Need for Pharmacists?Starting pay? (Austin, Pittsburg: house, schools, pharmacist)

[SummersEve]

Does anyone have any ideas on the surplus/shortage of Pharmacists in Austin?

Also, what is the normal starting wage? Bonus?

Thanks!

[andaheart]

Originally Posted by SummersEve

Does anyone have any ideas on the surplus/shortage of Pharmacists in Austin?

Also, what is the normal starting wage? Bonus?

Thanks!

Not sure where you're looking to work (retail, hospital, etc), but I can tell you Walgreens told me Austin is extremely high need, and estimated they give me ~115-120k/yr plus a starting bonus. I'm from the mid-atlantic region, so this was a so-so offer for me, but I suppose the lower cost of living in Texas would make up for that.

Hope that helps.

[SummersEve]

How did you apply? Online? Are you going to move to Texas or have you already?

Do you know if they offer any type of bonus and/or relocation package? I was going to look at Safeway but am not sure how they are two work for.

Now I work at CVS and Kaiser (PRN)

That salary offering is low for here too(midwest) and here they more plus they are offering 30K sign on's.

Thanks for your help

[SummersEve]

PS I don't care what capacity I would get hired in. I have always done retail and hospital so I am comfortable with both.

[WVUPharm2007]

There is another thread on this subject a few pages down.

The salaries are about the same nationwide. 85k-115k...it all depends on how bad the job is, basically. As for need...well, any town with a pharmacy school typically has less need than other towns. This sucks because all of my favorite towns have pharmacy schools. Austin, Pittsburgh, Toronto....grrrr..

[SummersEve]

Hi WVU2007,

85K? OMG where the heck is that? I'd RUN from a job offer like that. I'll check out the other thread. Thanks for the tip.


PS as this point I am ready for a cut in pay to get out of the midwest BUT not to 85K LOL

[WVUPharm2007]

West Virginia....where a 5 bedroom, 4000 sq foot house costs under $200,000. That $85,000 represents more disposable income than you could get out in, say, California. Much more, in fact. If a pharmacist in WV made $115k, he would be a bloody king.

[andaheart]

Originally Posted by SummersEve

How did you apply? Online? Are you going to move to Texas or have you already?

Do you know if they offer any type of bonus and/or relocation package? I was going to look at Safeway but am not sure how they are two work for.

Now I work at CVS and Kaiser (PRN)

That salary offering is low for here too(midwest) and here they more plus they are offering 30K sign on's.

Thanks for your help

I'm still thinking about the move to Austin. Right now its between Austin and Charlotte, NC, and I think Charlotte is winning.
But to answer your question I just called the Walgreens Pharmacy Supervisor for the Austin west area and we talked about salaries etc. He did offer a small relocation package ($1500) and certain areas in the Austin viscinity offer a starting bonus in the 5K/yrX3yrs range. I'm actually flying out to Austin next week to see things for myself and am meeting with the supervisor. Perhaps I will know more in depth info then.
If you'd like, I can PM you with his contact info. Hope that helps.
Wayne

[SummersEve]

Yes, please do PM me when you get back. I would love to hear any details you would care to share.

Thanks!

[SummersEve]

WVUPharm,

You are right about that. But I am trying to get away from this area and get into warm areas with no snow!