Pharmacists
Overview
Introduction
Pharmacists are health professionals who are responsible for the dispensation of prescription and nonprescription medications. They act as consultants to health practitioners and the general public concerning possible adverse drug reactions and interactions, and may also give advice relating to home medical supplies and durable health care equipment. The role of the pharmacist has evolved into that of consultant and medicinal expert, because of the expanded duties of pharmacy technicians and the increasing time restrictions placed o...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The earnings of salaried pharmacists are largely determined by the location, size, and type of employer as well as by the duties and responsibilities of the individual pharmacist. Pharmacists who own or manage pharmacies often earn considerably more than other pharmacists. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, pharmacists earned a median yearly income of $136,030 in May 2023. The lowest pa...
Work Environment
Pharmacists work in a variety of settings: retail stores, hospitals, universities, nursing homes, managed care organizations, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmacies are typically well lighted, well ventilated, and kept in a clean and orderly fashion. Many chain-owned pharmacies now provide 18- or 24-hour operations. The pace can often be hectic as customers line up to wait for their...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts that employment for pharmacists will grow by 5 percent from 2023 through 2033. This is as fast as the average for all careers. Growth will be attributable to the increasing middle-aged and senior population (generally the largest consumers of medications), as well as technical and scientific advances that will make more drugs available and affordable,...