissions.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Path: Staff Pharmacist -> Clinical Specialist (with certification) -> Clinical Coordinator -> Pharmacy Manager/Director of Clinical Services.
  2. Management Path: Staff Pharmacist -> Pharmacy Manager (retail or hospital) -> Director of Pharmacy (for a small hospital or large retail district).
  3. Consulting Path: Build experience in a hospital or long-term care, then move into a consulting role for multiple facilities or the state.

• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth projection is sobering but realistic. It suggests that for every 100 jobs, 97 may exist in a decade. However, this misses the nuance. The type of jobs is changing. The demand for traditional retail pharmacists may stagnate, but the demand for clinical, telehealth, and specialty pharmacists in integrated systems like UVM Health Network is projected to grow. For a pharmacist in Winooski, the path forward is to align with the region's healthcare trends: geriatrics, chronic disease management (diabetes, heart failure), and oncology. Obtaining board certification within your first 5 years is the single best investment for long-term career growth and salary security in this market.

The Verdict: Is Winooski Right for You?

Pros of Being a Pharmacist in Winooski	Cons of Being a Pharmacist in Winooski
National-Average Salary: The median of $136,030 provides a very comfortable living in a small city.	Stagnant Job Market: With only 16 jobs and -3% growth, opportunities are limited and competitive.
High-Quality Employers: UVM Medical Center and its affiliates offer stable, clinical roles with excellent benefits.	High Tax Burden: Vermont's property and income taxes can offset the high salary, especially for homeowners.
Ideal Work-Life Balance: Small-city pace, short commutes (5-15 mins), and access to outdoor recreation.	High Cost of Living (Perception): While the index is 100, housing and taxes feel expensive relative to the size of the city.
Tight-Knit Community: Easy to become a known and valued healthcare provider in the community.	Limited Specialization Options: Fewer niche roles compared to major metropolitan areas.
Proximity to Burlington: Access to a larger city's amenities (airport, concerts, higher-end dining) without the congestion.	Harsh Winters: A real factor for those not used to Vermont winters; can impact daily life and commute.

Final Recommendation:
Winooski is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who prioritizes quality of life over rapid career expansion. It's ideal for a mid-career professional (5-10 years experience) looking to transition into a clinical or specialty role within a stable health system like UVM Medical Center. The $136,030 salary allows for a high standard of living, and the short commutes and outdoor access are unparalleled. However, if you are an early-career pharmacist seeking the highest possible salary or the widest array of job options, you may find the market limiting. New graduates should consider Winooski a stepping stone—gain 2-3 years of experience at a retail chain or UVMC, then reassess. For the right person—someone who values community, stability, and the Vermont lifestyle—Winooski offers a rewarding and financially secure career.

FAQs

1. I'm an international pharmacist. Can I get licensed in Vermont?
Yes, but the path is more complex. You must have your education credentialed by the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC). Once you have the FPGEC certificate, you must pass the NAPLEX and MPJE, and meet all Vermont-specific requirements. The process can take 12-18 months and requires significant investment in credentialing services.

2. Are there part-time or per-diem opportunities in Winooski?
Yes, especially in retail settings (CVS, Walgreens) and sometimes at UVM Medical Center's outpatient pharmacies. These are often filled by pharmacists already working full-time in the area. Networking is key. Join the Vermont Pharmacists Association to connect with managers.

3. How does the Vermont "Universal Background Check" for controlled substances work?
Vermont is part of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP