How Much Does a Pharmacy Assistant Make?

Are you considering a career as a pharmacy assistant and wondering about the earning potential? 

Pharmacy assistant responsibilities include supporting pharmacists by dispensing medications and providing customer service. Salaries for this position can vary widely based on training, location, and other factors. 

We’re here to break down the average pharmacy assistant salary in Canada, explore regional differences, and discuss factors that can influence your earnings. 

Listen to: ‘How Much Does a Pharmacy Assistant Make?’

Average Salary of a Pharmacy Assistant

On average, pharmacy assistants in Canada earn between $34,000 and $52,000 annually. The hourly wage typically ranges from $17 to $25 per hour. Factors like location, type of employer, education, and experience can influence earnings and lead to higher salaries. 

Pharmacy Assistant Salary: Different Provinces and Cities

Salaries for pharmacy assistants can vary across provinces and cities due to factors like cost of living and local demand. Here’s a comparison of average salaries in various locations around Canada: 

 Salaries by Province: 

Salaries in Major Cities: 

• Calgary, AB: $20 – $24 per hour ($48,000 – $54,000 annually) 
• Toronto, ON: $21 – $25 per hour ($49,000 – $56,000 annually)
• Vancouver, BC: $18 – $22 per hour ($52,000 – $56,000 annually)
• Montreal, QC: $26 – $30 per hour ($50,000 – $70,000 annually)
• Winnipeg, MB: $20 – $24 per hour ($57,000 – $62,000 annually)

There are roles similar to pharmacy assistants that can also see you earn different salaries: 

Pharmacy coordinators can earn between $54,000 and $90,000 per year. 

Pharmaceutical sales representatives earn between $56,000 and $82,000 per year. 

Billing insurance coordinators can earn between $41,000 and $57,000 per year. 

Regional variations are influenced by local demand, cost of living, and the types of employers in the area. 

Factors Affecting Pharmacy Assistant Salaries

Several factors can impact how much a pharmacy assistant earns: 

• Location: Highly populated urban hubs and provinces with higher demand for healthcare services often offer higher wages.
• Type of Employer: Hospitals and specialized clinics may offer higher salaries compared to other kinds of pharmacies.
• Education and Training: Completing a pharmacy assistant diploma program can help to increase earning potential.
• Specialized Skills: Proficiency with pharmacy software systems will make you a more valuable employee.
• Workplace Setting: Full-time positions may offer benefits and higher annual salaries compared to part-time roles. 

By being aware of these factors, you can take proactive steps to maximize your earning potential as a pharmacy assistant by seeking the right training. 

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Assistants

Now is definitely the right time to pursue a career as a pharmacy assistant. The future is bright! The role is not only essential in today’s healthcare field but is also poised for rapid growth in the coming years.

Is a Pharmacy Assistant an In-Demand Career?

Absolutely! The demand for pharmacy assistants in Canada is on the rise. Factors contributing to this growth include: 

• Aging Population: An increasingly older population, as we have in Canada, means the need for prescription medications and pharmacy services is going up, too.
• Healthcare Expansion: Ongoing developments in healthcare services mean expanding opportunities in various settings like hospitals, clinics, and retail or community pharmacies.
• Accessibility to Healthcare: There’s a growing emphasis on making healthcare more accessible, which means an increasing need for qualified pharmacy staff. 

This growing demand means that pharmacy assistants can look forward to a stable and lengthy career with plenty of opportunities locally and across the country. 

Key Skills Needed to Succeed as a Pharmacy Assistant

Becoming a successful pharmacy assistant requires a balanced mix of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills: 

• Attention to Detail: Making sure medications are accurately dispensed is fundamental.
• Customer Service Skills: Providing friendly and informative assistance to patients improves their experience and creates returning customers.
• Organizational Skills: Managing inventory and keeping records up to date is essential.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication with pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and patients is the difference between a good pharmacy assistant and a great one.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity and training with pharmacy software and billing systems improves overall efficiency and demonstrates your experience. 

These pharmacy assistant skills are developed through comprehensive post-secondary training programs, which prepare you to meet the demands of the role effectively. 

Career Advancement Opportunities for Pharmacy Assistants

If you’re looking to move into other positions within the healthcare field, your education and experience as a pharmacy assistant could enable you to pursue: 

• Pharmacy Coordinator: You could manage prescription processing, inventory, patient communication, and administrative tasks around the pharmacy.
• Pharmaceutical Customer Service Representative: This role would allow you to interact with customers, answer questions about over-the-counter medications, and assist with insurance or billing inquiries.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Assistant: You could be the person to support pharmaceutical sales reps by organizing sales calls, processing orders, and maintaining strong relationships with pharmacies and other healthcare facilities.
• Central Fill Dispensary Assistant: You could process prescriptions, manage inventory, handle quality control, maintain records, and help central fill dispensaries stay compliant and adhere to safety protocols.
• Pharmacy Billing and Insurance Coordinator: You could work with insurance companies to manage claims, verify coverage, handle billing, and make sure that patients receive their medications in a timely manner.
• Specializations: There are opportunities to specialize in areas such as compounding, oncology pharmacy, or hospital pharmacy services. 

Whether you choose to continue pave out a long and rewarding career as a pharmacy assistant or explore new paths with your training and experience, this role offers the flexibility to grow according to your personal goals and circumstances.

Choosing a career as a pharmacy assistant offers more than just a competitive salary. It provides job stability, opportunities for growth, and the satisfaction of contributing to patient care every single day. 

With the healthcare industry continually expanding and the demand for qualified and skilled pharmacy assistants increasing, now is an excellent time to take the first step towards this satisfying and meaningful career. 

Are you interested in becoming a pharmacy assistant? Find out how Sundance College’s Pharmacy Assistant diploma program can equip you with the essential skills and hands-on experience needed to not only succeed but excel in this rewarding role.