Pharmacy assistant salary

Working as a Pharmacy Assistant

Working as a pharmacy assistant involves having a central role in the pharmacy where one assists pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in their daily tasks. As a pharmacy assistant, it is important to provide service to customers, handle cash and inventory, and assist with simple administrative tasks. Although the tasks may vary depending on the size and focus of the pharmacy, customer contact and service are key.

Salary for Pharmacy Assistant

What does a pharmacy assistant earn? The average salary for a pharmacy assistant is 31 500 kronor per month. There is a slight difference between genders, with men earning 29 900 kronor and women earning 31 800 kronor, meaning that women earn 106% of what men do. An interesting aspect is that the average salary for the profession has increased from 30 400 kronor to 31 500 kronor since the last measurement.

Hourly Employment and Hourly Wage

For those working as hourly employees in the field, the average hourly wage is 189 kronor, based on 166 working hours per month. This provides some flexibility for those who prefer to work part-time or have a more varied work schedule.

Salary Range and Different Levels

The highest salary for a pharmacy assistant is 33000 kr, and this salary belongs to a woman with a high school education, up to 2 years, working in various sectors. On the other hand, the highest salary for a man in the same profession is 29 900 kr. The lowest salary in the profession is 28300 kr, which belongs to a man with a high school education of 3 years. For women, the lowest salary is 31300 kr.

Education and Qualifications

To become a pharmacy assistant, specific higher education is usually not required, but it is advantageous to have a high school education, preferably with a focus on healthcare or natural sciences. Many employers value practical experience in service professions, which can be a pathway into the profession. Further education to become a pharmacy technician can provide additional career opportunities and higher pay.

Future Outlook and Job Market

According to the forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is limited data to assess the future outlook for the profession. However, there is a general demand for pharmacy assistants, especially as more pharmacies are established and the pharmacy market grows.

Working Conditions

The working environment for pharmacy assistants is often indoors in a pharmacy setting. It can sometimes be stressful, especially during peak hours, but it is also a social and rewarding job with a lot of customer interaction. Most pharmacies offer regular working hours, but evening and weekend work may occur depending on the pharmacy's opening hours.

Benefits

Benefits for pharmacy assistants can vary depending on the employer and type of employment. In some cases, pharmacies may offer training and skill development in pharmacy operations, which can be a valuable benefit for those looking to advance in the profession. Other benefits such as a company-paid mobile phone or the opportunity for remote work are not common in this field.

Summary

The profession of a pharmacy assistant offers a stable and satisfying career with opportunities for development. With an average salary of 31 500 kronor, it is a profession that combines customer service with practical tasks in the pharmacy. Despite differences in pay based on gender and experience, the profession provides a good entry point for those interested in working in the pharmacy sector.