Information pharmacist

What does an information pharmacist do? – Tasks and work environment

An information pharmacist works with collecting, analyzing, and communicating pharmaceutical information to patients, healthcare professionals, and various societal actors. Tasks often include quality assurance of factual data, developing informational materials, and managing training initiatives related to medication use. Information pharmacists operate within pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, authorities, and interest organizations. The role involves close collaboration with pharmacists, doctors, and IT specialists, and the work environment is typically office-based but may also include field activities or training trips.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for information pharmacists has shown varied development. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, increasing to 45 000 SEK in 2023. However, a decline has been noted to 41 519 SEK in 2024, which corresponds to a decrease of about 7.7 % compared to the previous year. This fluctuation can partly be explained by changes within the pharmaceutical industry, restructuring, and variations in demand for information specialists. Despite these changes, the salary level remains competitive, and demand for the profession is considered stable over five years according to the Employment Service's forecasts.

Information pharmacist salary – full 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, doctoral education)
• Hourly wage: 250 SEK (based on 166 working hours per month)
• Gender differences: Specific data missing, but highest and lowest salaries are available for both women and men
• Regional differences: Data on regional variations is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as an information pharmacist, a university-level pharmacy degree is required, often supplemented with specialized courses in pharmaceutical information and communication. Practical experience from pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, or authorities is advantageous, as well as competence in IT and information management. Additional certifications and training can increase opportunities for specialization and advancement within the profession.

• Formal degree: Pharmacy program (5 years, university)
• Specialized courses: Pharmaceutical information, pharmacology, and communication
• Internship: Mandatory internship within pharmacy or pharmaceutical sector
• Further education: Opportunities for doctoral studies and certifications
• Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary education

Common benefits and compensations

Information pharmacists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Some employers also provide professional development, subsidized lunches, and extra vacation. The extent of benefits varies depending on the employer and sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an information pharmacist is moderate, but specific skills in digital communication and pharmaceutical information can provide an advantage. Challenges in the profession include high demands for accuracy, continuous updating of knowledge, and managing complex information flows. The recruitment situation is characterized by both difficulties in finding the right competence and some turnover within the profession. In the long term, demand is expected to remain unchanged, but increasing digitalization and new regulations may influence the job market in the future.

Tips for those who want to become an information pharmacist

To succeed as an information pharmacist, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with an interest in communication and pharmaceutical issues. Precision is crucial, especially when handling and quality-assuring medical information. It is wise to seek internships in pharmaceutical information or authorities during your education to build relevant experience. Good organizational skills facilitate project coordination and cross-professional collaboration. A genuine interest in digital tools and information systems is also an asset, as much of the work is conducted in digital environments. Additionally, building a professional network can increase opportunities for new job challenges and specialization within the field.

Key facts about information pharmacists

• Education level: Pharmacy degree (5 years, university)
• Work environment: Office-based, often in teams
• Typical work form: Full-time, sometimes remote work
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, unchanged forecast (5 years)
• Special skills: Pharmaceutical information and digital communication

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an information pharmacist, career development can lead to roles such as specialist in pharmaceutical information, project manager for digital information platforms, or training manager at a pharmaceutical company. Some choose to move into regulatory services or research projects. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities in the pharmacy sector are substantial, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. With 375 advertised positions in the profession, there are good opportunities for employment and advancement for those wishing to specialize further or take on leadership roles.

Frequently asked questions about information pharmacists

• What does an information pharmacist earn?
  - An information pharmacist has an average salary of 41 519 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked for information pharmacists?
  - Salaries have fluctuated in recent years, peaking at 45 000 SEK in 2023 and decreasing to 41 519 SEK in 2024.
• What education is required to become an information pharmacist?
  - A pharmacy degree from a university is required, often supplemented with courses in pharmaceutical information.
• Which workplaces hire information pharmacists?
  - Information pharmacists are employed by pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, authorities, and interest organizations.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Specific data on regional differences is lacking, but the salary level is considered relatively uniform nationwide.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and opportunities for professional development.
• What does the future job market look like?
  - The Employment Service estimates that job opportunities are plentiful and the outlook remains unchanged for the next five years.