Pharmacists play a significant role as these professionals are trained in medicine and are experts in prescribing medications. They are dependable medical professionals who have good knowledge about medicines/drugs. These individuals are highly skilled in prescribing medications to patients as per doctor’s recommendations to treat illnesses and improve the quality of life of patients.
In this post, we will learn more about the job and salary of a pharmacist and the industries where they get hired.
What is the role of a pharmacist and the common industries that hire pharmacists?
As discussed, pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are responsible for prescribing the right medication to patients as per the doctor’s prescription to help them receive the correct treatment. These professionals are skilled in handling and dispensing medications to patients as per their needs and the advice of their physicians.
Here are some common industries where pharmacists can work and earn good salaries:
· Retail medicine industry
· Healthcare services and hospitals
· Biotech & Pharmaceuticals
· Business Consulting
· Software Development Industry (Digital Pharmacists)
· Medical Regulatory Departments
· Research & Development
· Clinical Operations & Development
Salary of Pharmacists in India 2024
Pharmacists have always been associated with three key work settings including the retail market, hospital pharmacies, and the academic and research wings. However, with the evolving role of pharmacists in the present times, many new opportunities have emerged for these professionals.
The salary of a pharmacist depends on the exact job roles and responsibilities performed by these professionals and the industry where they land a job. Let us take a look at the salaries of pharmacists in India as per different categories and criteria.
Salary of Pharmacists in India as per Qualifications/Skills
Pharmacists are well-qualified professionals and qualifications play a crucial role in determining their salaries. Thus, the skills and the degree held by a pharmacist define the work and the corresponding salary of the candidate. Take a look at the salaries of pharmacists below in terms of their qualifications.
| Qualification of Pharmacists’ | Average Salary Per Annum |
| Diploma holders | Rs 3, 50, 000+ |
| Undergraduate degree | Rs 6, 50, 000+ |
| Postgraduate degree | Rs 10, 00, 000+ |
| PhD in Pharmacy | Rs 15, 00, 000 and above |
Salary of Pharmacists in India as per Experience
The salary earned by Pharmacists varies greatly by the years of experience they have. As such, experience is a crucial factor in determining the salary in every profession. With more years of experience, there is a rise in the salary of pharmacists. Here is a rough estimate of the salary of pharmacists as per experience.
| Experience in Years | Average Salary Per Annum |
| 0 – 3 years | Rs 2, 50, 000 |
| 3 – 5 years | Rs 2, 90, 000 |
| 5 – 6 years | Rs 3, 00, 000 |
| 6 – 7 years | Rs 4, 40, 000 |
| 7+ years | Rs 5, 00, 000 and above |
Salary of Pharmacists in India as per Specialization/Designation
As per the job profile and specialization of pharmacists, the salaries may also differ. Pharmacists have to fulfill different roles and responsibilities depending on their job role and the department. Hence, the average pay of a pharmacist depends on their specialization.
| Salary of Pharmacists as Per Specialization/Designation | Average Salary Per Annum |
| Pharmacy Assistant | Rs 2, 10, 000 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Rs 4, 30, 000 |
| Hospital Pharmacist | Rs 2, 50, 000 |
| Executive Pharmacist | Rs 2, 90, 000 |
| Clinic Manager | Rs 5, 30, 000 |
| Clinic Research Coordinator | Rs 2, 70, 000 |
| Chemical Pathologist | Rs 12, 10, 000 |
| Pharmacy Manager | Rs 5, 50, 000 |
| Pharmacy Consultant | Rs 15, 80, 000 |
| Clinical Pharmacist | Rs 3, 00, 000 |
Salary of Pharmacists in India as per City/Location
The salary of pharmacists also depends on the location of their jobs. Big metropolitan cities pay higher salaries to pharmacists compared to the payments offered in small cities. This is mainly because the cost of living in these cities is much higher than in small cities.
| City/Location | Average Salary Per Annum |
| Mumbai | Rs 2, 70, 000 |
| Bangalore | Rs 2, 90, 000 |
| Delhi | Rs 2, 50, 000 |
| Chennai | Rs 2, 60, 000 |
| Pune | Rs 2, 80, 000 |
| Kolkata | Rs 2, 70, 000 |
| Jaipur | Rs 2, 40, 000 |
Salary of Pharmacists in India as per Company
Pharmacists play a crucial role in the medical industry. These professionals get hired by big pharmaceutical companies that manufacture different types of drugs or medicines. Pharmacists help these medicines reach the market. Hence, their salaries depend on the company they work in. The bigger the company, the more the salary they offer. Thus, depending on the job description and the company, the salary of pharmacists varies:
| Company | Average Salary Per Annum |
| Cipla | Rs 3, 30, 000 |
| Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories | Rs 3, 70, 000 |
| Sun Pharmaceuticals | Rs 2, 90, 000 |
| Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | Rs 3, 30, 000 |
| Abbott India | Rs 3, 80, 000 |
| Wockhardt | Rs 2, 50, 000 |
Note: These salary figures given above are for reference purposes and may vary depending on various factors
Conclusion
Pharmacists require different skills to grow in their careers. Analytical skills, clinical research, inventory management, and interpersonal skills are some important expertise that aspirants interested in shaping a career in pharmacy require. To acquire all these skills, one has to pursue the needed educational qualification.