Pharmacist

What does a pharmacist do? – Tasks and work environment

A pharmacist works to ensure that medicines are used safely, effectively, and cost-efficiently. Tasks include advising patients and healthcare professionals, quality control of medicines, participation in clinical studies, as well as development and manufacturing of new medicines. Pharmacists are often found at pharmacies, within the pharmaceutical industry, at authorities, or in healthcare. The work environment varies depending on the workplace – from customer-facing advisory roles at pharmacies to laboratory and analytical work in research settings.

Salary development over time

The salary for pharmacists has changed over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 45 000 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of about 4.2%. In 2024, the average salary has decreased to 41 519 SEK. This decline can partly be explained by changes in the composition of the workforce and fluctuating demand, as well as the entry of more recent graduates into the job market. Despite fluctuations, the salary level remains high compared to many other academic professions, and the trend shows that the profession’s attractiveness and demand are stable.

Pharmacist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 519 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,900 SEK (female, private sector, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
• Highest salary: 52,600 SEK (female, private sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 250 SEK
• Gender differences: We lack salary data specifically for men and women, but the highest salary for men is 51,100 SEK, and the lowest is 46,900 SEK
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a pharmacist, a lengthy academic education in pharmacy is required. The basic education is the pharmacist program, which includes both theoretical and practical components, including internships in pharmacies. After graduation, there are opportunities for further education and specialization, such as in drug development, clinical pharmacy, or research.

• Formal degree: Pharmacist program, 5 years (300 credits), leading to a professional degree and master's
• Internship: Mandatory internship at a pharmacy during studies
• Further education: Possibility for doctoral studies (PhD)
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility + special eligibility in chemistry, biology, and mathematics from high school
• Special courses: Available in areas such as clinical pharmacy, drug safety, and drug information

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for pharmacists include wellness allowances, subsidized medicines, occupational pension, and opportunities for professional development. Some workplaces also offer flexible hours, extra vacation days, and bonuses for achieving goals. In the pharmaceutical industry and research environments, international conferences and training trips may also be included.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions varies depending on region and specialization within the pharmacy field. There are large opportunities nationally, but some geographical areas may have tougher competition or fewer available positions. A challenge is to stay updated on new medicines and regulations, as the industry is characterized by rapid development and changing routines. Additionally, workload can be high, especially during periods of increased demand for advice or when new medicines are introduced. The recruitment situation is marked by difficulties in finding the right skills, although some restructuring and part-time work occur.

Tips for aspiring pharmacists

To succeed as a pharmacist, it’s good to combine accuracy with a desire for continuous development. Analytical skills facilitate working with interpreting drug information and managing complex patient cases, while communication skills are crucial for advising and collaborating with patients and colleagues. An interest in sciences and problem-solving provides a foundation for understanding drug effects and development. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable traits, as the work environment and tasks can vary greatly, especially if you want to switch between pharmacy, research, and regulatory roles. It is recommended to seek internships early and network within the industry, as this can open doors to future career opportunities and provide a broader understanding of the profession’s various parts.

Key facts about pharmacists

• Education level: Pharmacist degree (5 years, 300 credits)
• Job market: Large opportunities for employment, approx. 375 vacancies nationwide
• Work environment: Varies between pharmacies, laboratories, industry, and authorities
• Future prospects: Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years
• Specialization: Opportunities for doctoral studies and international careers

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, pharmacists can advance to specialist roles in clinical pharmacy, work as project managers in drug development, or move into leadership positions within pharmacy operations. Many choose to pursue a PhD and engage in research or work at authorities such as the Medical Products Agency. The employment agency’s forecast indicates strong job prospects and steady demand over the next five years, especially for those combining a pharmacy degree with further education or specialization. Currently, about 375 job openings are available nationwide, indicating a robust job market.

Frequently asked questions about pharmacists

• What does a pharmacist earn?
  - The average salary for a pharmacist is 41 519 SEK per month, but it can vary depending on experience, education, and workplace.
• How long is the education to become a pharmacist?
  - The education lasts 5 years (300 university credits) and leads to a pharmacist degree.
• What workplaces can a pharmacist work at?
  - Pharmacists can work at pharmacies, within the pharmaceutical industry, at authorities, or in research.
• What are the future prospects for pharmacists?
  - The prognosis is stable with good job opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• Is there an opportunity to specialize within the profession?
  - Yes, pharmacists can specialize in areas such as clinical pharmacy, drug development, or research.
• What is the hourly wage for a pharmacist?
  - A part-time employed pharmacist has an average hourly wage of 250 SEK.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for pharmacists?
  - The highest salary is 52,600 SEK and the lowest is 42,900 SEK, depending on education and employment type.