1

Express Scripts Pharmacist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Express Scripts Pharmacist information

See California salary details

$27

$60

$73

How much do express scripts pharmacist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for express scripts pharmacist in California is $60.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.29 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Express Scripts Pharmacist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Express Scripts Pharmacist, you need a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, a current pharmacist license, and strong knowledge of clinical pharmacy and managed care practices. Familiarity with pharmacy benefit management (PBM) systems, medication therapy management software, and claims processing platforms is crucial. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help pharmacists interact effectively with patients, healthcare providers, and internal teams. These skills are essential to ensure safe, accurate medication dispensing, effective benefit management, and high-quality customer care.

What is an Express Scripts Pharmacist job?

An Express Scripts Pharmacist is a licensed professional who reviews and processes prescriptions for accuracy and compliance, provides medication counseling, and ensures patient safety. They work in a mail-order or specialty pharmacy setting, collaborating with healthcare providers to optimize medication therapy. Their responsibilities often include verifying prescriptions, preventing drug interactions, and supporting patients with chronic conditions by offering guidance on medication usage.

What does a typical workday look like for an Express Scripts Pharmacist?

A typical workday for an Express Scripts Pharmacist involves reviewing and verifying prescription orders, counseling patients over the phone, collaborating with healthcare providers, and conducting medication utilization reviews. Pharmacists regularly use technology for order processing and documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The role often includes problem-solving complex prescription or insurance issues and supporting patients in optimizing their medication therapy. Teamwork is a vital aspect, as pharmacists coordinate with pharmacy technicians, customer service, and clinical teams to deliver efficient, patient-focused service. This environment is fast-paced and dynamic, offering both structure and opportunities to expand your clinical expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Express Scripts Pharmacist jobs in California? The most popular types of Express Scripts Pharmacist jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Express Scripts Pharmacist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Express Scripts Pharmacist jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Express Scripts Pharmacist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,042 per year, or $60.1 per hour.
Pharmacy Technician Specialist - Ambulatory Services - Mercy San Diego

Pharmacy Technician Specialist - Ambulatory Services - Mercy San Diego

Scripps Health

San Diego, CA • On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Scripps Health rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

This is a full time, benefited position, with 8-hour day shifts, generally Monday through Friday, located at the pharmacy office in Mercy San Diego (Hillcrest area).

Join the Scripps Health team and work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-centered healthcare. Receive endless appreciation while you build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations nationwide.

 Why join Scripps Health?

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated:

  • Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
  • Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2025.
  • Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
  • Beckers Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2024 list of 150 top places to work in health care.
  • We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
  • Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

Why join this team?

The Pharmacy Technician Specialist will support Ambulatory Services. The Pharmacy Technician Specialist will be working in an office setting assisting with scheduling, answering phone calls, processing referrals, working through authorization and billing issues, and reconciling medication history. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys customer service, comfortable on the phone and prefers working in an office setting and has some prior knowledge of pharmacy and medical insurance processing.

Responsibilities include:

  • Under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, the technician supports outpatient specialty and ambulatory pharmacy services by completing benefits investigations, coordinating prior authorizations and appeals, and ensuring timely patient access to therapy. 

  • Manages first fills and refills, delivery logistics, and collaboration with manufacturer hubs and financial assistance programs to streamline onboarding. 

  • Provides proactive patient outreach, triages need, schedules refills, monitors adherence, and coordinates clinic visits and labs. 

  • Oversees referral processing, inventory, and purchasing while maintaining regulatory and accreditation compliance. 

  • Assists with staff training and workflow optimization, requiring strong communication skills, attention to detail, and expertise in complex payer and medication processes.

Required Education/Experience/Specialized Skills: 

  • High-school diploma or equivalent
  • Advanced knowledge of specialty-drug formularies, payer prior authorization (PA) & appeal portals (e.g., CoverMyMeds, Optum, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts), ICD-10/CPT/HCPCS coding, REMS programs, and limited-distribution drug networks as appropriate to the role.
  • Proficiency with EMR systems (Epic preferred), payer websites, Microsoft Office, and workflow proficiency in area of practice.
  • Experience in inventory management, purchasing processes, and maintaining compliance with storage, handling, and ordering standards for specialty medications.
  • Excellent written/verbal communication, critical-thinking, and customer-service skills. 

Required Certification/Registration: 

  • California Pharmacy Technician License
  • National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) required within six (6) months of hire
  • Minimum two (2) years of pharmacy-technician experience, with at least one (1) year in practice area 

Preferred Education/Experience/Specialized Skills/Certification: 

  • CPhT
  • Five (5) years combined inpatient/outpatient or specialty-pharmacy experience

What Scripps Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Scripps Health logo

About Scripps Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a nationally recognized health system, Scripps Health is committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. Through collaboration and innovation, our healthcare professionals lead the frontier in caring for our community. With a culture centered around teamwork, each laboratory site serves as a resource of support for each other, setting our laboratories as the benchmark for standardization.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1924