How Much Do Pharmacists Earn in Australia in 2024?

Jun 06, 2024 3 min read
Pharmacists Earn in Australia in 2024

Key Takeaways:

  • According to the Labour Market Insight, the pharmacy field in Australia is projected to grow by 9% by 2026, offering abundant job opportunities.
  • Pharmacists can explore various roles, including research scientist, consultant pharmacist, pharmacist manager, and more, catering to different interests and skill sets.
  • Despite the promising growth, Australia faces a workforce deficit in the pharmacy sector, indicating a high demand for qualified professionals.

Pharmacists play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system, ensuring patients receive appropriate medications and advice. Beyond their vital responsibilities, many are curious about the financial aspect of this profession. Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia opens the door to immense growth potential, incredible career opportunities, and impressive salary packages. Let us learn more about the salaries earned by pharmacists in Australia in 2024.

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Potential for Pharmacists in Australia

  • According to the data released by the Labour Market Insight, by 2026, the pharmacist field is expected to grow by 9%, offering promising job opportunities.
  • Most pharmacists work in retail trade, which includes community pharmacies, making up 70.3% of the workforce.
  • Owing to the deficit of pharmacy workers, Australia currently needs 2448 more full-time equivalent pharmacists to meet the demand.
  • In 2022, there were 31,720 registered pharmacists, but this number is on a decline.
  • Around 80% of registered pharmacists are actively practising, mainly in community pharmacies and hospitals.
  • Most pharmacists (70%) live in capital cities, which is higher than the average job distribution.

Average Annual Salary of Pharmacists in Australia Based on Experience

Understanding the salary ranges for pharmacists in Australia can provide valuable insight into the earning potential at different stages of their careers. Typically, entry-level pharmacists with 1 to 2 years of experience can expect to earn a certain range, while mid-level pharmacists with 3 to 5 years of experience see an increase in their salary bracket. Experienced pharmacists, with 6 or more years under their belt, tend to command the highest salaries, reflecting their expertise and contribution to the profession.

Entry-Level Pharmacists (1-2 years of experience)

  • Salary Range: $61,956 - $64,480 AUD per year.
  • These pharmacists are relatively new to the field, having gained 1 to 2 years of experience.
  • They typically handle basic pharmacy duties under supervision and may be in the process of building their skills and knowledge.

Mid-Level Pharmacists (3-5 years of experience)

  • Salary Range: $65,125 - $80,000 AUD per year.
  • Pharmacists in this category have gained 3 to 5 years of experience.
  • They are likely to have a solid grasp of pharmacy practices and may take on more responsibility in their roles, such as supervising junior staff or managing inventory.

Experienced Pharmacists (6+ years of experience)

  • Salary Range: $91,000 - $114,000 AUD per year.
  • These pharmacists have accumulated 6 or more years of experience in the field.
  • They are often sought after for their expertise and may take on leadership roles within their workplace, such as pharmacy managers or clinical specialists.

Understanding these salary ranges can help pharmacists gauge their earning potential as they progress in their careers and may also inform individuals considering entering the field about the financial rewards it offers.

Top Pharmacist Job Roles and their Salaries

Job Roles

Salary in INR

Salary in AUD

Research Scientist

₹7,705,556

$145,912

Consultant Pharmacist

₹7,293,905

$138,117

Pharmacist Manager

₹6,601,201

$125,000

Oncology Pharmacist

₹6,218,860

$117,760

Operational Pharmacist

₹5,809,057

$110,000

Hospital Pharmacist

₹5,581,923

$105,699

Emergency Department Pharmacist

₹5,756,511

$109,005

Quality Pharmacist

₹4,672,752

$88,483

Clinical Trial Pharmacist

₹4,488,817

$85,000

Factors Influencing Pharmacists Salary in Australia

Several factors influence the salary of pharmacists in Australia.

Experience: Like most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Newly graduated pharmacists typically earn less than their experienced counterparts.

Location: Geographical location significantly impacts earning potential. Pharmacists working in metropolitan areas, where living costs are higher, generally command higher salaries compared to those in rural or remote areas.

Sector: Pharmacists employed in different sectors may have varying salary structures. For instance, hospital pharmacists might earn differently from community pharmacists due to differences in responsibilities and working conditions.

Qualifications and Specialisations: Pharmacists with additional qualifications or specialisations, such as clinical pharmacy or research, may earn higher salaries than those with basic qualifications.

Work Hours and Overtime: Pharmacists working irregular hours or overtime may receive additional compensation, impacting their overall earnings.

How to Become a Registered Pharmacist in Australia?

After reading all about the heavy Australian dollars in the pockets of pharmacists, you may be wondering how you can become one among them, right?

Well, Academically can help you turn that fantasy into a reality. As a pharmacist outside of Australia, you can take the KAPS exam and become a registered pharmacist there. For more information, visit academically.com 

Also read: Becoming a Pharmacist in Australia

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Conclusion

Pharmacy remains a rewarding and respected profession in Australia, offering competitive salaries and diverse career pathways. While salaries vary based on factors such as experience, location, and sector, pharmacists can expect stable employment opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care. Aspiring pharmacists should consider these factors when planning their career paths, ensuring they are well-equipped for success in this vital healthcare role.

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FAQs

Q: Which is the city with the highest pay for pharmacists in Australia?

Ans: Some of the highest-paying cities are Melbourne, Sydney, Geelong, Canberra, and Newcastle.

Q: How can Indians become registered pharmacists in Australia?

Ans: By clearing the KAPS exam, overseas-trained pharmacists can seek registration in Australia.

Q: Is work experience mandatory for finding a pharmacist job in Australia?

Ans: No. Once you get registered with AHPRA, you can easily find jobs even if you don’t have prior work experience.

Nuha Mariyam
Nuha Mariyam
about the author

Nuha Mariyam has more than three years of experience in content writing. She strongly believes in the power of creativity and the impact that it makes. With a keen eye for detail and a love for words, Nuha specialises in creating engaging and informative content across various fields, including healthcare.