Pharmacist Salary Abroad in 2025: Top-Paying Countries Ranked (Australia, Canada, UK & NZ)

Suppose you are an aspiring pharmacist who wishes to spread their wings wide and explore the skies of unlimited exposure and brilliant career opportunities. In that case, there is a chance that you have asked yourself on multiple occasions.

Where can I find the best pharmacist job?

Which country values pharmacists the most?

What is the easiest way to get work visa as well?

If you have come across that thought before, then here is some good news for you. In 2025, several developing and well-developed countries not only offer a wholesome pay for your job, but also offer a great quality of life, work-life balance, and additional benefits like tax relief and housing.

However, before you get too excited, there is a lot that you need to consider before packing your bags and moving forward - and that is the consideration of important and mandatory factors like licensing exams, costs of living, and salary that differ by region and/or experience level.

So, to make things sound less complicated, here is your all-in-one global guide to pharmacist salaries in different countries around the world. It will also educate you on what to expect before starting your international journey. So, are you up for it?

Why Are Pharmacists In Demand Globally?

There is no doubt about the fact that globally, there is a high trend of hiring pharmacists from all over the world.

This rule is set into action only after the said internationally-trained pharmacists (that is, if they belong from any other country apart from the country that is offering the job to them), have completed all their necessary licensing exams and other legal requirements that allow them to practice freely and as independent pharmacists in that state.

Here are a few reasons why pharmacists seem to be in global demand in all the popular, developing countries:

• The presence of ageing populations in every country, along with the rising incidences of chronic diseases are putting such a pressure on healthcare systems that requires more healthcare professionals and workforce to be present at all times to ensure that all problems are dealt with effectively in a smart manner.
  
  

• Highly developed countries like Canada, Australia, and the Gulf nations are actively recruiting healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. Their healthcare sector seems promising, and with state-of-the-art technologies being present there for patient care, it is expected that ultimately, they would be needing more professionals to take care of the healthcare department and ensure its effective operations in the days to come.
  
  

• Gone by are the days when pharmacists used to be considered as mere ‘dispensers’ only. In today’s world, pharmacists are now considered to be clinical advisers, vaccination providers, and patient counsellors. In some settings, they are also seen to be working alongside doctors as decision makers, and guiding the consultants regarding which medicine to prescribe to the patient.
  
  

• The competitive salaries, provision of tax-free income, especially in Gulf countries, and several government perks such as housing, transport, and healthcare make it an attractive choice for international pharmacists who struggle with some or all of the facilities mentioned, back in their home country.
  
  

• A promising future, which includes exposure to advanced healthcare systems, along with flexible schedules and better work-life balance, make it ideal for internationally-trained pharmacists to seek career opportunities in foreign lands.

What Is The Salary Comparison Between Top-Most Countries Providing Pharmacist Jobs

So, before you jump right onto the bandwagon and start researching which country to opt for as your next home - here is a country by country comparison of the salaries that they offer for the role of a pharmacist.

Now, it is up to you to pick which country suits you and your requirements the best - not only in terms of salaries, but also related to work-life balance, flexibility, and career growth.

Australia

Australia has always had a growing demand for pharmacists, especially in rural and regional areas where access to the healthcare sectors is limited.

In Australia, pharmacists are seen and expected to work in community pharmacies, public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and in academia and research roles as well.

The country offers a balanced work environment, often with 38 - 40 hours per week and flexible schedules, especially in retail settings.

Average Salary: AUD 60,000 – 100,000 (₹32 – ₹57 lakhs)

• Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
  

• Rural Bonus: Higher pay and relocation perks in regional areas.
  

• Some provinces offer prescribing rights.
  

• Structured immigration pathways for healthcare professionals are also available.

for Australia:

• Pass the OPRA exam, which is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). You can learn all about the OPRA exam, its syllabus, preparation material, and all needed resources from Elite Expertise.
  

• Complete a supervised internship (up to 1 year)
  

• Register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia

Salary By Experience:

Canada

Approximately 70% of Canadian pharmacists work in community pharmacies, 15% in hospitals, and the remainder in academia, industry, or government roles.

International candidates must pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exam and complete a structured practical training program.

When it comes to understanding what the whole PEBC exam and its requirements are about, Elite Expertise provides comprehensive support to all the candidates struggling to get hold of these requirements, along with providing preparation material for the exam itself.

Average Salary: CAD 80,000 – 120,000 (₹48 – ₹72 lakhs)

• Cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
  

• Provincial Variation: Salaries vary depending on the province and licensing authority.
  

• In Canada, pharmacists can specialize in geriatrics, oncology, psychiatry, or pharmacogenomics. Hospital pharmacists may transition into clinical educator or director roles.
  

• The typical working week comprises around 35–40 hours. Occasionally, overtime and night shifts may apply, especially in 24/7 community pharmacies or hospitals.
  
  

Pharmacist Abroad Exam Requirement for Canada:

• Pass the PEBC Evaluating Exam
  

• Pass the PEBC Qualifying Exams (MCQ + OSCE)
  

• Complete structured practical training (internship).

Some provinces may also require language proficiency tests (e.g., IELTS), bridging programs and Juriprudence exam.

Refer to : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ChY63EcggI

United Kingdom

The UK provides various pathways for advancement. Pharmacists can find jobs for various roles, such as independent prescribing courses (IPs), that allow pharmacists to prescribe medications, as consultant roles in hospitals, in public health and medication safety positions.

The UK’s cost of living varies. London and the South East are expensive, but regions like Wales, the North East, and Scotland offer affordable housing and commuting options.

Work-life balance is generally good, especially in NHS settings with fixed working hours and generous annual leave (27–33 days/year).

NHS Pay Bands

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) employs a banding system to determine salaries for pharmacists:

• Band 6 (Newly Qualified): £35,392 – £42,618
  

• Band 7 (Clinical Pharmacist): £43,742 – £50,056
  

• Band 8a–8d (Senior Roles): £50,952 – £96,376
  

• Band 9 (Chief Pharmacist): Up to £114,949

What is Locum Pharmacist?

Locum pharmacists, which means pharmacists who are working on temporary contracts, can earn between £25 and £60 per hour, depending on their relevant experience and location.

Pharmacist Abroad Exam Requirement for UK

For foreign-trained pharmacists, it is required to:

1. Take the OSPAP (Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme)
   

2. Complete pre-registration training (52 weeks)
   

3. Pass the GPhC registration exam

English language tests (OET or IELTS) are required unless your education was in English.

New Zealand

Pharmacists in New Zealand are paid well relative to the country’s cost of living and work fewer hours on average.

• Community Pharmacists: NZD 70,000 – NZD 110,000
  

• Clinical Pharmacists: NZD 90,000 – NZD 130,000+
  

• Academic/Research Pharmacists: NZD 80,000 – NZD 120,000+

The overall salaries can be slightly lower than in Australia, but so are living expenses.

New Zealand’s healthcare system encourages the growth of clinical roles, especially in rural areas where pharmacists are vital for community care. Job settings include community and hospital pharmacies, Māori health services, aged care facilities, and pharmaceutical companies

New Zealand also offers vaccination authority to trained pharmacists, expanding their clinical role.

Pharmacist Abroad Exam Requirement For New Zealnd

To register:

1. Have your qualifications assessed by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.
   

2. Complete the PSNZ Intern Training Programme (ITP) (requiring a minimum of 1450 hours).
   

3. Pass the New Zealand’s OPRA exam.

Applicants may also need to complete the English language test (OET/IELTS) if applicable.

Summary Table

Here is a simple breakdown of all the countries and their pharmacist salaries for your better ease and understanding.

Meet the Team Behind Your Global Pharmacy Career: Elite Expertise!

Starting a career abroad as a pharmacist isn’t easy - it’s a journey filled with licensing exams, document processing, visa paperwork, and a whole lot of stress. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone.

That’s where Elite Expertise steps in—an educational and support platform that’s become a lifeline for hundreds of overseas pharmacists aiming to practice in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

Elite Expertise is an international pharmacy career coaching which is started by two real clinical pharmacist kaps qualified from India working in Australia and exam training platform. It’s trusted by candidates across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa,Australia ,newzealand who are looking to start their professional lives in top-tier healthcare systems.

Whether you're preparing for abroad pharmacy licensing exams or struggling with AHPRA applications, Elite Expertise walks you through every step.

Elite Expertise was co-founded by two highly respected professionals:

• Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, a seasoned pharmacist working with Monash Health in Australia. She brings deep, real-world insight into hospital-based pharmacy practices and shares practical knowledge you won’t find in typical prep books.

• Mr. Arief Mohammad, a training specialist known for helping candidates crack the OSPAP, KAPS, and OPRA exams. He is also an expert in building professional communication skills, which is important for passing interviews and adapting to Australian healthcare environments.

Together, they’ve developed a rigorous, case-based learning model that helps overseas pharmacists not just memorize, but master their exams and clinical communication.

Final Thoughts

Pharmacists of all experience levels can find attractive salaries, career advancement and support for immigration in countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, US, UK and New Zealand.

Australia and Canada offer the highest average salaries, while the UK provides clear NHS career progression and opportunities for prescribing. New Zealand is the ideal place for professionals who want a relaxed lifestyle and great satisfaction from their careers.

Elite Expertise provides comprehensive training for pharmacists seeking a new life abroad, helping with exam preparation and general guidance regarding the whole process. Foreign pharmacists looking forward to kickstart their career in any of the countries mentioned above should definitely give this educational platform a try!

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