Pharmacy Salaries

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Dr.Biassi

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I read a few post here about pharmacy salaries. Just read a few stuff about AACP website and would like to share. The survey was published 2 years ago


SALARIES
The demand for pharmaceutical care services has resulted in a dramatic increase in salaries in all sectors of pharmacy. According to a 2005 survey by Drug Topics magazine, the median annual earning of pharmacists (including overtime and bonuses) was $89,723 in 2004, as compared to $82,607 in 2002, $78,624 in 2000, and $64,980 in 1999.

"[Pharmacists] working in discount/mass-merchandising stores racked up the highest salaries ($93,442) last year. They were followed closely by pharmacists in HMOs ($93,365), chains ($92,542), and supermarkets (91,915). At the lowest end of the salary scale were hospital or health-system pharmacists ($88,268) and independent R.Ph.s ($84,366). Independents, however, staged the largest percentage gain—nearly 10%—over the past two years, indicating a conscious drive to become more competitive in the manpower race.

If overtime pay and bonuses are added to salary, the average total compensation for pharmacists in all six practice settings came to $96,537 in 2004. HMOs topped the list with total earnings of $103,761, but it should be pointed out that the HMO figure was calculated on an extremely low response base. Other members of the six-figure income club were R.Ph.s who work in discount stores ($102,898), supermarkets ($100,903), and chains (100,217). Once again, independents and hospitals made up the rear guard, with total compensation of $90,320 and $90,405, respectively. "1

1Cardinale, Val, "Flying High: Are rising wages and generous benefits enough to attract pharmacists and keep them from roaming?" DrugTopics.com, 21 March 2005.
 
Interesting stuff. So they aren't referring to starting salaries? The Dean at PBA told us their 1st graduating class average $100 K first your out of school. I have heard, no good source for it, the average pharmacist here in Maryland starts around $90K.

If the overall averages are only slightly above the starting salaries, how much room for growth is there? Seems like everybody is making the same amount.
 
Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

I agree with srock...it seems like there isn't much room for advancement. It seems starting and ending salary are quite close.
 
Well, that's good news... I look forward to 4 years from now when I will actually be earning that after school! 🙂
 
what exactly do pharmacists in HMOs do? just wondering 😳
 
pharmacists at my CVS make $52-55/hr and make around 105k+. all 3 of them. well cali pays more but quality of living is higher and more expensive
 
pharmacists at my CVS make $52-55/hr and make around 105k+. all 3 of them. well cali pays more but quality of living is higher and more expensive


I wouldn't quite say the living in CA is higher quality of living.
 
Again, the 100K in West Palm Beach, is because of cost of living.
 
what exactly do pharmacists in HMOs do? just wondering 😳

HMO has 3 components... insurance company, hosptials, and physician group.

Basically they are a self insured health organization taking care of patients with capitated income. So in an HMO, there are hospital pharmacists, outpatient pharmacists, Amcare pharmacists..mail order pharmacists.. so they're not any different. Isn't Kaiser the largest HMO next to VA?
 
I wouldn't quite say the living in CA is higher quality of living.



hmmm.......are you "taunting" me🙄 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I'd say - not all areas of CA have a high quality of living - but - the whole living thing here costs a lot!

(Remember - no dung beetles in CA - pretty good quality of life to me!😀 )
 
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hmmm.......are you "taunting" me🙄 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I'd say - not all areas of CA have a high quality of living - but - the whole living thing here costs a lot!

(Remember - no dung beetles in CA - pretty good quality of life to me!😀 )

easy bait... :meanie:
 
When I applied to pharmacy school in 2003, retail pharmacists were making in the 80's where I live. The salaries are all over 100k now. This is in the Tampa Bay area. At Walgreens, the salary has increased 4k from last year. They accidentally sent me a job offer in my 3rd year, so I have something to compare my current offer to.
 
So, there is no difference between the salaries in

Tampa Bay area versus West Palm Beach or Naples?

I am saying this because as you know Palm Beach and Collier counties are the highest cost of living areas in the state of Florida.
 
Thank's for the info.

I only hope that pharmacists & pharmacists wannabes DO NOT focus on the salary only.

I have met and known some people who wanna be a pharmacist just because of the high salary + easy job.
*raises WTF banner to the salary-minded pharmacists/pharmacists wannabes*
 
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