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Job outlook for pharmacists in the United States
Pharmacist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected pharmacist job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 7,700 new jobs for pharmacists are projected over the next decade.
Pharmacist salaries have increased 5% for pharmacists in the last 5 years.
There are over 313,799 pharmacists currently employed in the United States.
There are 50,943 active pharmacist job openings in the US.
The average pharmacist salary is $118,968.
Are pharmacist jobs in demand?
Pharmacist job and salary trends over time
Pharmacist jobs over time
Pharmacist job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 313,799 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 314,939 | 0.09% |
| 2019 | 310,574 | 0.09% |
| 2018 | 307,985 | 0.09% |
| 2017 | 306,577 | 0.09% |
Average pharmacist salary over time
Pharmacist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $118,968 | $57.20 | +0.5% |
| 2024 | $118,395 | $56.92 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $116,574 | $56.05 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $114,771 | $55.18 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | $112,978 | $54.32 | +0.6% |
Pharmacist jobs by state
Most common states for pharmacists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,659 | 24% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 309 | 23% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 136 | 22% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 199 | 21% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 258 | 19% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 952 | 17% |
| 7 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 831 | 17% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 183 | 17% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 174 | 17% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,018 | 16% |
| 11 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,861 | 16% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,071 | 16% |
| 13 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 298 | 16% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 910 | 15% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 870 | 15% |
| 16 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 713 | 15% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 484 | 15% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 104 | 15% |
| 19 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,360 | 14% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,051 | 14% |
Most common cities for pharmacists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gainesville | 15 | 11% | $109,501 |
| 2 | Albany | 10 | 10% | $131,177 |
| 3 | Duluth | 8 | 9% | $128,392 |
| 4 | Santa Rosa | 9 | 5% | $170,831 |
| 5 | Boston | 22 | 3% | $132,014 |
| 6 | Miami | 14 | 3% | $108,559 |
| 7 | Indianapolis | 18 | 2% | $117,567 |
| 8 | Sacramento | 12 | 2% | $169,716 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 10 | 2% | $135,965 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | 25 | 1% | $159,093 |
| 11 | San Diego | 21 | 1% | $154,417 |
| 12 | Phoenix | 19 | 1% | $126,356 |
| 13 | Austin | 12 | 1% | $114,928 |
| 14 | San Francisco | 10 | 1% | $170,479 |
| 15 | Washington | 10 | 1% | $134,157 |
| 16 | Jacksonville | 8 | 1% | $109,623 |
| 17 | New York | 27 | 0% | $131,758 |
| 18 | Chicago | 12 | 0% | $121,021 |
| 19 | Houston | 8 | 0% | $114,564 |
Pharmacist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of pharmacist experts
Wilkes University
University of Southern California
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
The University of Findlay
Harding University
University of Connecticut
Western New England University
University of Rhode Island
Chapman University
University of the Incarnate Word
Lipscomb University
University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Butler University
Chicago State University
Binghamton University
Manchester University
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Growing your skill set and expertise is vital. Earning your Doctor of Pharmacy is just the beginning. Look for opportunities to complete certifications and additional education (i.e. master's degree in business administration) as this will be a jumping board to grow your career and salary potential.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Being a lifelong learner is vital as a pharmacist as the practice is evolving rapidly. Integration of AI is just one example. Developing proficiency with AI to maximize the benefits that it provides. Depending on the specific area of pharmacy you choose, unique skills will become more important and prevalent in the next 3 - 5 years. For example, as an ambulatory care pharmacist proficiency in population-based care and quality measures are important and will grow in their importance.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Do not let fear hold you back. Most likely, it will take time and experience to find just the right area of pharmacy for you. Your first position in pharmacy will likely be a stepping stone so don't get too discouraged if it is not the perfect fit for you. Focus on the larger goal of serving others when you experience frustrations from your job.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: Speaking strictly from a supply and demand perspective, yes. In the next four to five years, the amount of pharmacy graduates is going to drop significantly as enrollment has dropped nationwide. I've seen data and had conversations with hiring managers about what the traditional practice role market will look like in the near future and all point to quite the increase in demand.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: Taking care of and developing relationships with patients as part of the health care team is still the primary selling point for the profession. On the negative side, issues have crept up from a quality of work life standpoint, especially in community pharmacy. The volume of work required and oftentimes lack of personnel power to effectively handle/manage that volume has created a highly stressful environment in many positions. Still, though, being a part of the healthcare team and the impact one can have on patients' lives combined with the compensation and overall quality of the work environment makes the profession one that should be sought.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: The day-to-day looks very different based on the area of pharmacy practice one works. The traditionally thought of roles for the pharmacist exist in a community pharmacy (filling new and refill prescriptions, counseling patients and taking care of the general public) or hospital pharmacy (filling physician orders, counseling patients and solving inpatient issues). However, more and more pharmacists are working in direct patient care managing chronic disease states such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease or in the insurance world educating a third-party's patients, managing drug formularies and solving those patient/prescription issues. In the end, pharmacists make sure the right person gets the right medication, take care of a patient's health care/medication needs, and are problem-solvers for all things related to a person's drug therapy.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Be open to new possibilities, network with pharmacy professionals, communicate effectively, and never stop learning.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Negotiate upfront, consider the field you want to go into, take business courses to climb the ladder quickly.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Critical thinking, adaptability, effective patient counseling, and effective communication with healthcare professionals.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: Pharmacists ensure that each patient is receiving the right therapy, at the right dose at the right time to maximize a patient’s health. They do this in a variety of settings working alongside other health care professionals all committed to ensuring the best for the patient. Depending on the type of pharmacist the day to day activities vary greatly and thus attract people who have interest into going into a health profession that provides them with a variety of opportunities. Pharmacists can help develop medications, produce and test them in accordance with regulatory guidance, determine the best market to ensure patients have access, work in health systems that provide patients with these medications in a hospital or clinic setting, or be the most accessible healthcare provider when they work in community pharmacies. But then there are also pharmacy specializations that attract more people such as cardiology, oncology, mental health, global health, industry, government organizations, or even new and exciting roles in sports pharmacy and digital health
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: Pharmacists are increasingly being asked to take on more roles in health care and this has led to increases in hiring, salaries and even start-up bonuses. But it is always a good time to be a pharmacist because so many people value what pharmacy brings to all aspects of health care.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: The challenges we hear related to pharmacy are typically associated with those that work for larger health care providing organizations whose bottom line drives some of the decisions regarding the workforce.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
James Wheeler: Pharmacists are medication experts and work in a variety of settings including community pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, long term care settings, the pharmaceutical industry, and many other areas. Day to day responsibilities vary depending on role and setting, but often include preparing and dispensing medications, counseling and educating patients, administering vaccines or other medications, and collaborating with many healthcare professionals. Pharmacists engaging in direct patient care often perform comprehensive medication management, which includes designing, managing, and monitoring pharmacotherapy regimens via collaborative practice.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Wheeler: Pharmacists enjoy the versatility of the PharmD degree, allowing for a wide variety of career paths and specialization opportunities in various pharmacy practice areas. It’s a trusted profession where pharmacists tackle complex medical issues, build relationships with patients and colleagues, and improve population health. Pharmacists enjoy the opportunity to serve patients, grow as clinicians, and make a positive impact in their communities. Like other healthcare professions, the role is demanding and requires constant learning and professional growth, but the work is meaningful and improves patient’s lives.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
James Wheeler: It’s a great time to enter the profession of pharmacy as there is strong demand for pharmacist services, excellent earning potential, and the opportunity to work directly with patients and healthcare professionals.
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy PracticeThe University of Findlay
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Give yourself patience and grace as you transition from a student pharmacist into a registered pharmacist (RPh). Being a new practitioner comes with many learning curves: responsibility for patient care, working efficiently, and learning site-specific policies and procedures that will be new to you, to name a few. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day – you’re beginning your career and will learn more about the site and yourself as a pharmacist every day. Pharmacy school may be over, but maintain your willingness to learn. Ask questions, take notes during your training for reference later, and remember that every shift comes with opportunities to learn.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Empathy: as pharmacists face increasing workplace demands, don’t lose sight of your ‘why’ for committing to the profession of pharmacy. For many, this involves a desire to positively impact patient care. In my work as a pharmacist, I often consider the care I would want one of my family members, friends, or loved ones to receive. This can involve going the extra mile for our patients, such as securing an affordable treatment option for a patient when the initial medication is too expensive or inaccessible. Pharmacists are in a position to help patients; some cases may involve extra time and effort, and you may find yourself questioning how you can provide this when you’re being pulled in different directions and facing various tasks. Remember your ‘why’, and don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re involved in the care for someone’s loved one and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to help.
Prioritization: pharmacists face many demands in the workplace all throughout the day. Oftentimes, several demands occur at once. For example, you might be on the phone with a patient or other healthcare provider, someone might be knocking on your door or arrive at your counter, and the unverified prescriptions queue may be filling up by the minute. In these instances, pharmacists must actively listen to what is being presented (take notes!) and determine what is the problem of highest priority. During the workday, pharmacists must determine what is urgent and time-sensitive to guide their next step.
Attention to detail: whether you’re verifying a new prescription, dispensing a medication from the pharmacy, completing a consult, or evaluating a patient’s chart, pharmacists must be equipped with analytical skills. Known as ‘medication experts,’ pharmacists must be accurate and attentive to ensure safe patient care.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Self-reflect on what you are looking for in your career as a pharmacist, and at minimum, question what setting you would like to practice in and what knowledge and skills you would like to refine. This can help to guide which opportunities you take or seek out. Completing additional training or earning certifications will build your curriculum vitae (CV). Picking up additional hours at your site or working as a PRN pharmacist at another site can also be beneficial.
Julie Hixson-Wallace
Dean and ProfessorHarding University
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Be flexible! A pharmacy degree can be used to practice in a variety of settings. Having an open mind to explore all the available opportunities can open doors most people don't associate with the traditional view of pharmacists.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Completing residency training, a dual degree program (e.g., MBA, MSIS), or going to work in an underserved area are ways to secure higher compensation in the long run either through starting in higher level positions or securing sign-on bonuses or student loan reimbursement benefits.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Pharmacists are increasingly providing direct patient care in a variety of settings. Critical thinking and communication skills are important when bridging the gaps in primary care and supporting other members of the healthcare team as the medication expert in the group.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in pharmacy, I would advise someone to start by exploring salary trends within the various career paths for pharmacy. Some geographic locations offer more competitive salaries, and some specialized areas of pharmacy can also increase your earning potential. Staying abreast of the evolving pharmacy healthcare environment can inform you of the need to seek out advanced education or additional certifications. Continuously upgrading your skills and knowledge can make you more valuable to employers which can command a higher salary. Also, building and leveraging your professional network will help you identify hidden job opportunities.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: Pharmacy practice is increasingly reliant on technology for managing various aspects of the practice. Staying up-to-date on the latest technology and pharmacy software tools will help improve efficiency and accuracy. As healthcare continues to move towards more data-driven decision-making, skills in data analysis, informatics, and health informatics will be highly valuable. Effective communication skills continue to be important and prevalent in the field whether it is with patients, colleagues, or other healthcare professionals. With medication use becoming increasingly complex, it is critical that this information can be relayed to patients in terms that are clear and easy to understand.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: The career opportunities available to new pharmacy graduates are vast. Pharmacy is a field that is constantly evolving with new medications, treatments, and regulations; therefore finding ways to stay up to date on new information will be critical to your success and can help you identify new innovative practice models. Expanding your network will also be important to your success. Finding experienced pharmacists who can offer guidance and mentorship as you navigate your career will help with your professional development.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
C. Michael White: Challenges include being the drug information expert, dealing with anxious or upset patients, breaking bad news, and the need to be physically present during work hours. Working from home may not be an option for some roles, leading to pros and cons in career choices.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
C. Michael White: The healthcare system is more collaborative than before, creating high demand for pharmacists. Pharmacists can choose where they want to live and the type of pharmacy to practice in, allowing flexibility and career options.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
C. Michael White: Pharmacists can work in various settings such as community pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, managed care, clinical pharmacy, and primary care pharmacy. They provide medications to patients, give immunizations, counsel patients, conduct research, answer drug information questions, make care plans, write laboratory and prescription orders, and meet with patients.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Kimberly Pesaturo PharmD, BCPS: Becoming both a true professional and an expert are longtime, if not lifetime, processes.
Continued self-development and being open to new ideas, concepts, and innovations are key to
career progression. New doors are going to open, and some when you least expect them. Take
advantage of opportunities that come your way! Be open to the fact that growth takes time and
change is inevitable.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kimberly Pesaturo PharmD, BCPS: I see two main areas as being vital to career success in the next few years. The first is
embracing both the fluid nature of the field of pharmacy and its new technologies. The second is
cultivating a high degree of emotional intelligence, communication, and professionalism.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Kimberly Pesaturo PharmD, BCPS: This is a great question! I feel there are multiple ways to do this, but my primary
recommendation is to make sure you are a highly qualified career candidate. This may
involve completing a year or more of postgraduate residency training, postgraduate
fellowship training, and/or becoming certified in specialty areas, such as through the
Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties examination. Second, be willing to pack up and
move! Early career is a ripe time for new environments and locations, and working in
various locales will help formatively support your later career growth. Next, diversify
your skill set, but be smart about it. Think about what makes you unique in your career;
how might you leverage your knowledge and experience through research, publication,
teaching, or consulting? Finally, to quote a mentor of mine, "fortune favors the bold."
Don't be afraid to innovate, share, and collaborate.
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP
Director, Co-Curriculum and Experiential EngagementUniversity of Rhode Island
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: I think of maximizing salary potential as a combination of strategic planning, ongoing skill development, and effective negotiation. It is valuable to have insights into the job market and salary trends in that area through networking and perhaps some research on websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed. Salary levels for pharmacists can differ significantly depending on geographic location, cost of living, and demand for healthcare services, which can mean potentially exploring job opportunities in areas where demand for pharmacists is high and salaries are competitive. Graduates may also consider, as part of their ongoing professional development, pursuing advanced credentials or certifications in specialized areas of pharmacy practice of interest, such as board certification in pharmacotherapy, ambulatory care, or critical care to make you more competitive in the job market, potentially leading to higher salary offers. It is also worth noting that development and advanced training can involve participating in postgraduate residency and fellowship programs. Employers may offer higher starting salaries to candidates with relevant experience and specialized training. Many new graduates are wary about negotiating salary and benefits, but it is important and beneficial to do when done well. Do your research beforehand on industry standards and keep in mind what qualifications and experience you bring to the table so that you can articulate your value proposition effectively. Be prepared to negotiate not only salary but also benefits such as sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance, continuing education allowances, and opportunities for career advancement which can sometimes have more room for adjustment than salary.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: Pharmacy is a field that is ever-evolving as new medications, technologies, and regulations emerge, so it is crucial that graduates prioritize staying informed about changes and being a lifelong learner to expand their knowledge and clinical skills. It is also valuable to find experienced pharmacists who can serve as mentors and provide guidance as they navigate their career; they can learn from their experiences and seek advice on professional development opportunities and career advancement. I would also be remiss if I did not point out the value of investing in professional networking with colleagues, mentors, and other professionals that can provide worthwhile insights into salary negotiation strategies, job opportunities, and career advancement paths. Attend professional conferences, join professional associations, and participate in online forums to expand your professional network and stay connected to changes in the profession. Above all, it is critical for new graduates to stay resilient and flexible as pharmacy practice can be demanding and fast-paced with unexpected challenges. Being adaptable to change and identifying effective ways to manage stress and cope with the demands of the profession will help ensure a long and fulfilling career.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: In the dynamic landscape of pharmacy several skills are likely to become more important and prevalent. As pharmacists continue moving toward an emphasis less on the traditional dispensing activities and more on the clinical services we can provide to enhance patient-centered care we must be adept at adapting to the technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in healthcare delivery models to embrace new roles and responsibilities. This will inevitably also require a high level of digital literacy in elements such as artificial intelligence, electronic health record enhancement, and other digital tools to support patient care. Additionally, as we further identify the value of and need for collaborative care models, pharmacists will need to possess strong interprofessional skills to ensure thriving teamwork and communication with all members of the healthcare team to deliver comprehensive patient care. It is also critical to note that with increasingly diverse patient populations, pharmacists must educate themselves and demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to the unique healthcare needs, beliefs, and practices of different cultural and ethnic groups. This includes understanding cultural perspectives on health and illness, addressing health disparities, and providing culturally competent care to promote patient trust and engagement. These will all be crucial in moving the profession forward.
Lawrence Brown
Professor & Associate Dean of Undergraduate Pharmacy Programs and PartnershipsChapman University
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist?
Lawrence Brown: Typically, in pharmacy practice, the highest salaries are in management positions. For example, in community pharmacy that means working your way from a Pharmacist in Charge position, to an Area Manager, and then Regional Manager position. If you don't feel that management is for you, then you might try to find a company that pays their pharmacists a bonus based on their performance during the year. Another option might be switching from a pharmacy practice position to an office job in a health care or managed care company, that might not only offer a higher initial salary, but also has multiple levels of non-management positions available.
What Pharmacist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lawrence Brown: Typically, in pharmacy practice, the highest salaries are in management positions. For example, in community pharmacy that means working your way from a Pharmacist in Charge position, to an Area Manager, and then Regional Manager position. If you don’t feel that management is for you, then you might try to find a company that pays their pharmacists a bonus based on their performance during the year. Another option might be switching from a pharmacy practice position to an office job in a health care or managed care company, that might not only offer a higher initial salary, but also has multiple levels of non-management positions available.
What will help Pharmacists increase their earning potential?
Lawrence Brown: Remember that patient safety is at the core of what pharmacist do, regardless of which area of pharmacy practice you may be in. That means that it is imperative that new graduates remain diligent, so that they do make errors, and keep their knowledge up to date so that they can feel confident in their ability to provide accurate information. In addition, the great thing about a career in pharmacy is that there are so many different areas to use your degree. That means that you don’t have to stay in one area of pharmacy practice if you don’t want to, and you definitely don’t have to continue working for a company that doesn’t allow you to take appropriate care of your patients. The last thing I would say is that it is important to remember that pharmacy is an extremely small world, so no matter which job you have you should be doing it to the best of your ability, since you might find it difficult to get another job if you have a bad reputation. My suggestion is to think of yourself as a small business owner, where you are the business, instead of as just a pharmacist. Being a small business owner means you need to pay attention to your brand and make sure your brand is a positive one. It also means that all of the hard work you put into your job and all the great care you provide to patients is valuable, if for no other reason than that it improves your brand and will thus present you with many more opportunities for upward mobility.
What skills stand out on Pharmacist resumes?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: On paper, the skills that stand out the most are leadership positions. These can be officer positions in school organizations, committee chair positions, head of a project at work, or a leadership position in a professional organization. Anything that shows that you, as a staff pharmacist, can lead a team. Leading a group of people, regardless of the specific situation, is challenging. Quickly, you learn that it is nearly impossible to please everyone all at once, and you need to balance fairness and compassion to best serve your team and your customers/patients.
What soft skills should all Pharmacists possess?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: Basic conversation/communication skills along with problem-solving skills are crucial for a successful pharmacist. One of the most basic questions I ask myself about a candidate is, "can I see myself working next to this candidate? Also, could I go to work every day and have this person as my partner?" To find the answer to my questions, I typically rank how well a conversation went during the interview. I try to get a sense of the candidate's personality and start thinking about where this candidate could fit into a particular team. Without basic communication skills, you won't be able to succeed in a stressful team environment, and you won't be able to build rapport with your patients. For critical thinking, detailed but succinct answers to situation-based questions are revealing on how a candidate would handle certain situations. Every day in the pharmacy is different from the last. Being able to problem solve critically makes for a strong pharmacist.
Patience and empathy are skills every pharmacist must have to help our patients. Many times patients come to the pharmacy sick or short on time. A small problem could easily escalate. The pharmacist does not know what happened to that person during the day. Time, understanding, and a kind word can make that patient feel as if you care only about them at the moment.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacists?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: First, a strong clinical knowledge base is essential for the health and safety of the patient. Second, knowledge of electronic medical record systems (EMR) is important. The specific EMR or database is not important, but the basic skills of finding pertinent patient information within a database are crucial to day-to-day tasks. Third, you need to know how to find answers to questions. I appreciate candidates that will admit they don't know an answer to a question but will then explain how they would find the answer.
What skills will help Pharmacists earn the most?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: Flexibility and adaptability. The days of standing or sitting in front of one station in the pharmacy with technicians handing you work while you stay in one place are gone. The modern pharmacy has pharmacists completing technical tasks like prescription verification and patient counseling, but now they are expected to complete medication therapy management (MTM) calls, assess a patient's immunization needs, potentially complete point of care testing for disease state management or pharmacy-based prescribing through a collaborative practice agreement. If you show an ability to be flexible and adaptable in the skills you practice, you will be able to earn more in the long term. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, adapting to the ever-changing healthcare field can make or break a pharmacy.
What skills stand out on Pharmacist resumes?
Chad Gentry: Numerous skills stand out on a pharmacist's resume. The specific skills that stand out to a potential employer will be practice setting dependent. However, three skills that are translational across practice settings are additional training and education. While obtaining a doctor of pharmacy will open numerous career opportunities and advancement within organizations, the addition of some level of training/education beyond the doctor of pharmacy could aid in obtaining that dream job. First, post-graduate training is a big differentiator. Whether this training consists of one or two residencies and/or a fellowship, additional training is always a positive, and invaluable skills are gained from this dedicated time. Secondly, formal additional education pursuit or achievement is a valuable skill. Additional degrees at the master's or doctoral level or unique certifications will also reflect a skill set that will garner attention on a pharmacist's resume. Finally, the willingness to serve others in various capacities (e.g., mission trips, volunteering opportunities, community service, etc.) gives insight into the compassionate element needed to be a pharmacist.
What soft skills should all Pharmacists possess?
Chad Gentry: From my perspective, the most important soft skills are evidence of successful team collaboration, leadership experience, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and good communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacists?
Chad Gentry: The list of hard/technical skills that are most important from my perspective is obviously the tangible evidence of quantifiable knowledge or abilities gained through completing a doctorate in pharmacology, additional degrees, certificates, or examples of work. Another extremely important hard/technical skill is at minimum proficiency in computer skills.
What skills will help Pharmacists earn the most?
Chad Gentry: I keep going back to education through degrees, certifications, and/or training. For example, additional skills in healthcare informatics is a field in pharmacy that has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years with exponential growth forecasted.
Dawn Havrda
Associate Dean For Academic Affairs and AssessmentUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
Pharmacy Department
What skills stand out on Pharmacist resumes?
Dawn Havrda: Ability to multitask. For students, maintaining good grades, involvement in organizations or dual-degree programs (PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH, etc.), work/internships. Also, self-directed activities such as research, summer internships, or other opportunities, that show career exploration or personal growth. For pharmacists, additional training (degrees or certificates), leadership, breadth of experiences, board certification, etc. Items that show the individual went beyond others to improve their skills set and diversify.
What soft skills should all Pharmacists possess?
Dawn Havrda: Definitely problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovative thinking. You want individuals who are professional and advocate for the patient's wishes and the best care. Empathy, being nonjudgmental, and communication are important, as are prioritization and efficiency. Want individuals who pose solutions to problems, not just identify the problem. Positivity is needed and the ability to see the good in a situation versus only the bad.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacists?
Dawn Havrda: Computer skills and knowledge of technological advances. Business sense and management skills. Marketing skills to adapt to the needed stakeholder is important.
What skills will help Pharmacists earn the most?
Dawn Havrda: The use of the skills above should help an individual be strategic. A good understanding of the healthcare system, especially billing and compensation and what a pharmacist is able to do per the state's scope of practice, allows individuals to transform problems into new opportunities, novel services, and innovative approaches to tackle health care or patient care problems that leverage the skills and unique expertise of the pharmacist.
Dr. Yen Dang
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Director of Global HealthUniversity of Maryland Eastern Shore
Pharmacy Department
What skills stand out on Pharmacist resumes?
Dr. Yen Dang: Past pharmacy experience in the related pharmacy setting definitely helps the candidate to adjust to the job. Additionally, good clinical skills and communication skills help separate candidates from the crowd.
What soft skills should all Pharmacists possess?
Dr. Yen Dang: Teamwork and communication skills are key. Most pharmacists are team members, sometimes even the team leaders, and they need to work well with other pharmacists, technicians, and healthcare professionals to get the job done. Excellent communication skills help avoid confusion and conflict, especially if you communicate to providers to correct medication errors.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacists?
Dr. Yen Dang: Being detail-oriented is essential as pharmacists have to catch mistakes all the time. Also, multitasking is often needed as there are many distractions in the pharmacy between order entry, phone calls, dispensing, etc.
What skills will help Pharmacists earn the most?
Dr. Yen Dang: Adaptability is a great trait to have as it will let you adjust to different and changing environments. Also, being a self-directed learner where you can be in charge of your own professional development is essential. There are always new drugs and evolving guidelines, so pharmacists need to be up-to-date with that.
Vraj Patel
Medication Error Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management FellowButler University
Pharmacy Practice
What skills stand out on Pharmacist resumes?
Vraj Patel: -Adaptability - being flexible has been key during COVID, and with multiple interviews and projects
-Critical thinking/independence - someone that can analyze a problem and work independently to solve problems/projects
-Proactive and self-motivated - This is probably the one that most people are looking for. For example: when someone sees a problem, they come up with a potential solution that they then bring to their manager
-Followership - has been very important and a growing trend we have noticed.
What soft skills should all Pharmacists possess?
Vraj Patel: -Same as above plus these 2 below:
-Communication skills - learning to have critical conversations with other healthcare professionals, patients, co-workers are vital to be successful
-Personable - very important as a pharmacist as you will be seeing many patients if in a clinical setting, and it is important to be able to connect with your patients
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacists?
Vraj Patel: -Clinical knowledge - pharmacists will shine in clinical knowledge and can bring a lot about drug knowledge to the table
-Understanding insurances and payer markets - many times, people rely on the pharmacist to understand this confusing world of insurances and a place where pharmacists can shine
Understanding pharmacy law - other healthcare professionals usually do not have to take a law exam, so this is unique to pharmacists within the pharmacy/drug space, especially since the pharmacy laws change in every state.
What skills will help Pharmacists earn the most?
Vraj Patel: -Data analytics - this is something newer that is being introduced, but as big data grows, I believe it is very important to understand the big data and analyze it. Something pharmacists can bring to the table to help them earn more.
-Understanding pharmacoeconomics - As drugs get more expensive, this is very important. The intersection between business, healthcare, medication access, and understanding medicine value
-Networking - people always say that "pharmacy is a small world," and time and time again, I have personally seen this with networking.
Dr. Vicky Shah
ProfessorChicago State University
Pharmacy Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Pharmacist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Vicky Shah: Trends for Pharmacist jobs has been an ongoing roller coaster for the past few decades as the supply of jobs become saturated for a few years followed by a surge of new opportunities. During 2020, the pandemic disrupted the job market in a drastic way as newly graduated students had difficulty obtaining licensure and the number of jobs decreased due to budget cuts and furloughs.
As we fight the pandemic, the opportunities for pharmacists have increased despite numerous limitations. Pharmacists have continued to provide patient care through these difficult times as well as expanding services through Telepharmacy and playing a major role in the vaccination process. The job market can only improve for pharmacists as the need for vaccine clinics continues to grow. Newer graduates may be concerned about a saturated market; however, as life transitions to the new normal, opportunities will continue to arise.
What soft skills should all Pharmacists possess?
Dr. Vicky Shah: There are three skills which are needed for graduates to succeed in the world of pharmacy. Even prior to the pandemic, every graduate should be able to collaborate with others, communicate professionally and be able to utilize technology.
Collaboration is always key, even before the pandemic. Working in a strong healthcare team with nurses, doctors, nurse practitioners and many other amazing healthcare workers is a necessity to ensure safe and effective patient care. To collaborate with others, new graduates should be able to communicate professionally to dissolve any issues that may arise within the team. One piece of advice for graduates is to use "please" and "thank you" as simple gestures allow connections to develop much quicker. As pharmacy advances, technology does as well. It is imperative that graduates be able to keep up with all technology advances or they may fall behind.
How have salaries changed over time for Pharmacists?
Dr. Vicky Shah: Sign on bonuses are a thing of the past. Just a few mere decades ago, companies would provide sign on bonuses of approximately $10,000 for pharmacists to join them; however, as the number of pharmacists grew, the sign on bonuses dwindled away. As the years went by, the salaries for entry level pharmacists decreased. In the past, it was almost guaranteed that a new graduate would make at least six figures; unfortunately, the starting salary is much lower and dependent on where the pharmacy is listed. Like the demand of pharmacists, salaries will be a roller coaster as well; however, it is unlikely that we will ever get back to a time where sign on bonuses will make a return.
Rachael Perry
Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Student AffairsBinghamton University
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Pharmacist job market given the pandemic?
Rachael Perry: For pharmacy graduates, I think we are going to see greater demand as hospitals and community pharmacies continue to ramp up the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers, and patients trust them, so community pharmacies are a great access point for vaccine administration. There is also some skepticism about the vaccine. Pharmacists are going to be essential in explaining the science behind the vaccine and the importance of receiving it to the public.
What skills stand out on Pharmacist resumes?
Rachael Perry: I think it is important that graduates are able to articulate their skills to employers beyond just listing them generically on a resume or CV. As a pharmacist, communication skills are essential but listing "strong communication skills" is something everyone can put on their resume. Giving specific examples, numbers, or quantifiable metrics to demonstrate that you actually have those skills is much better. You also want to be sure that your CV/resume and cover letter are pristine, free of grammatical and spelling errors, because that is likely going to be the first impression of your communication skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Pharmacists to find work opportunities?
Rachael Perry: The good news for pharmacy graduates is there are jobs all over the country! There is usually a demand for pharmacists in rural or underserved communities, so there are a lot of opportunities in those areas.
What type of skills will young Pharmacists need?
Michael Bottorff: We often ask this question of employers and members of the dean's advisory council. The response is consistently the need for communication skills and people management skills. We do try to stress these in our curriculum, which has traditionally focused on drug facts. These skills are occasionally difficult to demonstrate on a resume, but being active and taking a leadership role in a student organization is one way.
What experience really stands out on Pharmacist resumes?
Michael Bottorff: As every pharmacy school has been offering the Doctor of Pharmacy degree since the year 2000, students need to consider how to acquire additional skills and experiences that make them stand out. Working with faculty on research projects is one way, particularly if that project results in a poster presentation or publication in a journal. Another option would be to consider graduating with an additional degree. Some pharmacy schools offer a combined Pharm.D./MBA degree. At Manchester, we offer the combined Pharm.D./Masters in Pharmacogenomics dual degree, and many students have already selected that option over the last few years. Another way to strengthen a resume is to consider post-graduate opportunities prior to entering the workforce; these could include pharmacy residencies, fellowships and a master's or Ph.D. in a specific pharmacy discipline, such as pharmacology or medicinal chemistry.