What does a pharmacist, apothecary do? – Tasks and work environment
A pharmacist, apothecary is responsible for ensuring the safe and correct handling of medicines, as well as providing advice to customers and patients on medication use. Tasks include dispensing prescriptions, providing information about medicines and their side effects, and working with quality assurance and drug development within pharmacies, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry. The work environment is often clinical or laboratory-based, but customer contact and teamwork are also common, especially in pharmacy settings where service and communication are central to the profession.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary of a pharmacist, apothecary has shown varying trends. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK, which increased to 45 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary decreased to 41 519 SEK, representing a reduction of approximately 7.7% compared to the previous year. This decline can likely be explained by market changes, increased competition, or shifts in employment types and working conditions. The trend indicates some volatility in salary development, possibly due to high demand for pharmacists but a labor market characterized by a paradoxical situation with both recruitment difficulties and a relatively high proportion of part-time workers.
Pharmacist, apothecary salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 41 519 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 42,900 SEK (female, privately employed, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
- Highest salary: 52,600 SEK (female, privately employed, research degree)
- Hourly wage (average): 250 SEK
- Gender differences: Limited data; highest salary for men: 51,100 SEK, lowest salary: 46,900 SEK
- Regional differences: Not specified in current statistics
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a pharmacist, apothecary involves university studies where a pharmacy degree is the formal requirement. The education focuses on medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical pharmacy, including both theoretical and practical components. To work as a licensed pharmacist, a license issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare is also required after completing the degree and practical training.
- Formal degree: Pharmacy program (5 years, master's degree)
- License: Required and issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare
- Practical training: Mandatory pharmacy internship included in the education
- Further education: Opportunities for research or specialization within, for example, clinical pharmacy
- Prerequisites: Basic and specific eligibility for university studies
Many pharmacists choose to work outside pharmacies, for example within the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, or research. The profession thus offers opportunities for a broad and varied career, where expertise in medicines can be applied in several socially beneficial areas.
Common benefits and compensations
Pharmacists and apothecaries are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development and further education. Collective agreements are common, providing security regarding pensions, sick pay, and insurance. Some employers also offer flexible working hours or bonus programs linked to performance and results.
Competition and challenges
The labor market for pharmacists and apothecaries is characterized by a paradoxical situation: while recruitment difficulties are reported, a relatively high proportion of part-time work and persons leaving the profession are observed. Competition for the most attractive positions can be intense, especially in large cities and specialized fields. Digitalization and automation of pharmacy services present new challenges, even as demand for pharmaceutical expertise remains stable. Staying updated on new medicines, regulations, and technology is crucial to meet labor market demands.
Tips for those who want to become a pharmacist, apothecary
To succeed as a pharmacist, apothecary, it is beneficial to have analytical skills and an interest in natural sciences, as the education is demanding and involves a lot of chemistry and biology. Precision is important because the work often involves responsibility for medication handling and advising patients. Good communication skills facilitate contact with both customers and colleagues, especially when advising on medicines and treatments. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable traits since the profession develops rapidly and new tasks emerge. It is also advantageous to have a genuine interest in people's health and be solution-oriented, as unexpected questions and situations frequently arise in daily work.
Key facts about pharmacist, apothecary
- Educational level: Pharmacy program, 5 years (master's)
- Work environment: Pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, or government agencies
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment, according to the Employment Service
- Number of job vacancies: 375 within the profession
- Specialized knowledge: Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and counseling
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for more specialized roles, such as clinical pharmacist, drug advisor, or manager within pharmacy operations. Career paths within the pharmaceutical industry, research, or government agencies are also common. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates significant employment opportunities, even though demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is described as paradoxical, with both recruitment difficulties and a relatively high number of persons leaving the profession. Overall, the future outlook is positive, and the labor market is stable for those with the right education and skills.
Frequently asked questions about pharmacist, apothecary
- What is the average salary of a pharmacist, apothecary?
- The average salary is 41 519 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a pharmacist, apothecary?
- A pharmacy degree from a university (5 years) and a license from the National Board of Health and Welfare are required.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Current statistics do not specify regional differences for this profession.
- What are the future prospects for pharmacists and apothecaries?
- Employment opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years.
- What are the most common workplaces?
- Pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, and government agencies are the most common workplaces.
- What is the highest salary that can be achieved?
- The highest salary is 52,600 SEK for a woman with a research degree, privately employed.
- What benefits are usually offered?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development.
