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The field of pharmacy in Canada is very stable and growing. Healthcare is a department that is always in demand and is always evolving. A reason to become a pharmacist is that the average pharmacist salary in Canada is quite high, with a well-known and respected profession all over the world.
If you are looking for diverse job opportunities, stable income, and sustainable growth, a job in pharmacy would be very preferable for you. Moreover, Pharmacist salary in Canada is one of the major factors when deciding on a career as a Pharmacist. To get complete information on pharmacist salaries in Canada, read the complete blog.
This Blog Includes:
- Average Pharmacist Salary In Canada
- Average Pharmacist Salary In Canada Based on Experience Level
- Average Pharmacist Salary in Canada Based on Education Level
- Pharmacist Salary in Canada Based on Organisation
- Pharmacist Salary In Canada Based on Companies
- Pharmacist Salary In Canada Based on Gender
- Sector-Based Comparison of Pharmacist Salaries in Canada
- Comparison Of Pharmacist Salaries in Canada Based On Cities
- Basic Requirements to Work as a Pharmacist in Canada
- Pharmacist Salary In Canada Based on Similar Jobs
- FAQs
Average Pharmacist Salary In Canada
The average pharmacist salary in Canada is around 153,800 CAD per year, which means monthly earnings of about 12,816 CAD. Entry-level pharmacists typically earn from 78,500 CAD annually (or 6,541 CAD monthly), while those with more experience or working in specialised or high-demand areas can earn up to 233,600 CAD per year, equal to 19,466 CAD per month.
This wide range of pharmacist salaries in Canada reflects differences in education, experience, job role, and location. Overall, pharmacists in Canada enjoy a stable and rewarding income across various sectors like retail, hospitals, and clinics.
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Average Pharmacist Salary In Canada Based on Experience Level
The second major factor, after the level of education, that determines the pay of an employee is the level of experience the employee holds in a particular industry. The salary keeps going higher as the experience goes higher; this is the reason that the freshers are always seen to be earning lower amounts compared to experienced personnel.
An experience of 2 years can fetch you a 31% higher salary compared to no experience. The following is the representation of the average pharmacist salary in Canada based on experience.
| Experience in Years | Average Salary Per Year |
| 0-2 years | CAD 86,100 |
| 2-5 years | CAD 114,600 |
| 5-10 years | CAD 158,700 |
| 10-15 years | CAD 190,400 |
| 15-20 years | CAD 206,700 |
| 20+ years | CAD 223,700 |
Average Pharmacist Salary in Canada Based on Education Level
The level of education determines the salary in a major way. Education level is directly proportional to the amount of salary. The higher the education level, the higher the salary and vice versa. The average salary of an employee with a master’s degree is observed to be 77% higher than that of an employee with a bachelor’s degree. Below is the average pharmacist salary in Canada based on the education of employee.
| Educational Qualification | Average Salary Per Year |
| Bachelor’s degree | CAD 107700 |
| Master’s degree | CAD 191500 |
Pharmacist Salary in Canada Based on Organisation
Several companies hire pharmacists in Canada. We have listed some of the popular companies below that offer competitive packages. Below is the average pharmacist salary in Canada based on the different organisations:
| Company Name | Average Salary Per Year |
| Loblaw Companies | CAD 75,000 |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | CAD 100,000 |
| Costco Wholesale | CAD 113,880 |
| Jean Coutu | CAD 78,000 |
| Pharmasave Drugs | CAD 1,11,192 |
| Alberta Health Services | CAD 87,000 |
| Rexall | CAD 104,107 |
| Sobeys | CAD 161,038 |
Pharmacist Salary In Canada Based on Companies
Top pharmacy employers in Canada offer competitive salaries ranging from CAD 90,000 to over CAD 150,000 annually. Whether in retail giants like Walmart or Costco or independent chains, pharmacists’ pay varies based on role, location, and experience.
| Organisations | Average Salary Per Year |
| Walmart Canada | CAD 111,000- CAD 120,00 |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | CAD 105,000- CAD 110,000 |
| Loblaw Companies Pharmacies | CAD 110,000- CAD 150,000 |
| PharmaChoice | CAD 90,000- CAD 95,000 |
| Costco Pharmacy | CAD 80,000- CAD 96,000 |
| Loblaw | CAD 105,000- CAD 110,000 |
Pharmacist Salary In Canada Based on Gender
The salary difference based on gender in certain professions still persists in many regions despite several efforts made to neutralise gender differences in employment based on sexuality. In Canada, a female Pharmacist earns 7% less than a male pharmacist on average.
| Gender | Average Salary Per Year |
| Male | CAD 157,600 |
| Female | CAD 146,900 |
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Sector-Based Comparison of Pharmacist Salaries in Canada
The Pharmacist Salary In Canada in all industries varies based on the sector you are working in. Jobs are divided into two sectors, namely the private sector and the public sector. The salary of employees in the public sector has been observed to be 6% more than that of the private sector.
| Sector | Average Pay |
| Public Sector | CAD 123,000 |
| Private Sector | CAD 115,600 |
Comparison Of Pharmacist Salaries in Canada Based On Cities
The salaries can also differ based on the city you are working in same profession, in the same country can still have different salaries in different cities. The comparison of pharmacist salary in Canada based on the city is in the table below.
| City | Average Pay |
| Calgary | CAD 158,900 |
| Gatineau | CAD 142,300 |
| Brampton | CAD 152,700 |
| Edmonton | CAD 158,900 |
| Halifax | CAD 141,000 |
| Hamilton | CAD 152,700 |
| Markham | CAD 153,800 |
| Kitchener | CAD 142,300 |
| Windsor | CAD 151,800 |
| Toronto | CAD 163,500 |
| Vaughan | CAD 151,800 |
| Surrey | CAD 147,900 |
Basic Requirements to Work as a Pharmacist in Canada
The following are the basic requirements you must meet to become a pharmacist in Canada
- A pharmacy degree from an accredited educational institution. For example, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
- As a foreigner, your credentials must be assessed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). You need to clear the Evaluating Exam (EE) and the qualifying examination to obtain the certification.
- Additionally, you must clear the English language proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL
- You must obtain a pharmacy licensure for the Canadian territory or province. Every province has its requirements.
- You also need to have work experience in the field. Internships you have undertaken for the licensure are also recognised.
- Moreover, you are also required to take part in professional development or continue your education to obtain licensure.
To learn in detail how to become a pharmacist in Canada, watch the video below :
Pharmacist Salary In Canada Based on Similar Jobs
The average pharmacist salary in Canada varies by job title. Let us compare the salaries of other similar professions to that of a pharmacist:
| Profession | Average Salary Per Year |
| Assistant Pharmacy Director | CAD 193,300 |
| Associate Medical Affairs Director | CAD 254,400 |
| Assistant Pharmacist | CAD 99,700 |
| Bioinformatics Scientist | CAD 107,300 |
| Biological Technician | CAD 102,700 |
| Chemical Process Technician | CAD 114,300 |
| Clinical Pharmacist | CAD 147,900 |
| Clinical Pharmacy Specialist | CAD 185,900 |
| Clinical Programmer | CAD 78,500 |
| Clinical Research Associate | CAD 134,700 |
| Pharmaceutical Project Manager | CAD 152,100 |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | CAD 109,700 |
The pharmacist salary in Canada offers strong earning potential, driven by the vital role pharmacists play in ensuring safe and effective patient care. With the right education, experience, and skills, pharmacists can build a rewarding career that combines financial stability with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
FAQs
Yes. Canada’s Job Bank projects a strong risk of labour shortage for pharmacists over 2024–33, meaning good hiring opportunities, especially in community and rural settings. Demand varies by province and specialization, but overall outlook is positive for qualified, licensed pharmacists.
Yes, Indian pharmacists work in Canada, but you must complete Canada’s licensure pathway for internationally educated pharmacists: document evaluation, qualifying exams, and provincial registration. The Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada and provincial regulatory authorities outline required steps, assessments, and language/placement requirements. Expect several months to a few years, depending on prior credentials and exam timing.
The average annual Pharmacist salary in Canada in 2025 is roughly CAD 67k, which translates to about CAD 5,600–5,700 per month before taxes. Actual monthly pay depends on occupation, province, taxes, and benefits. Urban centres (Toronto, Vancouver) usually require higher pay to match living costs.
Licensed pharmacists (including B.Pharm graduates who obtain Canadian registration) typically earn CAD 90,000–110,000+ per year; hourly medians reported around CAD 53.85/hr with provincial variation. Entry and retail roles may be lower than hospital or specialized positions; Alberta and urban areas often pay more. These are broad ranges — location and experience matter.
This blog was a complete outline of Pharmacist salaries in Canada. To read more such informative blogs on Salaries and Jobs, kindly follow Jobs Abroad, and to get any information on studying abroad, follow Leverage Edu.
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