FDA Pharmacist Pay Scale

[Auriel619]

Hey there SDN,

Anybody here on the forums know the approximate pay for a FDA pharmacist working at CDER or in their drug information or OPDP division?

A google search & USA Jobs search turned up that they start at GS-12, which can vary from $62k to $80k, with an additional 24% bump in cost of living expenses at Washington DC, to a total of ~77k-99k. But the variance is definitely large since there's 10 steps between the GS scales.

This SDN forum post from back in 2010, located here:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/working-at-the-fda-as-a-pharmacist.722935/

Stated that pharmacists start at ~44k at an 0-3 level. So definitely a lot of confusion around.

I know that pay will differ depending on training, whether you've had a residency, etc, but anybody have any approx/anectodal numbers on how much a pharmacist at the FDA would make and what division they wok at?

Appreciate any responses =)

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[FuturePharmD2]

It really depends on the position and the GS level. Pharmacists can work in a many different areas i.e. Consumer Saftey Officer, program Analyst or Project Manager. Generally the actual pharmacist positions are very hard to get because of the sheer volume of applicants. With the others you have a better chance. Many of the postings are GS-12/13. The GS-13 pay scale for this area (DC Metro) ranges from 90-120 depending on the step. If you are looking at the PHS pay , upon commissioning you are an O-3 so your pay for this area is around 110k this is actually more though because you are not taxed on your housing allowance. It may be more if you still get a bonus based on holding a license (not sure if they still do this). Hope this helps !

 

[Elle928]

Most pharmacist positions are GS 12-13 like the pp stated. The 44k is for people who join the public health service. In terms of what your pay will be, it depends on what the posting states when you apply on usajobs.gov. If the posting states that the position is a GS 12, you'll start at GS 12, step 1. If it says GS 13, it'll most likely be a 13, step 1. IF it says 12-13, that means its a ladder position. Depending on how much experience you have, you'll probably start at a 12, and then jump up to 13 in a year or two. Most new government hires will start at a step 1. An exception - to be on a higher step on the scale is if you successfully negotiate your salary. But its important to remember that the FDA receives hundreds of applications per posting. Everyone wants a cushy government job.Unless you have exceptional skills that they can't find anywhere else, its difficult to get a negotiated salary approved.

feel free to message me if you have any more questions.

 

[Auriel619]

Most pharmacist positions are GS 12-13 like the pp stated. The 44k is for people who join the public health service. In terms of what your pay will be, it depends on what the posting states when you apply on usajobs.gov. If the posting states that the position is a GS 12, you'll start at GS 12, step 1. If it says GS 13, it'll most likely be a 13, step 1. IF it says 12-13, that means its a ladder position. Depending on how much experience you have, you'll probably start at a 12, and then jump up to 13 in a year or two. Most new government hires will start at a step 1. An exception - to be on a higher step on the scale is if you successfully negotiate your salary. But its important to remember that the FDA receives hundreds of applications per posting. Everyone wants a cushy government job.Unless you have exceptional skills that they can't find anywhere else, its difficult to get a negotiated salary approved.

feel free to message me if you have any more questions.

This information is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

PMed you.