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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Pharmacists

Median Salary
136,030
Job Outlook
+7%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

66%

Private not for profit

22%

Federal Government

4%

State and local government

4%

Self-employed

4%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 14,200 openings for pharmacists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$107,780

10%

$136,030

Median

$160,950

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    78%

  • Bachelor's degree

    11%

  • Post-doctoral training

    5%

  • First professional degree

    3%

  • High school

    1%


Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Pharmacy
  • Clinical, Hospital, and Managed Care Pharmacy

Skills and Interests

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low


What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Chemistry
  • Psychology
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low


What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.