9 Highest Paying Countries for Pharmacists

What are the highest paying countries for pharmacists? Pharmacist positions usually offer exceptional job security and income stability in most parts of the world during all economic climates. But, what makes this sector overly popular is the salary and associated benefits. Today, when most of the jobs are coming with a drastically reduced pay scale, pharmacists are earning quite an enviable amount at the end of the month. However, the figure varies widely in terms of the geographical location.

There isn’t a central database for pharmacist salaries so we had to search for salary information country by country using various sources and created the list of 9 highest paying countries for pharmacists. In fact, some of these countries are also among the highest paying countries for dentists. The ranking by Insider Monkey is based on the median yearly salary of a pharmacist in the richest countries of the world.

9 . South Africa

Average Salary of A Pharmacist- $38K

According to Payscale, the average median salary of a pharmacist in South Africa is about 38K. No doubt , South Africa is quite lucrative for pharmacists. In fact, the salary peaks on during the early years of employment, but for the veterans with 20 years of experience, the rate of increase is a bit stagnant. But, you can always shift from one company to the other with a good hike.

8. New Zealand

Average Salary of A Pharmacist – $40K

The media yearly salary of a pharmacist in New Zealand is no less than $40K. However, it’s also true that in New Zealand, the salary of a pharmacist is extremely fluctuating. However, counting the bonus and profits can make you earn about $40K a year. For a veteran pharmacist, New Zealand is highly lucrative.

7. Ireland

Average Salary of A Pharmacist- $55K

A registered pharmacist in Ireland can make about $55K in a year including the profits , incentives and bonuses. It increases steeply in the first five to ten years , however, at some point of time it gets stagnant. However, in order to practice as a registered pharmacist in Ireland, you must get yourself registered with the Register of pharmacists kept by the PSI. However, things are a bit easier with people who have completed their education as well as training from this country. The residents must have completed National Pharmacy Internship Program in Ireland before they submit their application as a practitioner.

6. Germany

Average Salary of A Pharmacist- $60 K

In Germany the total cash earnings of a registered Pharmacist is about $60K including the bonus and profits . To be a registered pharmacist in Germany, one has to make sure he is a graduate in this subject from any state recognized university. Those who have got a vocational training in this subject from foreign countries should have a degree equivalent to that of German qualification standards. However, irrespective of the nationality, one has to submit an application and if it’s a positive evaluation, one must gain the registration within three months.

5. United Kingdom

Average Salary of A Pharmacist- $65 K

According to the Pharmacist Salary Survey conducted by Hunter Human Capital, a licensed Pharmacist in the UK can make about $65k a year. Among the 9 highest paying countries for pharmacists, UK is in the fifth position. However, the pay package increases modestly for the first five to seven years. But, if an experienced pharmacist comes with the degree of People Management, the pay increases rapidly. Before you apply for the state registration for working as a pharmacist in this country, you have to successfully pass the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Program. Qualified Pharmacists outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or a non-EEA national with an EEA pharmacist qualification (other than a UK-recognized pharmacist qualification) also have to sit for this test.

4. Australia

Average Salary of A Pharmacist- $70 K

As per the data released by Australian Tax Office earlier this year, the total cash earnings of a licensed pharmacist in Australia is around $78K. However, the pay usually lowers down in the less posh areas. However, to get the license in this country, one has to get the registration of the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Overseas qualified pharmacists can embark on a career in Australia, however they have to pass an examination conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). However, pharmacists from New Zealand have no doors open in Australia.

3. Switzerland

Average Salary of A Pharmacist- $87K

Summing up the bonus , profits and the salary, a pharmacist can make about $87K in Switzerland. However, to work as a registered pharmacist in this country, one has to get through the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Program. Qualified Pharmacists outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or a non-EEA national with an EEA pharmacist qualification (other than a UK-recognized pharmacist qualification) also need to pass this qualifying test.

2. Canada

Average Salary of A Pharmacist- $80 to $95 K

The average yearly pay of a licensed Pharmacist in Canada roughly ranges between $80 to $95K. However, the pay package depends a lot on the province where the respective pharmacist is working. To become a licensed pharmacist, one needs to secure a bachelor‘s or doctor of pharmacy degrees from one of the ten government recognized universities of Canada. Add to that, one has to pass a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).

1. United States

Average Salary of A Pharmacist- $107K

Be it a metropolitan or a non-metropolitan area, the average yearly wage of a licensed pharmacist in this country is $107K. No doubt, the figure is quite attractive. But to become a licensed pharmacist in this country one has to meet the standards laid by the state, where he is seeking a licensure. The total cash earnings of a licensed pharmacist can range from the $83K on the lowest end to $133K on the highest. However, the final amount comes with the sum of bonus and profits they make. No wonder, the US tops the list of the 9 highest paying countries for pharmacists.

So, basically it’s true that pharmacist is a well-paid profession, though the pay widely differs from one country to the other. And if you want to try your luck as a pharmacist, explore the opportunities available in these countries.