CVS vs Walgreens: Comparing Pharmacy Jobs and Pay

Quick Answer: CVS pays $15–$17/hour entry (higher in CA/NY/WA: $18–$22), while Walgreens offers $15–$17/hour with similar state variations. CVS operates 9,800+ stores vs Walgreens’ 8,000. Both require drug tests (5-panel urine) and background checks for all employees. CVS emphasizes in-house training and long-term career growth; Walgreens offers zero-tolerance drug policies and diverse career paths. Both provide health/dental/vision, 401k match, and education reimbursement.

CVS vs Walgreens – Side-by-Side Comparison

This table breaks down the key differences between CVS and Walgreens as pharmacy employers:

Factor	CVS	Walgreens
Starting Pay	$15–$17/hr ($18–$22 in CA/NY/WA)	$15–$17/hr (varies by state)
Minimum Age	16+ (18+ pharmacy)	16+ (18+ pharmacy)
Application Method	jobs.cvshealth.com	jobs.walgreens.com
U.S. Locations	9,800+	8,000
Drug Test	Yes (5-panel urine)	Yes (5-panel urine, random testing, zero-tolerance)
Background Check	Yes	Yes (Good Hire)
Benefits	Health/dental/vision, 401k match, free flu shots, education reimbursement	Health/dental/vision, 401k match, tuition reimbursement
Career Growth	Long-term advancement, in-house training programs	Diverse career paths, internal promotions, pharmacy technician tracks CVS – Overview CVS operates 9,800+ locations across the United States and is one of the largest pharmacy employers in the country. Entry-level pharmacy technicians, cashiers, and stock associates earn $15–$17 per hour in most markets, with significantly higher wages in high cost-of-living states (California, New York, Washington paying $18–$22/hour). Applicants aged 16+ can apply for retail positions; pharmacy roles require age 18+. All applicants undergo 5-panel urine drug testing and background checks as standard hiring requirements. CVS emphasizes in-house training and long-term career development. The company provides comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, free flu shots, and tuition reimbursement for degree completion. Employees can advance from stock associate or cashier roles into pharmacy technician training, shift supervisor, and store manager positions. For current openings and application details, visit the CVS Application Guide. Walgreens – Overview Walgreens operates 8,000 stores across the United States and employs thousands in pharmacy, retail, and support roles. Entry-level positions pay $15–$17 per hour, with state-specific variations. Applicants aged 16+ qualify for retail positions; pharmacy work requires age 18+. Walgreens conducts 5-panel urine drug tests and uses Good Hire for background screening. Notably, Walgreens enforces strict zero-tolerance drug policies with random post-hire testing, reflecting a stronger drug-screening posture than many competitors. Walgreens provides competitive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement. The company is known for diverse career pathways: retail associates can become sales specialists, shift supervisors, or pharmacy technicians. Learn more at the Walgreens Application Guide. Which Should You Choose? Choose CVS if: You live in a high cost-of-living state where their wages are substantially higher ($18–$22/hr in CA/NY/WA vs standard $15–$17), prioritize education reimbursement and long-term career stability, prefer in-house training programs, or value the extensive location network (9,800+ stores) for transfer flexibility. Choose Walgreens if: You prefer straightforward advancement pathways and specialized pharmacy technician tracks, are comfortable with strict zero-tolerance drug policies and random testing, or seek diverse career options beyond pharmacy. Can You Work at Both? Yes, you can apply to both CVS and Walgreens simultaneously. Both operate overlapping geographic markets, and it’s common for applicants to pursue both options and choose the better offer. However, once hired for full-time roles, scheduling conflicts may make simultaneous employment impractical. Frequently Asked Questions How do pharmacy job salaries compare between CVS and Walgreens? Both companies start pharmacy technician entry-level employees at $15–$17/hour nationally, though CVS substantially outpays in high cost-of-living states ($18–$22/hour in CA/NY/WA). Long-term pharmacy technician advancement and pharmacist roles pay similarly at both chains. Which company is easier to get hired at? CVS may be slightly easier due to more locations (9,800 vs 8,000) and possibly higher volume hiring. Walgreens’ zero-tolerance drug policy and stricter screening may create higher rejection rates for some applicants. Do both CVS and Walgreens offer pharmacy technician training? Yes, both companies offer pharmacy technician training and certification support. CVS emphasizes in-house training programs and advancement pathways. Walgreens offers specialized pharmacy technician tracks with dedicated advancement. How strict are the drug test policies? Both require 5-panel urine tests at hire. Walgreens enforces stricter standards: zero-tolerance policies and random post-hire testing, with immediate termination for positive results. CVS uses standard drug-screening practices with similar initial testing.