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Pharmacist

What They Do:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,  pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.

Qualifications:

  • Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), a 4-year professional degree.

  • Pharmacists must be licensed, which requires passing two exams:
                 - North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX);
                 -     Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE),

What They Make:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2019 median income was 128,090 per year.                                        

Where They Work:

  • Pharmacies, including those in grocery and drug stores.

  • Hospitals

  • Other healthcare facilities

Career Outlook:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for pharmacists between 2019 and 2029 is at a -3% decline in positions.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pharmacists,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm

Updated February 2021