Why apply for Pharmacist jobs in Canada? 

• Alberta offers the highest pay of CAD 112,125 per year for Pharmacists
• The average salary for a Pharmacist is CAD 97,442 per year
• Pharmacists can migrate to Canada through 12 pathways
• Work 35 – 40 hours a week

 

*Check your eligibility to Canada with Y-Axis Canada CRS Points Calculator for free.

 

Pharmacist Job Trends in Canada; 2024-25   

Demand for pharmacists continues to increase and the jobs are popular for those who desire to work in the healthcare field. The profession offers attractive salary and ample job opportunities. The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CphA) states that the Canadian population needs medications more than before due to their aging population and the need to keep diseases away.

 

The government of Canada lists pharmacists as an in demand role and there will be many job openings for the period 2022 – 2031 and a total of 16,100 new jobs openings are expected, where 20,000 new job seekers are anticipated to fill them. The number of graduates seeking new job roles in the pharmacy sector is expected to grow with 90% of graduates securing a job in the field of pharmacy in Canada. There is a high need for these professionals in Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.

 

Pharmacists are hired in:

 

• Community Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Long-Term Care Facilities
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Government Health Agencies
• Research Institutions
• Academic Institutions
• Health Clinics
• Telepharmacy Services
• Pharmacy Benefit Management Companies

 

*Looking for Pharmacist jobs in Canada? Y-Axis will guide you in step by step process.

 

Pharmacist Job vacancies in Canada

List of locations having vacancies in pharmacy jobs:

Location	Available jobs
Alberta	25
British Columbia	93
Canada	273
Manitoba	8
New Brunswick	16
Nova Scotia	5
Ontario	72
Québec	25
Saskatchewan	7

 

*Willing to migrate to Canada through Provincial Nominee Program? Y-Axis is here to help you.

 

Current State of Pharmacist Jobs in Canada

The demand for pharmacists has always been stable and is growing at a rapid pace. Pharmacists are not subjected to just a single field of work but in various fields. They can either work in a retail store or in health care sector. Pharmacists are needed by many pharmaceutical firms, hospitals, and drugstores expanding the area of work for these professionals. Community pharmacists often provide direct patient care, counselling, and prescription dispensing, while hospital pharmacists may be involved in clinical roles and medication management within the hospital setting. There has been a growing emphasis on patient-centred care, with pharmacists playing a more active role in medication therapy management, chronic disease management, and preventive healthcare.

 

The job outlook for pharmacists is positive now and in the future and it is anticipated that there will be many openings by 2031 with attractive salary and 90% of graduates will be filling these roles. 

 

Pharmacist TEER code

TEER Code	Job position
31120	Pharmacist

 

Also read

New NOC TEER codes released for FSTP and FSWP, 2022-23

 

Pharmacist Salary in Canada

Pharmacists in Canada can earn an average salary ranging between CAD 53,889 and CAD 112,125 per annum. The average salary for Pharmacists in different provinces is:

Community/Area	Median average salary per annum in CAD
Canada	CAD 97,442
Alberta	CAD 112,125
British Columbia	CAD 96,640
Manitoba	CAD 53,889
New Brunswick	CAD 84,536
Nova Scotia	CAD 91,280
Ontario	CAD 95,112
Quebec	CAD 97,703
Saskatchewan	CAD 62,652

 

*Want to know more details about Salaries abroad? Check the Y-Axis salaries page.

 

Canada Visas for Pharmacist

Canada offers various pathways and visas for people looking to live and work in Canada, below are the visas and ways for Pharmacists to move to Canada:

 

Express Entry Program

Express Entry is a popular pathway for immigrants looking to work and settle in Canada permanently. It point based system with factors such as age, work experience, education, and language proficiency.

 

To immigrate to Canada through Express Entry system, you will first need to submit an online profile. The profile will be created with all the information including your credentials and qualifications. The CRS will assign scores for your credentials. If you have a good or high CRS score then you will likely receive an invitation to apply for a permanent residence in Canada.

 

The current Express Entry system has shifted from CRS score to inviting candidates according to the occupations in demand. In order to meet the demands of the labour market this change has been implemented in the process of choosing immigration candidates.

 

Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) Program

Your licensure as a pharmacist will allow you to immigrate to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) Program. To be eligible, you must meet the requirements such as language proficiency, training, work experience, employment, age and other related factors.

 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is provided by many provinces in Canada by giving Pharmacists the pathway to migrate and settle in that particular province in Canada. In these PNP programs, few invite candidates from the Express Entry pool by offering them a nomination for permanent residency.

 

*Willing to Migrate to Canada? Y-Axis is here to help you.

 

Employment requirements to work in Canada for Pharmacist role

To work as a pharmacist in Canada, you generally need to meet several requirements:

 

Requirements to work in Canada

• Obtain a valid degree in pharmacy from a recognized institution which is the Bachelor’s or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program
• Proficiency in English or French is required to effectively communicate with patients and healthcare professionals
• Pass the PEBC exam and qualifying exam of OSCE and MCQs to become a licensed pharmacist
• International graduates may need to complete the FPGEE and TOEFL
• Acquire a license from the territorial or provincial pharmacy regulatory authority in the place where you want to work
• Complete internship or a period of practical experience as required by the provincial regulatory authority
• Valid work permit is required to practice as a pharmacist in Canada

 

Roles & Responsibilities of Pharmacist in Canada

There are some roles and responsibilities of pharmacists working in Canada, they are:

 

• Dispense prescription medications accurately, providing patients with the correct dosage and necessary instructions
• Counsel patients on proper medication use, potential side effects, and any necessary precautions
• Collaborate with healthcare teams to manage medication therapy, ensuring safe and effective use of medications
• In settings like hospitals or clinics, pharmacists may participate in clinical services, such as medication reviews, therapeutic drug monitoring, and collaborative patient care
• Prepare specialized medications or formulations when needed, especially in hospital or compounding pharmacy settings
• Provide information on health promotion, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications to improve overall patient health
• Monitor and report adverse reactions to medications, contributing to medication safety
• Respond to inquiries from healthcare professionals and the public, offering accurate and up-to-date drug information
• Ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products, including storage and handling
• In community pharmacies, manage day-to-day operations, including inventory control, staffing, and adherence to regulatory standards
• Contribute to public health initiatives, such as vaccination programs and health education campaigns
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care
• Compound prescription pharmaceutical items by weighing, measuring, and combining the necessary amounts of medications and other substances, then filling the right containers to the right level
• Make sure that vaccines, serums, biological and other medications and medicines are prepared, packaged, distributed, and stored properly
• Order and maintain stock of pharmaceutical supplies
• May oversee and plan the work of other pharmacists, pharmacy techs, assistants, and other employees

 

*Know more about Roles and Responsibilities of occupations.

 

How to apply for Pharmacist Job in Canada?

• Research on immigration options through which you want to apply such as the FSWP and PNP programs
• Have the necessary qualifications and obtain required certifications
• Prove language proficiency in English or French through tests
• Have internship or practical experience
• Get licensed in the province or territory where you intend to work
• Prepare a professional resume by highlighting your certifications, education, experience and other skills with the help of Y-Axis resume services
• Explore for job opportunities through job boards, hospital websites, pharm companies, and other related platforms, or through your network. You can also refer Y-Axis jobs in Canada page
• Submit your application and provide a cover letter
• Prepare and be ready for interviews
• Once you are accepted, you can start working in Canada

 

How can Y-Axis help Pharmacists to immigrate to Canada?

Y-Axis, the world's top overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services for every client based on their interests and requirements. Our impeccable services at Y-Axis include the following:

 

Check your eligibility to Canada with Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator for free

Expert counselling/guidance for Canada Immigration

Coaching services:  IELTS proficiency Coaching, CELPIP coaching

Free career counselling; book your slot today!

Complete guidance for Canada PR visa

Job search services to find related jobs in Canada