Let’s be honest—when most people think of pharmacists, they imagine someone in a white coat, staring down at a sea of prescription bottles, occasionally asking, “Do you have any questions for the pharmacist today?” However, a career in pharmacy is so much more than deciphering chicken-scratch doctor handwriting!
As healthcare evolves, driven by technological advancements, an aging population, and a shift toward preventative care, the role of pharmacists is expanding beyond the traditional pharmacy counter. While the demand for prescription medications continues to grow, pharmacists are also stepping into new arenas, including telehealth, clinical consulting, and specialized care, changing the landscape of the pharmacy field.
In this post, I’ll cover the current pharmacist job outlook in the United States while also exploring trends in employment, regional demand, and how emerging healthcare needs are reshaping the pharmacy profession. Whether you’re a student exploring career options, or maybe you’re considering a career pivot, this article will offer valuable insights into what’s next for pharmacists.
Accelerate Your Career
What is the job outlook of a pharmacist?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the pharmacist job outlook is promising, with the field expected to grow at least 5% by 2033, the same 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.
As of 2023, the median annual wage for pharmacists was $136,030.
Is there a future for pharmacists?
There remains a critical skills gap as pharmacists pivot into other roles, leave the profession, or retire. So again, the pharmacist job outlook is pretty rosy overall. According to the BLS, by 2026, only 8,000 people will graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy in the U.S., fulfilling just 60% of the demand.
The U.S. requires more than 13,400 graduates per year – that’s the number of pharmacist job openings, not jobs that require a PharmD. The shortage happens when graduates end up working for pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, or the military.
The pipeline feeding graduates into the retail pharmacy industry is running dry. This has led to many pharmacies closing their doors.
National shortage of pharmacists
This isn’t the first time the pharmacy industry has found itself in this position. A few decades ago, unfilled positions and overworked pharmacists led to costly mistakes. This resulted in many exiting the field.
The immediate response was to increase salaries and expand enrollment. Big pharmacy chains do still offer sign-on bonuses to sweeten the deal.
But pay doesn’t seem to be the problem for the skills shortage. Working conditions are taking their toll on pharmacists, especially in retail pharmacies where employees are expected to work overtime.
Despite the shortage of graduates, many should know that pharmacy is not just community pharmacy. The sector immediately expands once you have your Pharm.D. degree. Many graduates opt to work in hospitals or the research field and find it just as fulfilling.
And, according to Gallup’s Ethics Rating for 2024, pharmacists remain in the top 10 trusted professions with majority-level positive ratings.
How to become a pharmacist
Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and be licensed in every state. Many students choose to obtain their PharmD degree online when doing a pharmacy program. One option is to enroll in a distance learning course.
The pharmacy degree spans four academic years, with increasing responsibility and independence, and includes on-campus immersions and introductory pharmacy practice experiences. When researching your options, make sure the program you are considering is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a rewarding career that offers both a competitive salary, a stable career, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, becoming a pharmacist might just be the perfect fit for you. With the healthcare industry continuously evolving, there’s a bright future ahead for those in this field. So, whether you’re considering a career change or just starting out, take a closer look at what being a pharmacist has to offer. You might find that it’s not just a job, but a chance to be a vital part of your community while enjoying a fulfilling and lucrative career.
