A career in clinical pharmacy offers potential for a good income with average annual salaries highest in the US at $115,169. On the other hand, clinical pharmacists in Canada earn on average C$93,018 per year ($69,063 USD), followed by AU$85,000 ($62,383) in Australia, £55,750 ($69,147 USD) in UK and NZ$71,453 ($50,461 USD) in New Zealand. But of the countries compared in this guide, the two with the lowest average yearly salaries are South Africa (R371,612 or $25,706 USD) and India (Rs515,105 or $7566 USD).
Because salaries for clinical pharmacists vary with geographic region playing the largest role, and professional experience having a greater impact in some countries, the salary varies across English-speaking countries. These variances and details are outlined in this guide.
How Much Does a Clinical Pharmacist Make Per Year?
Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals and clinics. Work setting has less influence on salary ranges while geographic region and work experience have a greater impact. Therefore, these varying salary ranges and details are outlined in this guide.
Factors That Influence the Clinical Pharmacists’ Salary
Varying salary ranges are reported by Payscale.com. Geographic region is the strongest influencer of salary, while experience also impacts salaries in some parts of the world. Further details are provided for each country.
1. Geographic Area
Clinical Pharmacist Salary in US
Those entering a career as clinical pharmacist in the US can expect to earn a starting annual salary of nearly $100,000. On average, clinical pharmacists earn $115,169, and with experience may bring home $139,333. Moreover, bonus and profit sharing can add about $3,500 to $16,000 per year. For example, professionals in Houston and Boston earn lower incomes by 4% and 8%, respectively.
Highest Levels of Employment for Clinical Pharmacists in the US
The states offering the highest levels of employment for clinical pharmacists are the following:
For those interested in similar information that covers wider areas, the metropolitan areas with the highest levels of employment are the following:
Highest Salaries for Clinical Pharmacists in the US
Meanwhile, the states with the highest clinical pharmacists salary levels are as follows:
The metropolitan areas with the highest clinical pharmacist salary for the occupation are as follows:
Clinical Pharmacist Salary in Canada
In Canada, the average annual salary for a clinical pharmacist is C$93,018, but it varies depending on experience. Therefore, entry level clinical pharmacists earn about C$79,215, increasing to C$110,842 with experience. An additional $5,000 can be earned in bonus income. In addition, according to Employment and Social Development Canada, demand for professionals in this field is expected to support salary levels for the next several years.
Clinical Pharmacist Salary in UK
As with other healthcare professions in UK, the National Health Service (NHS) funds many clinical pharmacist positions. According to nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk, the salary range for a clinical pharmacist in UK is between about £26,000 and £81,500. Most noteworthy, those employed in London and nearby areas may receive an additional amount to support the higher cost of living.
Clinical Pharmacist Salary in Australia
Clinical pharmacists in Australia earn between AU$24,161 and AU$119,195, with the average salary at approximately AU$85,000. But bonuses can account for an additional $2,000 yearly. With 80% of professionals having nine years’ experience or less, it seems like those with the most professional experience receive the highest level of pay.
Clinical Pharmacist Salary in New Zealand
The salary for a clinical pharmacist in New Zealand varies based on experience and level of responsibility, according to careers.govt.nz. Recent graduates who are completing their registration year earn approximately NZ$35,000 per year. Upon completion of all training, a clinical pharmacist can expect an annual salary of about $70,000, increasing up to NZ$90,000 with additional experience. Furthermore, a pharmacist who serves as a temporary substitute for a full-time pharmacist while away, referred to as a locum, earns about NZ$40 an hour.
Clinical Pharmacist Salary in India
The starting salary for a clinical pharmacist in India is about Rs158,930 per year and can reach Rs871,279 per year with experience. Indian doctors can earn an additional Rs124,000 through bonus and profit sharing revenue. Clinical pharmacists with experience in pharmacotherapy can receive higher pay. And with most professionals possessing fewer than 10 years’ experience, those with the most professional experience earn the higher incomes.
Clinical Pharmacist Salary in South Africa
The annual salary range for clinical pharmacists employed in South Africa is between R186,125 and R531,408 with the median salary at R371,612. Doctors here can earn an additional R50,000 through bonuses and income peaks for those with 10 to 20 years’ experience. Salaries fluctuate within the country with those in Cape Town earning about 15% more while clinical pharmacists in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban have incomes that lag behind by 3%, 4% and 12%, respectively.
2. Experience
A clinical pharmacist must complete an undergraduate degree, equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree with common areas of study including mathematics, chemistry and biology. Just as any other healthcare professional, graduate level education is required to earn a PharmD in the US. Then, a four-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) in New Zealand, or similar educational level in other countries are mandatory.
To practice as a clinical pharmacist, there are variances in regulations worldwide, but some sort of exam, registry or license is common. In the US, each state has a Board of Pharmacy that establishes guidelines for education and licensure for that state, although most follow the standards of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
In UK, a degree must be approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council before completing training and a registration exam. In New Zealand, an annual certificate requiring ongoing training is required. With varying requirements worldwide, it is the responsibility of the individual to understand the regulations of the country in which he or she wishes to seek employment
3. Industry
Clinical pharmacists typically work in clinics and hospitals. Despite clinical pharmacists needing additional training, their salaries tend to lag behind pharmacy careers in the retail setting due to higher demand in the retail space.
In the table below, you can find a list of the industries offering the largest amount of jobs to aspiring clinical pharmacists:
Meanwhile, the industries offering the highest clinical pharmacist salary for the occupation are:
Working Hours
Clinical pharmacists typically work a Monday through Friday during standard work hours. Full-time employment varies from 35 to 37.5 hours in UK to 40 hours in the US, with occasional weekend or evening hours required. While full-time employment is common, there are part-time positions available worldwide. Most view their careers in clinical pharmacy as low stress with high job satisfaction.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Bonuses and profit sharing are common in many areas for professionals working at all levels, from entry level to senior level, according to Payscale.com. While a full benefits package including medical, vision and dental insurance are common worldwide, 33% of clinical pharmacists in India and 44% in South Africa indicate they receive no benefits.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that US demand for clinical pharmacists is expected to grow 3% from 2014 to 2024, a slower rate than other professions. Meanwhile, an aging population in New Zealand combined with many clinical pharmacists reaching retirement age, are expected to increase demand for all healthcare positions, including pharmacy.
Conclusion
While clinical pharmacists often earn less than their retail pharmacist counterparts, they have solid incomes worldwide and enjoy a high level of job satisfaction. The job growth in the US is expected to be slower than other professions. However, some other countries foresee high demand that will support income levels due to an aging population and expected retirements for those currently working in this field.