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Community pharmacist : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
  5. Career development
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Case studies

  • Typical starting salaries range from £21,000 - £35,000 depending on location, conditions of employment and experience, with small chains and independent pharmacies often paying lower salaries.
  • Typical salary at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10 - 15 years in the role): £40,000 - £68,000.
  • Locum pharmacists are usually paid by the hour, on average £20 - £25 per hour. Locums can also negotiate higher rates of pay for weekend and holiday work.
  • Bonuses linked to the performance of the business may also be paid by some larger multiples.
  • Location bonuses are paid to encourage pharmacists to work in areas where there is a recruitment problem.
  • Working hours may include regular unsocial hours in a shop environment. Many pharmacies are open for extended hours, e.g. during evenings and weekends.
  • Most employers operate a rota system.
  • If working in a large pharmacy, a pharmacist will work in a team with other pharmacists, accuracy checking technicians, pharmacy technicians and sales assistants.
  • Pharmacists have direct contact with the public and may go into the community to visit house-bound patients, for example to set up oxygen equipment, fit surgical appliances or give advice to staff in nursing homes.
  • There is excellent potential for flexible working, i.e. part-time work, career breaks, locum work and job-share.
  • The gender ratio is evenly split.
  • Jobs are available in all towns and cities. There are fewer opportunities in rural locations.
  • The work carries a high level of responsibility and demands a highly professional attitude to work.
  • Travel within a working day is occasional.
  • Absence from home at night and overseas work or travel are uncommon.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
May 2011
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