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Community pharmacist: Salary and conditions

• Typical starting salaries range from £22,500 - £43,000 (salary data collected June 09) dependent upon location, conditions of employment and experience, with small chains and independent pharmacies often paying lower salaries.
• The average salary for a community pharmacist is £38,402 according to the Chemist and Druggist Salary Survey 2009.
• Typical salary at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10 - 15 years in the role): £35,000 - £68,000 (salary data collected June 09).
• 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 (salary data collected June 09).
• 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 Catherine Gregory, Bradford University

Last updated:

June 2009

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