I took a deep dive into Costco Pharmacy, and what I discovered both surprised and frustrated me.

Behind the familiar image of bulk paper towels and $1.50 hot dogs lies a story of rapid growth, innovation, and a fair share of challenges that even long-time members might not expect. The journey started back in 1986 with a small yet ambitious partnership that eventually paved the way for what Costco Pharmacy is today—a retail behemoth with nearly 900 warehouses worldwide and billions in revenue. But as impressive as the numbers are, they only tell part of the story.

As I dug deeper, I uncovered a side of Costco Pharmacy that isn’t often talked about. In 2017, the company faced an $11 million fine for prescription mishandling and incomplete record keeping—a stark reminder that even industry giants can falter when it comes to the details. More recently, lawsuits have emerged over data privacy issues, with accusations of sharing patient information through questionable digital tracking practices. Despite these controversies, Costco continues to push forward, leveraging digital innovations like real-time stock tracking and app-based refill scheduling to improve operations and meet the demands of modern healthcare.

What truly struck me, though, were the voices of the pharmacists on the front lines. Many tell a story of feeling genuinely cared for—with mandated breaks, scheduled lunchtimes, and supportive benefits that make the work environment feel almost like a community. Free lunches and a focus on customer service add a touch of warmth to an otherwise high-pressure setting. Yet, this positive narrative is tempered by the reality that many of us feel stuck. The career ladder at Costco seems more like a ceiling, with little room for advancement, especially for those working part-time or on a per diem basis. The gap between decent compensation—ranging from $115K to $143K—and the struggle for meaningful career growth is hard to ignore. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the day-to-day frustrations of management issues, low morale, and even hints of nepotism that seem to plague some locations.

If you’re weighing a career at Costco Pharmacy, there are a few lessons to keep in mind. Networking with current employees is essential, as getting your foot in the door might depend more on who you know than what you know. Emphasize your customer service skills and be prepared to navigate a membership-based model that demands both efficiency and a high level of care. And if you’re considering a per diem role, remember that the lack of benefits and an uncertain future are real challenges that need careful thought. In our profession, where we’re trained to educate and transform lives, it’s time we also question whether our own careers are evolving in ways that honor our dedication and expertise.

Ultimately, this exploration into Costco Pharmacy isn’t just about highlighting a successful retail model—it’s a call to re-examine how we, as pharmacists, can demand more for ourselves. We deserve workplaces that not only offer competitive salaries and innovative technology but also support our professional growth and work-life balance. Because at the end of the day, we didn’t choose pharmacy just to be another cog in a massive machine—we chose it to make a difference, both for our patients and for ourselves.