A pharmacist’s salary in Canada ranges from around $54,000 per annum at entry level to approximately $144,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $105,000 per annum.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Canada By Province?
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Pharmacist's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 31120) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 54,112 | 104,646 | 144,300 |
| Alberta | 60,529 | 111,536 | 138,040 |
| British Columbia | 68,708 | 98,725 | 127,387 |
| Manitoba | 75,699 | 110,436 | 141,059 |
| New Brunswick | 75,256 | 98,894 | 135,958 |
| Newfoundland | 72,744 | 97,557 | 130,905 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 64,830 | 93,743 | 123,079 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 40,188 | 101,646 | 143,978 |
| Prince Edward Island | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Quebec | 63,924 | 112,199 | 161,891 |
| Saskatchewan | 72,847 | 109,108 | 145,484 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Pharmacist’s Salary In Canada?
Quebec has the highest mid-range pharmacist’s salary in Canada, closely followed by Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In these provinces, salaries are 6-7% above the national average.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest pharmacist’s salary in Canada is in Nova Scotia, where mid-range salaries are around 10% lower than national averages. However, the cost of living here is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries should be viewed in this context.
Are Pharmacists In Demand In Canada?
Most provinces rate job prospects for pharmacists as moderate to very good. The best prospects are in Manitoba, followed by Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI and Saskatchewan.
The job market has grown strongly in recent years due to the introduction of pharmacies in superstores. The market is now slowing down, but the needs of an ageing population will cause continued growth.
However, the bad news is that the number of new pharmacists seeking jobs is expected to exceed the number of new pharmacy jobs. This will result in a surplus of pharmacists in the coming years.
Government projections (carried out by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for pharmacists as 16,100, compared to 20,000 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
A Pharmacist’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a Pharmacist’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Pharmacist In Canada?
The current NOC code for pharmacists in Canada is 31120 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3131). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Clinical pharmacist
- Community pharmacist
- Hospital pharmacist
- Industrial pharmacist
- Pharmacist
- Retail pharmacist
Can Immigrant Pharmacists Work In Canada?
If you qualified as a pharmacist overseas, you might be able to work in Canada without further training. First, however, you must complete a process to have your qualifications assessed, including passing several exams.
On the positive side, there is a well-defined process for overseas pharmacists to gain certification in Canada. For all provinces and territories (except for Quebec), you will need to take the following steps:
- Enrol with Pharmacists Gateway Canada
- Register with the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) for evaluation of qualifications
- Pass three PEBC exams to gain the PEBC Certificate of Qualification
- Apply to the licensing authority of the province you plan to move to
Quebec has its own licensure procedure, which involves enrolling with the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec (OPQ).
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Ontario?
A pharmacist’s salary in Ontario ranges from $40,188 to $143,978 per annum. Mid-range salaries are $101,646 annually, just slightly below national averages.
Ontario’s highest pharmacist’s salary is in the Northeast region, where mid-range salaries are more than 30% higher than the provincial average.
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What Is A Pharmacist’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a pharmacist in Ontario is $40,188 per annum, significantly less than the average national starting salary of $54,112 in Canada.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range pharmacist’s salary in Toronto is about $94,490 per annum. However, it’s important to note that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, you might enjoy a higher standard of living outside Toronto.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range pharmacist’s salary in Ottawa is approximately $106,688 per annum. Given that property costs in Ottawa are lower than in Toronto, your salary might go further in Ottawa compared to Toronto.
Are Pharmacists In Demand In Ontario?
Absolutely, pharmacists are in demand in Ontario. The recent legislation that allows pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments has expanded their role, especially during the pandemic. This change aims to alleviate the pressure on emergency departments, suggesting a growing need for pharmacists in the province.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Quebec?
A pharmacist’s salary in Quebec ranges from $63,924 to $161,891 annually, with a mid-range salary of $112,199. This is in line with Canadian averages.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Starting Salary In Quebec?
A pharmacist’s starting salary in Quebec is $63,924 annually. This is somewhat higher than the starting salary for pharmacists in Canada, which is $54,112.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Montreal?
A pharmacist’s salary in Montreal has a mid-range figure of $113,387 annually, which aligns with provincial averages.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Montreal, especially regarding property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half what you’d find in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, allowing for a higher standard of living.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Quebec City?
A pharmacist’s salary in Quebec City has a mid-range figure of $100,268 per annum, lower than provincial averages and lower than salaries in Montreal.
Like Montreal, the cost of living in Quebec City, particularly in terms of property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half those in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, suggesting that you’re likely to enjoy a higher standard of living in Quebec City.
Are Pharmacists In Demand In Quebec?
Yes, pharmacists are in demand in Quebec. The job prospects here are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024.
The job market for pharmacists is expected to be stable for the foreseeable future due to an aging population, longer life expectancy and investments in research to develop new drugs.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Alberta?
A pharmacist’s salary in Alberta ranges from $60,529 to $138,040 annually. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $111,536, which is higher than the national mid-range salary of $104,646. This is typical of Alberta, where salaries are generally above average for the country.
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What Is A Pharmacist’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a pharmacist in Alberta is $60,529 per annum. Again this is higher than average starting salaries in Canada.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range pharmacist’s salary in Calgary is around $110,896 per annum, which is around 5% higher than the average for Canada. Also, the cost of living in Calgary is lower than most other major cities in Canada, so you will likely enjoy a higher standard of living in Calgary.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Edmonton?
A pharmacist’s salary in Edmonton is around $107,000 at the mid-range, which is slightly lower than in Calgary. However, Edmonton has a lower cost of living, especially when it comes to property prices, which could mean your salary goes further here.
Are Pharmacists In Demand In Alberta?
Yes, the demand for pharmacists in Alberta is expected to be good for the 2022-2024 period. This is typical of the health sector, where a growing and aging population is leading to increased demand for many health-related occupations.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In BC?
A pharmacist’s salary in BC ranges from $68,708 to $127,387 per annum. The mid-range salary in BC is $98,725, which is slightly lower than the national average.
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What Is A Pharmacist’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a pharmacist in BC is $68,708 per annum, which is higher than the national starting salary of $54,112 in Canada.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range pharmacist’s salary in Vancouver is about $104,160 per annum. However, keep in mind that Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. You might find a higher standard of living outside Vancouver.
What Is A Pharmacist’s Salary In Victoria?
A mid-range pharmacist’s salary in Victoria is around $104,160 per annum, in line with salaries in Vancouver. However, given that property costs in Victoria are lower than in Vancouver, your salary might go further in Victoria.
Where To Find More Information About Pharmacist Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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