Tessa Quinn
Pharmacists have a variety of work settings to choose from, including retail and hospital pharmacies. While most pharmacists work in pharmacies and drugstores, almost one-quarter work in hospitals. The salary for hospital pharmacists is generally lower than that of retail pharmacists, with estimates ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 less per year. However, hospital pharmacists in clinical roles may earn higher salaries due to their specialized responsibilities. Aside from salary, other factors such as job satisfaction, career progression, and work environment should also be considered when choosing between retail and hospital pharmacy. Hospital pharmacists typically report lower levels of exhaustion and greater job satisfaction, while retail pharmacists value the opportunity for direct patient interaction and building relationships with their community. Ultimately, the decision between retail and hospital pharmacy should align with one's personal strengths, ambitions, and lifestyle preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salary | Retail pharmacists generally earn a higher salary than hospital pharmacists. However, hospital pharmacists in clinical roles may be paid more due to their specialized responsibilities. |
| Salary Range | According to Glassdoor, retail pharmacists typically earn between $133,000 and $173,000, while hospital pharmacists earn between $121,000 and $169,000. According to The Happy PharmD, a pharmacist working in a retail setting earns an average of $121,420 annually, while a hospital pharmacist earns $135,000. |
| Average Salary | The average annual salary for all pharmacists was $125,510 in 2019. Pharmacists working in general medical and surgical hospitals earned $127,370, while the average retail pharmacy salary was $123,620. |
| Highest Salary | The highest average salary for a pharmacist was in California, at $151,800 per year. |
| Working Hours | Hospital pharmacists generally report lower levels of exhaustion and greater job satisfaction. They are less likely to experience burnout compared to retail pharmacists. |
| Career Progression | Hospital pharmacists often have a more structured career progression, with options to specialize through residencies or advance into managerial roles. |
| Competition | Competition for hospital positions tends to be higher than for retail jobs. |
| Patient Interaction | Retail pharmacists have more direct patient interaction and the opportunity to build relationships with their community. |
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What You'll Learn
- Salary: Retail pharmacists generally earn more, but hospital pharmacists in clinical roles may earn higher due to specialisation
- Work setting: Retail pharmacists work in pharmacies and drugstores, while hospital pharmacists work in hospitals and clinics
- Job market: Retail pharmacy jobs are more readily available, but hospital pharmacists report greater job satisfaction
- Career progression: Hospital pharmacists have more structured career paths, with opportunities to specialise or move into management
- Qualifications: Both require a Pharm.D. degree and a license to practice, but hospital pharmacists often require additional residency training
Salary: Retail pharmacists generally earn more, but hospital pharmacists in clinical roles may earn higher due to specialisation
Salary is an important factor when it comes to choosing a career path, and this is no different for pharmacists. While most pharmacists work in pharmacies and drugstores, almost a quarter work in hospitals.
Retail pharmacists generally earn a higher salary than hospital pharmacists. Data from ZipRecruiter suggests that retail pharmacists make around $123,000 annually, while hospital pharmacists make around $139,000. However, this doesn't tell the whole story. Glassdoor's data, which is based on employee submissions, shows that retail pharmacists typically earn between $133,000 and $173,000, while hospital pharmacists earn between $121,000 and $169,000. So, in general, retail pharmacists appear to have the upper hand in terms of salary, especially when compared to staff positions in hospitals.
However, it's worth noting that hospital pharmacists in clinical roles may earn a higher salary due to their specialized responsibilities. For example, in 2020, the average annual salary for pharmacists in general medical and surgical hospitals was $127,370, while the average retail pharmacy salary ranged from $123,620 in health and personal care stores to $129,040 in general merchandise stores. In the same year, according to The Happy PharmD, a pharmacist working in a chain drug store or supermarket earned an average of $121,420 annually, while a pharmacist in a hospital or healthcare system earned $135,000.
It's important to keep in mind that salary can vary depending on factors such as location, specialization, and the specific work setting. For example, in 2019, the "Drug Topics" salary survey reported that 18% of pharmacists earned between $120,001 and $130,000, without differentiating between work settings. However, of those reporting their salaries, 28% worked in hospitals, while 36% worked in retail settings.
Additionally, the job market for pharmacists is evolving, with major shifts occurring in both retail and hospital settings. Retail pharmacies are moving into clinical services, while hospital pharmacies are expanding into outpatient care. The rise of telepharmacy and digital health is creating more remote work opportunities, especially in hospitals.
When deciding between retail and hospital pharmacy, it's important to consider not just salary, but also job satisfaction and personal career goals. For instance, while retail pharmacists may value the opportunity to build relationships with their community, hospital pharmacists generally report lower levels of exhaustion and greater job satisfaction.
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Work setting: Retail pharmacists work in pharmacies and drugstores, while hospital pharmacists work in hospitals and clinics
Pharmacists have different work settings, with most working in retail pharmacies and drugstores, and about one-quarter working in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Retail pharmacists work in independent or chain drug stores, as well as in supermarkets and mass merchandiser pharmacies. They dispense medications, answer patient questions, and provide primary care services such as administering flu shots and conducting health screenings.
Hospital pharmacists, on the other hand, work in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare settings, providing direct patient care. They may accompany physicians on hospital rounds, recommend medications, oversee dosage and timing, and evaluate drug effectiveness. Hospital pharmacists often have more structured career progression, with opportunities to specialize through residencies or advance into managerial roles.
In terms of salary, retail pharmacists generally earn higher wages than hospital pharmacists. However, hospital pharmacists in clinical roles may have higher earnings due to their specialized responsibilities. The average annual salary for a pharmacist in a retail setting ranges from $123,620 to $129,040, while a hospital pharmacist earns around $127,370 on average.
It is worth noting that job satisfaction and exhaustion levels vary between the two settings. Hospital pharmacists report lower exhaustion levels and greater job satisfaction, while almost 80% of retail pharmacists experience high exhaustion due to high quotas, staffing shortages, and pressure to meet metrics.
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Job market: Retail pharmacy jobs are more readily available, but hospital pharmacists report greater job satisfaction
While retail pharmacy jobs are more readily available, hospital pharmacists report greater job satisfaction. This is despite the fact that retail pharmacists generally earn a higher salary than their hospital counterparts.
According to Glassdoor, retail pharmacists typically earn between $133,000 and $173,000, while hospital pharmacists earn between $121,000 and $169,000. However, it's worth noting that hospital pharmacists in clinical roles may see a higher salary due to their specialized responsibilities.
The job market for pharmacists is evolving, with major shifts occurring in both retail and hospital settings. Retail pharmacy is moving into clinical services, while hospital pharmacies are expanding into outpatient care. The rise of telepharmacy and digital health is also opening up more remote work opportunities, especially in hospital settings.
When it comes to job satisfaction, hospital pharmacists generally report lower levels of exhaustion and greater job satisfaction than retail pharmacists. Studies show that hospital pharmacists are less likely to experience burnout, although it's important to note that hospital work is not stress-free. The pressure of meeting quotas and the high focus on metrics such as prescription counts contribute to unsafe working conditions and compromised patient safety in retail pharmacy settings.
Ultimately, the decision between retail and hospital pharmacy should align with one's personal strengths and career goals. Both paths offer unique advantages and challenges, and pharmacists have the flexibility to explore different areas within the profession to find the right fit for their ambitions and lifestyle.
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Career progression: Hospital pharmacists have more structured career paths, with opportunities to specialise or move into management
While retail pharmacists generally earn a higher salary than hospital pharmacists, the latter offers a more structured career path with greater opportunities for specialisation and management roles.
Hospital pharmacists often have a more defined career trajectory, with the option to specialise further through residencies or to advance into managerial positions, such as clinical coordinator or department manager. This structured career progression allows hospital pharmacists to develop their expertise and assume greater responsibilities over time.
In contrast, retail pharmacy roles may offer less scope for specialisation and career advancement. Retail pharmacists typically work in pharmacies, drugstores, or retail settings, where their primary responsibilities revolve around dispensing medications and providing patient care. While retail pharmacists may have opportunities for growth within their organisations, the focus tends to be more on sales and meeting quotas rather than specialisation or management.
The decision between pursuing a career in hospital or retail pharmacy should ultimately align with one's personal aspirations and lifestyle preferences. Those who thrive on solving complex clinical cases and working in collaborative healthcare teams may find hospital pharmacy more fulfilling. On the other hand, those who value direct patient interaction and community relationships may prefer the retail pharmacy environment.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the pharmacy profession is evolving, with both sectors experiencing significant shifts. Retail pharmacies are increasingly moving towards clinical services, while hospital pharmacies are expanding into outpatient care. The rise of telepharmacy and digital health is also creating more remote work opportunities, particularly in hospital settings.
In conclusion, while hospital pharmacists may face a slightly lower salary prospect, they benefit from a more structured career path with specialisation and management prospects. The choice between hospital and retail pharmacy should be guided by individual career goals, interests, and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
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Qualifications: Both require a Pharm.D. degree and a license to practice, but hospital pharmacists often require additional residency training
Qualifications for pharmacists vary depending on the work setting. Both hospital and retail pharmacists are required to have a Pharm.D. degree and a license to practice. However, hospital pharmacists often need to complete additional residency training or further specialisation. This is because hospital pharmacists may have more specialised responsibilities and duties, such as providing direct patient care, conducting medical tests, and offering advice to patients.
To obtain a license to practice pharmacy, pharmacists must pass two licensing exams. The first is a national exam that covers basic skills and knowledge, and the second is specific to the state in which they intend to work. While certification is not necessary for practice, it is an option for pharmacists in both hospital and retail settings.
The path to becoming a pharmacist typically involves earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. This degree is a prerequisite for obtaining a license to practice in all states. The Pharm.D. curriculum covers a range of topics to prepare students for their future roles as pharmacists.
Hospital pharmacists often have the opportunity to pursue further career progression through specialisation. They can advance into managerial roles such as clinical coordinator or department manager. The competition for hospital positions tends to be more intense than for retail jobs, reflecting the additional qualifications and skills required for these roles.
While retail pharmacists generally work in pharmacies and drugstores, hospital pharmacists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and facilities that operate 24 hours a day. The specific work setting can influence the salary earned by pharmacists, with salaries varying across different states and settings.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. According to some sources, retail pharmacists generally earn a higher salary than their hospital counterparts. However, other sources state that hospital pharmacists can make more, especially in clinical roles due to their specialized responsibilities.
Retail pharmacists may make more due to market demands. Additionally, the work of a retail pharmacist can be more demanding, with high quotas, staffing shortages, and pressure to meet certain metrics.
Yes, hospital pharmacists generally report lower levels of exhaustion and greater job satisfaction compared to retail pharmacists. They also have more opportunities for specialisation and further career progression.
Hospital pharmacists may experience burnout, especially in clinical roles, due to the emotional toll of the job. Additionally, competition for hospital positions tends to be fiercer than for retail jobs, and many hospital roles now require residency training.
