Hospital pharmacist : Salary and conditions

• Jobs in The National Health Service (NHS)  are usually covered by the Agenda for Change .
• Salaries for entry level posts, usually filled by pre-registration pharmacists, typically start at £21,176 (Band 5).
• Typical salaries for junior pharmacist, 'basic grade', rotational and diploma posts start at £25,528 (Band 6). These posts normally involve a two to three-year contract with annual increases up the salary scale.
• Salaries for specialist pharmacists range from £30,460 - £40,157 (Band 7). Promotion to this band is normally possible after two to three years at Band 6. There are fewer opportunities for further progression and it is sometimes necessary to relocate to progress to the next band(s).
• Salary ranges for more senior staff: advanced pharmacist: £38,851 - £55,945 (Band 8a-b); pharmacist team manager: £45,254 - £67,134 (Band 8b-c); pharmacist consultant: up to £80,810 (Band 8b-d).
• Some NHS trusts offer an additional cost of living allowance for London and surrounding areas.
• NHS staff also benefit from the NHS pension scheme and a generous holiday entitlement. Many hospitals offer accommodation. Rates are usually reasonable and are sometimes subsidised.
• NHS hospital pharmacists typically work 37.5 hours a week. Working hours are mainly nine to five with some extra hours, and normally involve some weekend and evening cover, usually on a rota basis.
• Pharmacists work in the dispensary and on the wards, with regular patient contact, on a daily basis. They may also work in laboratories and small, sterile rooms called 'clean rooms'. Much of the work involves dealing directly with chemicals and medicines.
• Flexible working arrangements, part-time work and job-sharing are possible.
• Career breaks are possible within the NHS in some circumstances.
• Jobs are available in most towns and cities, but seldom in rural areas.
• Travel within a working day and overseas work are uncommon.

Salary data from The National Health Service (NHS). Figures are intended as a guide only.