Application Fee
$230Verified by CA Board of Healthcare
Pharmacist Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacist in California, including $230 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacist in California
Estimated timeline: 3 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Must supply fingerprints
- 2
Education: Varies by state board.
- 3
License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.
- 4
*Presently enrolled in a school of pharmacy recognized by the board or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE),.
- 5
*A graduate of a school of pharmacy recognized by the board or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) who also has an application pending to take the California pharmacist licensure examinations,.
- 6
*A graduate of a foreign pharmacy school who has obtained certification from the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC).
- 7
*A person who has failed the pharmacist licensure examination four times and has reenrolled in a school of pharmacy to satisfy the requirements of Business and Professions Code section 4200.1.
- 8
Fees: Application: $230.
- 9
Live Scan Fingerprint Services if applicant is located in CA: Fees paid directly to the Live Scan Service OR.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- N/A Locations: N/A Average Time to Process Application: 30 days once application is complete.
Continuing education and program notes
- certification from the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $230 |
| rprint processing fee for fingerprint cards if applicant is located outside of CA | $49 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Pharmacy
- Current Filing Fee
$230
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$165,150 median (20% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Pharmacist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: N/A Locations: N/A Average Time to Process Application: 30 days once application is complete..
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (*A graduate of a school of pharmacy recognized by the board or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE...; Fees: Application: $230.).
- 5. Budget filing costs (Application: $230; rprint processing fee for fingerprint cards if applicant is located outside of CA: $49).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Pharmacy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $165,150, Pharmacists in California earn 20% above the national median of $137,480. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$165,150Hourly estimate
$79.4020% above national median
Difference: +$27,670
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacist Salary Ranking
#1 of 50 statesfor Pharmacist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $165,150 |
| #2 | Alaska | $163,200 |
| #3 | Oregon | $163,120 |
| #4 | Washington | $157,020 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $154,610 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pharmacist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $165,150 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 3 months |
| Oregon | $163,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $138,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $138,080 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Pharmacy
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N219, Sacramento, CA, 95834
Phone: 9165747900
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,150 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Pharmacist salary in California?
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in California is $165,150. Salaries range from $87,170 (10th percentile) to $208,070 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacist salary in California compare to the national average?
Pharmacists in California earn 20% above the national median of $137,480, with a state median of $165,150.
How many Pharmacists work in California?
California employs approximately 34,490 Pharmacists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacists in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Pharmacy. Review agency details at https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Pharmacist license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.