So, You Wanna Work at CVS in California? Let's Talk Money Honey (and Tacos)
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, beaches, and...endless lines at the DMV? Maybe. But hey, it's also the land of opportunity, and that includes opportunities to sling cold medicine and debate the merits of the ExtraCare card with enthusiastic couponers (bless their hearts). But before you dust off your resume and perfect your customer service smile, there's one burning question: how much does CVS pay in the Golden State?
The Land of the Golden Minimum Wage (and Maybe a Raise)
California's got its own minimum wage game going on, and it's definitely not minimum effort. In 2024, the state minimum wage is rocking in at $15.50 an hour. That's good news for your bank account, especially compared to the federal minimum wage. But hold on to your spritz bottle, because CVS, in a move that deserves a round of applause, actually offers a company-wide minimum of $15 an hour. So, California's got you covered there, with a little bonus on top.
**So, Does That Mean Everyone Makes $15 an Hour? **
Not quite, my friend. Think of $15 as your launching pad. Just like that moisturizer you can never find, some positions at CVS come with a nice salary bump. We're talking about becoming a pharmacy technician, a shift supervisor, or maybe even the person who bravely restocks the toilet paper aisle during a cold and flu season (seriously, those people deserve a raise and a medal). These folks can potentially snag high teens or even low twenties per hour. Not bad for a gig that involves the occasional glitter glue explosion in the greeting card aisle (parents, we see you).
Okay, Okay, Enough with the Averages. Tell Me the Real Dirt!
Alright, alright, settle down there, Mr./Ms. Spreadsheet. Here's the nitty-gritty: according to the internet (cue dramatic music), the average CVS salary in California is somewhere around $47,986 a year (which translates to roughly $23.07 an hour). Entry-level gigs might start around $33,813, but experienced workers can climb the CVS ladder and make up to $107,500 a year. That's enough to buy all the CVS brand snacks your heart desires (and maybe a few trips to Disneyland).
But Wait, There's More! (Because California)
Remember, California's a big state. The cost of living can vary wildly depending on where you land. So, that $47,986 might feel like a king's ransom in Bakersfield, but in San Francisco, it might leave you wondering where your next avocado toast is coming from. Do your research! Factor in your desired location's cost of living when considering a CVS career move.
The Final Verdict: Is Working at CVS in California Worth It?
Well, that depends. Do you enjoy helping people find the right shade of lipstick? Are you ready to battle the forces of seasonal allergies with a smile? And most importantly, can you handle the responsibility of knowing where the emergency supply of Pepto-Bismol is hidden? If you answered yes to most of these questions (and maybe even the Pepto one), then CVS in California could be a great fit. Plus, you get employee discounts! That means cheaper sunscreen for all those beach days. Just sayin'.
