How much does pharmacist earn in (2025): A Comprehensive Guide

Pharmacists are regarded as important members of Australia’s healthcare system. The reason patients receive safe and effective medicines in healthcare setups is due to the engagement of pharmacists in the process.

With progress and improvements in healthcare, Australia is sure to hire only the most capable and knowledgeable pharmacists in its system for community pharmacies, hospitals and specialized clinics.

The increasing need for healthcare and an aging population will bring many opportunities for pharmacists from different countries in the near future.

Internationally trained pharmacists should research the salary and advancement opportunities in Australia because it helps them decide if relocation and career growth are possible. This will not only show them if Australia is the right place for them but will also allow them to check if its salary is in line with other countries, thereby supporting their decision to move abroad in the right way.

Pathway To Becoming A Registered Pharmacist In Australia

For internationally trained pharmacists, the journey to practice in Australia involves several important steps. Failure to complete any of these steps might lead you to have an incomplete registration status and your dream to live in Australia might get deterred due to that.

· Qualification Assessment:

Submit your academic credentials to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) for evaluation.

· English Proficiency:

Demonstrate English language skills through tests like PTE or IELTS or OET.

· Knowledge Assessment:

Prepare and pass the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam.

· Internship:

Complete a supervised internship, typically lasting 12 months.

· Intern Written and Oral exams:

Pass the Intern Written and the Oral exams after completion of 75% of the intern hours.

· Registration:

Apply for general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Average Pharmacist Salaries in Australia

As of 2025, the average annual salary for pharmacists in Australia is approximately between AUD 90,000 to AUD 110,000, the sum of which equals to around AUD 55.68 per hour.

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

The salary of a pharmacist in Australia is determined by factors such as experience, the region of work, the setting (hospital, community or industry) and how much responsibility they have.

Here is a detailed look at what pharmacists can expect to earn at various stages of their careers:

· Intern Pharmacist:

During the internship year, pharmacists earn between AUD 50,000 and AUD 60,000 annually. Under supervision, intern pharmacists in community or hospital settings generally dispense drugs, counsel patients and get ready for the two major exams needed to complete their intern year - that is, the Australian Intern Written and Oral Exams.

· Early-Career (1–3 years):

Salaries range from AUD 75,000 to AUD 90,000 per year. After becoming fully registered, early-career pharmacists can work alone. Some pharmacists stay in community pharmacy, while others move into hospital pharmacy, aged care or work in collaboration with GP clinics.

· Mid-Level (3–5 years):

Pharmacists can expect to earn between AUD 65,125 and AUD 80,000 annually. As their job expands, mid-level pharmacists may choose to focus on specific clinical tasks or study further in clinical pharmacy, business management or public health. Some pharmacists shift to hospital pharmacy, begin teaching or participate in research at this point.

· Experienced (6+ years):

Salaries range from AUD 91,000 to AUD 114,000 per year. Experienced pharmacists may choose to advance in their careers by working as advanced clinicians, supervising new professionals or starting consultancy services. A few may choose to move into roles such as management or leadership in a business.

Experienced pharmacists may be given yearly bonuses, money for further training and stipends for leading teams.

· Pharmacist-in-Charge:

Those in supervisory roles may earn between AUD 100,000 and AUD 120,000 per year. This position covers running the pharmacy, managing employees, and ensuring all rules set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia are followed.

· Pharmacy Manager/Owner:

Earnings can vary widely, often ranging from AUD 120,000 to over AUD 200,000, depending on the business's success. The highest earners in pharmacies are owners and top managers, but salaries can widely differ depending on the store’s location, size and success.

Regional Salary Variations

Pharmacist salaries can differ based on location:

· Horsham & Grampians, VIC: Up to AUD 170,000 per year.

· Alice Springs & Central Australia: Approximately AUD 139,220 annually.

· Broome & Kimberley, WA: Around AUD 130,000 per year.

· Port Hedland, Karratha & Pilbara, WA: Approximately AUD 130,000 annually.

· Bunbury & South West, WA: Around AUD 120,000 per year.

· Launceston & North East, TAS: Approximately AUD 120,000 annually.

These figures highlight the higher demand and compensation for pharmacists in rural and remote areas.

Sector-Based Salary Differences

Pharmacist salaries in Australia vary significantly across different sectors, influenced by factors such as experience, location, specialization, and the nature of the workplace.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown:

· Community Pharmacy:

Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from AUD 61,956 to AUD 64,480 annually.

· Hospital Pharmacy:

Salaries can vary based on experience and location, with some positions offering up to AUD 114,000 per year.

· Clinical Pharmacy:

Clinical pharmacists earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 120,000, depending on the healthcare setting and responsibilities.

· Consultant Pharmacist And Specialized Roles:

Specialized roles like oncology or geriatric pharmacists can earn significantly higher, ranging from AUD 110,000 to AUD 130,000+ per year.

Factors Influencing Pharmacist Salaries

Several elements can impact a pharmacist’s earning potential, some of which have been highlighted as under:

· Experience:

More years in the field typically lead to higher salaries. It automatically adds to the experience level of a pharmacist and makes it easier to judge their competency level.

· Location:

Rural and remote areas often offer higher compensation to attract professionals. It is because of the lack or more appropriately, the shortage of pharmacists in such areas that leads to an increased demand of pharmacists, and more job openings.

· Specialization:

Pharmacists with expertise in areas like oncology or geriatrics may command higher salaries.

· Education:

Advanced degrees can lead to increased earning potential.

· Work Setting:

Hospital pharmacists often earn more than those in community settings due to the complexity of care.

The Role of Elite Expertise in Your Career Journey

Navigating the path to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia can be complex, especially for internationally trained professionals.

Elite Expertise, an educational platform that is trusted by many, offers specialized education and mentorship to guide you through this journey.

Services Offered by Elite Expertise:

· Customized OPRA Exam Preparation: Tailored courses to help you succeed in the OPRA (formerly KAPS) exam. This exam is a mandatory requirement that is supposed to be fulfilled by internationally-trained pharmacists to gain access to Australia’s healthcare system.

· CV and Document Assistance: Expert guidance on preparing your CV and necessary documents for AHPRA registration.

· Mentorship: One-on-one support from registered pharmacists who have successfully navigated the registration process.

· Professional Development: Coaching and interview preparation to enhance your career prospects.

With the support of Elite Expertise, you can confidently pursue your goal of becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia, positioning yourself for a rewarding career in the healthcare sector.

The founders, Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu and Mr. Arief Mohammad are among the pioneers of this trustworthy platform, who have made it their aim to guide and mentor each internationally-trained pharmacist in such a way that their journey becomes easier, smoother, and hassle-free.

Future Outlook for Pharmacists in Australia

As Australia’s healthcare continues to change and upgrade over time, pharmacists are becoming more essential in assisting with public health strategies and caring for individual patients.

According to Labour Market Insights by Jobs and Skills Australia, the demand for pharmacists is projected to grow by approximately 14.7% between 2023 and 2028.

This means more than 5,000 new jobs are expected to be created across both metro and regional areas, offering strong prospects for aspiring pharmacists and internationally trained professionals looking to establish their careers in Australia.

Conclusion

There is no doubt about the fact that pharmacists, whether locals or internationally-trained ones, working in Australia enjoy competitive salaries, with opportunities for increased earnings based on experience, location, and specialization. However, the salary packages differ from region to region, and are also dependent upon various factors that make the job either a competitive one or a relaxed one.

As an internationally-trained pharmacist, an important thing to keep in mind is that by leveraging resources like Elite Expertise, you can navigate your way seamlessly through the registration process effectively and position yourself for success in the Australian healthcare system.

It is also important to note that all salary figures are approximate and may vary based on specific circumstances and changes in the job market.

This blog is for informational purposes only and represents the views and interpretations of Elite Expertise regarding career opportunities in pharmacy. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date insights, pharmacy licensing requirements, immigration policies, and healthcare regulations may vary by country and are subject to change.EliteExpertise does not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on the information provided in this article.

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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