Key Takeaways

• Skilled force like Pharmacists is in high demand in 2025. This shortage is especially in regional and rural regions of Australia where workforce shortages is very evident.

• Attractive pay scale which is around AUD70000–$85000 incase of early career pharmacists, and around AUD120000 in case of experienced professionals in clinical or leadership roles.

• The OPRA exam is the main entry requirement for overseas pharmacists This is the gateway to Australia for all the overseas-trained pharmacists. This exam is a mandate to prove their skills and competencies are on par with the Australian Healthcare system.

• Pharmacists have the advantages of professional respect, career stability, high earning potential, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

• Preparation is the key to your success in the OPRA exam. The vast portion of the exam makes it difficult to prepare via self-study. A structured study plan, guidance, and practice with case-based questions, are important which could be attained through training from experts in industry like Elite Expertise.

• Better Work-life balance is enjoyed by many pharmacists be it flexible hours of work, community roles, and opportunities

• No fixed passing marks — competency is measured using the Rasch method

• Regional jobs = higher pay + visa sponsorship opportunities

• Pharmacy is one of the most stable and rewarding careers in Australia

Also watch: Average Salary of An Intern Pharmacist in Australia

Pharmacist in Australia 2025 – What You Should Know

If you’re a pharmacist thinking about moving to Australia, 2025 is actually one of the best times to do it. The demand for pharmacists has been climbing steadily — not just in big cities, but especially in regional areas where healthcare shortages are real.

On top of that, salaries are competitive, pharmacists are being given more responsibility under government reforms, and there’s a very clear process for international graduates to get licensed.

In this article, let’s look at what you can expect in terms of salary, work environment, the OPRA exam, and the step-by-step process to become a registered pharmacist in Australia.

Why Australia?

Australia is the choice for many of the Pharmacists abroad when it comes to career aspects. It offers both career growth and a better quality of life hand in hand. What makes Australia stand out?

• A stable healthcare system with clear opportunities for pharmacists

• Good salaries (we’ll get into numbers in a minute)

• Visa sponsorship options, especially in rural areas

• Expanded scope of practice — pharmacists can now prescribe for some conditions

• A healthier work–life balance compared to other countries

If you want a career that’s respected and future-proof, pharmacy in Australia is a great path.

Pharmacist Salary in Australia 2025

Money matters, right? On average, pharmacists in Australia are doing well compared to many other countries.

• Intern Pharmacist: around AUD $70,000–$85,000 a year

• Registered Community Pharmacist: roughly $95,000–$110,000

• Pharmacy Managers: often cross $120,000, and in some cases go up to $130,000

• Hospital Pharmacists: start near $90,000, but senior roles (oncology, ICU, or clinical specialists) can reach $140,000–$150,000

And here’s a tip — if you’re open to moving away from major cities, regional jobs often come with higher pay and sponsorship opportunities. Employers there are actively looking for pharmacists.

Also read: How much does pharmacist earn in (2025): A Comprehensive Guide | Elite Expertise

The Process to Work as a Pharmacist in Australia

Getting registered as a pharmacist in Australia isn’t something that happens overnight, but the pathway is well-structured. Here’s a simplified version:

1. Qualification Check – First, the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) reviews your degree and documents.

2. OPRA Exam – The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is the entry exam. It used to be called KAPS, but since 2025, the exam has been updated. It doesn’t have a fixed pass mark like “60%.” Instead, it uses something called the Rasch method, which checks whether you’ve reached the required competency.

3. English Proficiency – You’ll need to prove your English with IELTS, OET, PTE, or TOEFL.

4. Internship – Work under supervision in an Australian pharmacy for the required hours.

5. Intern Written Exam – Tests your practical and professional knowledge.

6. Oral Exam – Focuses on communication and clinical reasoning.

7. General Registration – Once you clear all this, you’re fully licensed to work.

It sounds like a lot (and yes, it takes around 18–24 months), but thousands of international pharmacists have successfully gone through it.

Work Life for Pharmacists in Australia

Pharmacists here aren’t limited to just “dispensing medicines.” There amny opportunities that you could choose from like:

• Work in community pharmacies, counseling patients and even prescribing for conditions like asthma or hormonal contraception.

• You can work in hospital teams, working in collaboration with doctors and nurses to manage therapies.

• Move into industry or research, contributing to clinical trials or regulatory affairs.

• Go into teaching or government, helping shape future pharmacists or policies.

With the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA), pharmacists are now officially allowed to prescribe for 23 health conditions. That shows how the role is growing and becoming more clinical.

Advantages of a Pharmacy Career in Australia

• Strong pay with the potential to grow over time

• High demand in both cities and regional areas

• Visa pathways like subclass 491 or 190 for skilled migrants

• Expanded responsibilities, including prescribing rights

• Work–life balance that supports both career and lifestyle goals

Conclusion:

Australia is undoubtedly one of the best options for the pharmacists abroad due to the shortage of skilled workers, lucrative salaries, good work-life balance, job stability and so on. But to migrate to Australia the gateway is OPRA Exam and this could be cracked with proper guidance and perseverance. It's not easy but training could do the charm to be more focussed, disciplined, manage your time effectively, study materials etc.

Make your Australian dream come true!

About the Author

Sahana Rao

Sahana Chinthapatla is renowned for her expertise in scientific and medical writing, backed by an MPharm in Pharmacology and years of experience in research analysis and scientific writing.

As the Head Business Writer at Elite Expertise, she provides insightful and well-researched content on KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI and global pharmacy pathways, guiding aspiring pharmacists in their professional journeys.

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Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise