Australia
Australia has been a dream destination for many healthcare professionals, and pharmacists are no exception. Australia offers pharmacists a whopping salary of AUD 60,000 to 1,00,000 per year (roughly INR 32 to 57 lakhs). It doesn’t end with just the high pay that attracts people, but also the quality of life Australia offers. For a foreign registered pharmacist to move their career to Australia, one must clear the licensure exam (OPRA) for pharmacists. Working in rural Australia might even land you a higher pay cheque because of the demand for professionals in less populated areas!
Saudi Arabia
A pharmacist thinking of working in Saudi Arabia can exercise average earnings of SAR 24,000 to 1,80000 (INR 5.28 to 39.64 lakhs) per annum. Now, before you have for thought that is low, you should keep in mind that jobs here have other benefits like housing, transport, and tax exemptions accompanied by their income! This makes Saudi Arabia a preferred destination, particularly for pharmacists who are willing to practice pharmacy in the emerging healthcare sector of the Gulf. To start working in Saudi Arabia as a pharmacist, one must get registered and licensed by clearing the Saudi Pharmacy Licensure Exam (SPLE).
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Ah, the UAE—a favourite for so many Indians! Pharmacists in the UAE can make between AED 120,000 and 180,000 a year, which is around INR 27 to 41 lakhs. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer competitive salaries, but the cost of living is high, too. That being said, the perks of housing allowances and tax-free salaries often balance it all out. The aspirant shall clear licensure exams specific to the emirate to become a registered pharmacist in the UAE. They are:
EMIRATE | EXAM | REGISTRATION PORTAL |
DUBAI | SHERYAN PORTAL | |
ABU DHABI | DOH PORTAL | |
OTHER EMIRATES | MOH | MOH PORTAL |
Canada
From the research and data collected, this means that Canada is the country that should be on the bucket list for those joining the job market seeking a balance between handsome pay and a work-life balance ratio. The annual average salary that the pharmacists draw here is between CAD 80000 to CAD 120000, which is approximately INR 480000 to INR 720000, which is very high in comparison to any other country. Canada's healthcare system is really good, and pharmacists are considered to be very important members of the healthcare team. While it is true that the cost of living is relatively high due to the growth of infrastructure, especially in urban areas, the quality of life is also high. This dream can be fulfilled by clearing the PEBC exam for pharmacists and obtaining the license to work in Canada as a pharmacist.
United Kingdom
The UK offers an average salary of GBP 30,000 to 45,000 per year (around INR 31 to 46 lakhs). While the pay might seem lower compared to Australia or Canada, the UK offers pharmacists a great, lucrative career in the NHS (National Health Service). The demand for healthcare professionals is growing, and there's always room for progress in the UK.
Bahrain
Bahrain is a smaller country, but it is the growing hub for healthcare jobs in the Gulf. Pharmacists here make between BHD 3348 and 8400 (INR 19 to 48 lakhs). Like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain also offers perks like tax-free salaries and housing allowances, making it a desirable option for those who want to work in a less competitive but rewarding environment. Bahrain conducts its own licensing exam to evaluate the pharmacist’s knowledge and capabilities. One must clear the BPLE Bahrain pharmacy licensure examination/NHRA pharmacist exam to obtain the license and start their career as a pharmacist in Bahrain.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers salaries ranging from NZD 70,000 to 95,000 (INR 35 to 48 lakhs); it is no doubt a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes. The healthcare system here is top-tier, and pharmacists are in high demand. Similar to Australia, a pharmacist job in rural areas is paid more, and also one must clear the OPRA exam to start your career as a pharmacist in New Zealand, which is your ticket to becoming a registered pharmacist in New Zealand.
Qatar
According to our findings, the average salary of pharmacists working in Qatar ranges between QAR 24,000 and 1,77,774 or roughly between INR 5.28 and 39 LAKHS. Like the other Gulf countries, the salary package includes accommodation, health insurance, and tax-free income; Qatar is advancing significantly in the healthcare sector. There is no need for any English proficiency test, and the salary offers are pretty reasonable if compared to other Gulf countries.
Ireland
Ireland is a beautiful country and is known for its high-quality living standards, excellent healthcare, and diverse culture, making it a desirable destination for healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists. With annual salaries that go up to €74,929 (INR 66 lakhs), migrating to Ireland as a pharmacist has an immensely high earning potential. The PSI (Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland) Equivalence Exam is a gateway for global pharmacists to work in Ireland.
Oman
Oman has become a top country for pharmacists around the globe. It offers high-paid jobs, lucrative careers, a high quality of living with a slow-paced life, and a relaxed work environment. Oman offers competitive salaries between OMR 2664 to 14,052 ( INR 5.8 to 31 lakhs) which are tax-free. It also comes with other perks like free housing and transport!. To become a pharmacist in Oman, you need to clear the Oman Prometric Exam (OMSB).
Final words
So, where should you go? It all depends on what one is looking for—whether it is a higher salary, flexible working hours, or a chance for career growth. Every country has its own perks, from tax-free income in the Gulf to higher salaries in countries like Canada and Australia. Before making the big decision, be sure to consider the cost of living, licensing issues, and lifestyle in each country. Happy job hunting!
We at academically global gathered all the necessary information under one roof for you. For more information about each country, surf around our resources available on various platforms like YouTube and blogs on our official website to make sure you make an informed decision.
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