Are you curious about how much pharmacists make in Singapore? If you’re considering a career in pharmacy or are simply interested in knowing more about the industry, you’ve come to the right place. Singapore is known for having a high standard of living, and as such, it’s no surprise that pharmacists in the country are compensated well for their work.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a pharmacist in Singapore in 2024 is S$45,145. However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as experience, skill level, and employer. Indeed reports that the average base salary for a pharmacist in Singapore is S$4,287 per month, with some earning as much as S$8,000 per month.
While Jobstreet notes that the average salary of a pharmacist in Singapore is between S$4,300 and S$5,000, Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a pharmacist in the country is S$10,583 per month. Regardless of the source, it’s clear that pharmacists in Singapore are well-compensated for their work.
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Curious about pharmacist salaries in Singapore? Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pharmacists in Singapore earn a good salary, with the average around S$45,145 per year (as of 2024).
- Salary can vary based on experience, qualifications, employer, and location.
- Entry-level pharmacists can expect S$51,444 – S$68,592, while late-career pharmacists can make S$96,000 – S$180,000 annually.
- Hospital pharmacists typically earn more than retail pharmacists.
- Bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing plans can further increase your earnings.
For a more detailed breakdown and career info, check out the full article!
Overview of Pharmacist Salaries in Singapore
If you’re considering pursuing a career as a pharmacist in Singapore, one of the first questions you might have is how much you can expect to earn. The good news is that pharmacists in Singapore can earn a good salary, with the average salary for a pharmacist being around S$45,145 per year in 2024. However, the salary range can vary depending on several factors.
Factors Influencing Salary
One of the key factors that can influence a pharmacist’s salary in Singapore is their level of experience. Entry-level pharmacists can expect to earn around S$4,287 per month, while those with more experience can earn up to S$10,583 per month. The level of education and qualifications can also play a role in determining salary, with those who hold advanced degrees or certifications often earning higher salaries.
Other factors that can influence a pharmacist’s salary in Singapore include the specific industry they work in, the size and type of the employer, and the location of the job. For example, pharmacists who work in hospitals or other healthcare settings may earn more than those who work in retail pharmacies. Additionally, pharmacists who work for larger employers or in more expensive areas of Singapore may earn higher salaries.
Salary Range by Experience
Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary range for pharmacists in Singapore based on their level of experience:
- Entry-level (0-5 years): S$51,444 – S$68,592 per year
- Mid-career (5-10 years): S$60,000 – S$87,000 per year
- Experienced (10-20 years): S$72,000 – S$120,000 per year
- Late-career (20 years and above): S$96,000 – S$180,000 per year
It’s important to note that these salary ranges are just averages, and actual salaries can vary depending on a range of factors. However, they can provide a useful starting point for understanding what you might expect to earn as a pharmacist in Singapore.
Working in Different Settings
As a pharmacist in Singapore, you can work in various settings such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, and community pharmacies. Each setting has its unique demands and rewards.
Hospital Pharmacies
Working in a hospital pharmacy can be exciting as you will be part of a medical team that dispenses drugs to patients. You will be responsible for reviewing prescriptions and ensuring that patients receive the right medication. Additionally, you may be required to provide drug information to doctors and nurses. Working in a hospital pharmacy also means that you will work closely with other healthcare professionals, which can be professionally rewarding.
Retail Pharmacies
If you prefer working in a retail environment, then a career as a retail pharmacist may be suitable for you. Retail pharmacists work in drug stores, supermarkets, and other retail outlets that sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs. You will be responsible for dispensing drugs, providing drug information to customers, and ensuring that prescriptions are correctly filled. Retail pharmacists may also work long hours, including weekends and holidays, to cater to customers’ needs.
Community Pharmacies
Community pharmacies are located in neighbourhoods and provide services to the local community. As a community pharmacist, you will be responsible for dispensing drugs, providing drug information to customers, and ensuring that prescriptions are correctly filled. You may also provide health advice to customers and refer them to a doctor if necessary. Working in a community pharmacy can be rewarding as you will be part of the local community, and you may develop long-term relationships with customers.
Regional Salary Variations
If you are a pharmacist in Singapore, your salary may vary depending on the region you work in. Here are some of the most popular regions and their respective salary ranges.
Central Business District
If you work in the Central Business District of Singapore, you can expect to earn a higher salary than in other regions. The average salary for a pharmacist in this area is around £50,000 per year. This is due to the high demand for pharmacists in this region, as it is home to many hospitals and clinics.
Islandwide Locations
If you work in an islandwide location, your salary may vary depending on the location and demand for pharmacists in that area. Some areas may have a higher demand for pharmacists than others, which may lead to a higher salary. The average salary for a pharmacist in Singapore is around £44,000 per year.
Chinatown Area
If you work in the Chinatown area of Singapore, you can expect to earn a salary that is similar to the average salary for a pharmacist in Singapore. The average salary for a pharmacist in this area is around £44,000 per year. However, the cost of living in this area may be lower than in other regions of Singapore, which may make it a more attractive option for some pharmacists.
Additional Earnings and Benefits
As a pharmacist in Singapore, your base salary is just the beginning of your earning potential. There are several other financial incentives that you can take advantage of to increase your income and benefits package.
Bonuses and Commissions
Many pharmacies offer bonuses and commissions to their pharmacists. According to Payscale, the average bonus for a pharmacist in Singapore is S$2k – S$19k per year. The amount of the bonus depends on several factors, including the size of the pharmacy, the pharmacist’s experience, and their performance.
Some pharmacies also offer commission-based incentives. This means that pharmacists can earn a percentage of the sales they generate. The commission rate varies depending on the pharmacy and the products being sold.
Other Financial Incentives
In addition to bonuses and commissions, there are other financial incentives that pharmacists can take advantage of. For example, some pharmacies offer profit-sharing plans, which allow pharmacists to earn a share of the pharmacy’s profits. This can be a significant source of additional income, especially for pharmacists who work for larger pharmacies.
Other financial incentives that pharmacists can take advantage of include stock options, retirement plans, and health insurance. These benefits can add up quickly, and they can make a significant difference in your overall compensation package.
Tip: Boost Your Pharmacist Salary in Singapore!
Experience is key! Entry-level pharmacists earn S$51,444, but with experience, that can jump to S$180,000 annually. Consider where you work too. Hospital pharmacists can earn more than retail pharmacists.
Career Progression and Related Jobs
Advancing in the Pharmacy Field
As a pharmacist in Singapore, there are many opportunities for career advancement. With experience and further education, you can progress to more senior positions such as a Senior Pharmacist, Pharmacy Manager or Chief Pharmacist. These roles come with increased responsibility and higher salaries.
To become a Senior Pharmacist, you need to have at least 5 years of experience as a practicing pharmacist and hold a relevant postgraduate degree. As a Senior Pharmacist, you will be responsible for managing a team of pharmacists and ensuring that the pharmacy is operating efficiently.
To become a Pharmacy Manager, you need to have a minimum of 8 years of experience as a pharmacist, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the pharmacy, including staff management, inventory control and financial management.
As a Chief Pharmacist, you will be responsible for the overall management of the pharmacy department. You will need to have a minimum of 10 years of experience as a pharmacist, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. You will also need to have a relevant postgraduate degree in pharmacy or business administration.
Transitioning to Related Careers
If you are looking for a change, there are many related careers that you can transition to from pharmacy. Some of these careers include:
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: As a pharmaceutical sales representative, you will be responsible for promoting and selling pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. You will need to have excellent communication and sales skills, as well as a good understanding of pharmacology and the pharmaceutical industry.
- Clinical Research Associate: As a clinical research associate, you will be responsible for managing clinical trials for new drugs or medical devices. You will need to have a good understanding of clinical research methodologies, as well as excellent communication and project management skills.
- Medical Science Liaison: As a medical science liaison, you will be responsible for building relationships with key opinion leaders in the healthcare industry and providing them with scientific information about pharmaceutical products. You will need to have excellent communication and presentation skills, as well as a good understanding of pharmacology and the pharmaceutical industry.
To transition to these careers, you may need to undertake further education or training. For example, to become a pharmaceutical sales representative, you may need to complete a diploma or degree in sales or marketing. To become a clinical research associate or medical science liaison, you may need to complete a postgraduate degree in clinical research or a related field.
Understanding the Job Market
If you are considering a career as a pharmacist in Singapore, it is important to have a good understanding of the job market. In this section, we will take a closer look at the demand for pharmacists, as well as job availability.
Demand for Pharmacists
The demand for pharmacists in Singapore is expected to remain strong in the coming years. This is due in part to the country’s ageing population, which is driving demand for healthcare services. In addition, there is a growing demand for pharmacists in the retail sector, as well as in hospitals and community pharmacies.
Job Availability
There are a variety of job opportunities available for pharmacists in Singapore. Many pharmacists work in hospitals or community pharmacies, where they provide medication management services to patients. Others work in retail pharmacies, where they dispense medication and provide advice to customers.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacist, it is important to note that there are also opportunities available for pharmacy technicians. These professionals work under the supervision of a pharmacist and are responsible for tasks such as preparing medication, managing inventory, and providing customer service.
Qualifications and Licensing
To become a pharmacist in Singapore, you must hold a degree in pharmacy from a tertiary institution recognised by the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC). The SPC approves several overseas institutions, and you can find a list of recognised qualifications on their website.
If you hold a Singapore degree in pharmacy, you must have completed at least 12 months of supervised practical training before you can register as a pharmacist with the SPC. For foreign-trained pharmacists, conditional registration is available, which requires you to complete a period of supervised training in Singapore.
Once you have met the educational and training requirements, you can apply for registration with the SPC. The registration process involves submitting an application, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview. You must also pass the SPC’s qualifying examination, which assesses your knowledge of pharmacy practice in Singapore.
It’s worth noting that the SPC requires all registered pharmacists to participate in continuing professional education to maintain their registration. This means that you must complete a certain number of hours of training each year to keep your licence to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the starting salary for a newly qualified pharmacist in Singapore?
If you’re a newly qualified pharmacist in Singapore, you can expect to earn a starting salary of around SGD 3,000 to SGD 4,000 per month. This salary range may vary depending on the pharmacy you work for and your level of experience.
How much can a pharmacist expect to earn monthly in Singapore?
The average monthly salary for a pharmacist in Singapore is around SGD 5,000 to SGD 6,000. However, this amount can vary based on factors such as your level of experience, the pharmacy you work for, and the location of your workplace.
What are the earnings like for a pharmacist working at Guardian in Singapore?
According to Glassdoor, a pharmacist working at Guardian in Singapore can expect to earn an average salary of SGD 5,500 per month. However, this amount can vary based on your level of experience and other factors.
What’s the annual income range for hospital pharmacists in Singapore?
Hospital pharmacists in Singapore can expect to earn an annual income ranging from SGD 60,000 to SGD 100,000, depending on their level of experience and the hospital they work for.
How lucrative is a career in pharmacy for junior pharmacists in Singapore?
A career in pharmacy can be quite lucrative for junior pharmacists in Singapore. With experience, you can expect to earn a higher salary and have more opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, the demand for pharmacists in Singapore is expected to grow, which means that there will be more job opportunities available for junior pharmacists in the future.
What pharmacy role in Singapore offers the most attractive salary?
According to GrabJobs, the most attractive pharmacy role in Singapore in terms of salary is a senior pharmacist. Senior pharmacists can earn up to SGD 72,000 per year, depending on their level of experience and the pharmacy they work for.
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