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Dubai continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for pharmacists seeking high-paying, tax-free jobs and international healthcare exposure. However, salary expectations often vary widely because base pay and total compensation (including housing, transport, overtime and incentives) differ between employers.
This updated guide gives you real-world salary numbers, compares base salary vs total package, shows how pay changes with experience, qualification and employer type, and includes a cost-of-living check and sample job posting insights from Dubai’s healthcare market.
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How Much Does a Pharmacist Earn in Dubai?
A pharmacist in Dubai earns a competitive, tax-free salary, making it a popular career option among healthcare professionals, especially from India. As of 2025, real-world job-portal data shows that the average base salary for pharmacists in Dubai is around AED 4,215 per month (Indeed salary submissions).
However, Dubai salaries typically include allowances, so total earnings are usually higher.
Average Salary Overview (2025 Updated)
- Average base salary: AED 4,000 – 6,000 per month
- Typical total monthly package (with allowances): AED 10,000 – 14,000
Entry-Level Pharmacist Salary
- Lowest base salary: AED 4,000 – 5,000 per month
- With housing + transport allowances, total pay can reach AED 10,000 – 12,000 per month.
Experienced Pharmacist Salary
With more experience, DHA licensing, and better job roles (e.g., hospital settings), salaries increase significantly:
- Mid-level (3–5 years):
- Base: AED 6,000 – 7,500/month
- Total package: AED 13,000 – 16,000/month
- Senior / Clinical Pharmacists (5+ years, DHA-licensed):
- Base: AED 7,500 – 10,000/month
- Total package can reach AED 18,000 – 22,000+ per month.
Highest Salary Range
Experienced professionals, especially in premium hospitals or specialised clinical roles, can earn:
- Base salary: AED 8,500 – 10,000+ per month
- Total monthly earnings: AED 18,000 – 22,000+
- This equals annual earnings of AED 216,000 – 264,000+.
Why the Big Difference Between Base Pay & Total Pay?
Because Dubai healthcare employers often add:
- Housing allowance
- Transportation allowance
- Shift/night duty allowance
- Overtime
- Performance bonuses
- Annual air tickets
- Comprehensive medical insurance
These significantly increase the effective monthly take-home, which is why many pharmacists earn far more than their base salaries indicate.
Also Read: How To Get Internships in Dubai (UAE) 2025
Pharmacist Salary in Dubai Based on Experience Level
Pharmacist salaries in Dubai increase steadily with experience, licensing (DHA/MOH/HAAD), and the type of workplace. Hospital, clinical, and specialty roles offer significantly higher pay than retail pharmacy jobs. Pharmacists with advanced qualifications such as PharmD, M.Pharm, or specializations (oncology, cardiology, critical care) also command higher salaries.
In the UAE, pharmacists typically receive periodic salary increments. While increases can vary across employers, experienced and licensed pharmacists’ pay increases with experience and professional licenses such as DHA, MOH, or HAAD. Pharmacists in hospitals or clinical settings generally earn more than those in retail, while specialists in fields like oncology, cardiology, or clinical research command the highest salaries.
Pharmacists in the UAE typically receive an average salary increase of 11% every 17 months, which is higher than the national average of 8% for all professions over the same period. Experience significantly influences a pharmacist’s earning potential in Dubai. Below is an in-depth analysis of the average pharmacist salary in Dubai corresponding to various experience levels: pharmacists see faster salary growth, especially in hospital settings.
Below is the updated, realistic salary breakdown for pharmacists in Dubai based on actual 2025 job-market data and aligned with your revised page.
| Experience Level | Base Salary (per month) | Total Monthly Package (with allowances) | Approx Annual Total Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 Years | AED 4,000 – 5,000 | AED 10,000 – 12,000 | AED 120,000 – 144,000 |
| 2–5 Years | AED 5,000 – 7,000 | AED 12,000 – 15,000 | AED 144,000 – 180,000 |
| 5–10 Years | AED 7,000 – 9,000 | AED 15,000 – 18,000 | AED 180,000 – 216,000 |
| 10–15 Years | AED 9,000 – 10,000 | AED 18,000 – 20,000 | AED 216,000 – 240,000 |
| 15–20 Years | AED 10,000 – 11,000 | AED 20,000 – 22,000 | AED 240,000 – 264,000 |
| 20+ Years | AED 11,000 – 12,000+ | AED 22,000 – 25,000+ | AED 264,000 – 300,000+ |
Pharmacist Salary in Dubai Based on Education Level
Education level plays a major role in determining a pharmacist’s earning potential in Dubai. While most retail and hospital pharmacy roles require a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), higher qualifications such as M.Pharm, PharmD, or specialized postgraduate certifications significantly improve salary prospects and eligibility for advanced roles.
More than 1,500 pharmacies operate across Dubai and the UAE, and while many entry-level positions accept a B.Pharm, some retail chains also hire candidates with a high school diploma + pharmacy assistant certification for support roles. However, full pharmacist positions must meet DHA/MOH licensing requirements.
Here’s the updated salary comparison based on education level.
| Education Level | Typical Roles | Base Salary (per month) | Total Monthly Package (with allowances) |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School + Certificate (Pharmacy Assistant) | Pharmacy assistant, dispensing support | AED 3,000 – 4,000 | AED 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree (B.Pharm) | Retail pharmacist, junior hospital pharmacist | AED 4,000 – 6,000 | AED 10,000 – 14,000 |
| Master’s Degree (M.Pharm) | Senior pharmacist, clinical support, supervisory roles | AED 6,000 – 8,000 | AED 14,000 – 17,000 |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | Clinical pharmacist, advanced clinical practice, leadership roles | AED 8,000 – 10,000 | AED 18,000 – 22,000+ |
Here you can check the Part-Time Jobs in Dubai for Students
Pharmacist Salary in Dubai Based on Organisations
A pharmacist’s salary in Dubai varies widely depending on the type of employer, work environment, and job responsibilities. Retail chains typically offer lower base salaries, while hospitals and government organisations provide higher total packages due to allowances, overtime pay, and better benefits.
Pharmacists employed by major government or semi-government bodies such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), SEHA (Abu Dhabi), and the Ministry of Health (MOH) receive some of the most stable and highest-paying packages in the UAE healthcare sector.
Below is the updated, realistic salary overview for pharmacists based on different organisations.
| Company / Chain | Base Salary (per month) | Total Monthly Package |
|---|---|---|
| Life Pharmacy | AED 4,000 – 5,000 | AED 10,000 – 12,000 |
| Aster Pharmacy | AED 4,500 – 5,500 | AED 10,000 – 13,000 |
| BinSina Pharmacy | AED 4,500 – 6,000 | AED 12,000 – 14,000 |
| Boots (Alshaya Group) | AED 5,000 – 6,500 | AED 12,000 – 15,000 |
| Marina Pharmacy | AED 4,000 – 5,000 | AED 9,000 – 11,000 |
| Mercato Family Pharmacy | AED 5,500 – 6,500 | AED 13,000 – 15,000 |
Pharmacist Salary in Dubai Based on Cities
In Dubai, top cities like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah are offering the highest average salary for pharmacists, potentially due to the presence of upscale healthcare facilities and a higher cost of living.
Pharmacists in Al Barsha, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman earn approximately 14.2% more than the city average, potentially due to the presence of upscale healthcare facilities and a higher cost of living. Here’s an overview of the average pharmacist salary in Dubai based on different cities:
| Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 313,700 |
| Al Ain | AED 294,700 |
| Fujairah | AED 294,700 |
| Ajman | AED 312,400 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | AED 299,500 |
| Um Al Quiwain | AED 279,400 |
| Sharjah | AED 332,500 |
Pharmacist Salary in Dubai Based on Positions
In Dubai, a pharmacist’s position significantly influences their salary, with specialised roles such as clinical and consulting pharmacists earning substantially more than standard or entry-level positions.
Professionals aiming for higher compensation should consider advancing their careers into specialised areas within the pharmaceutical field. Here’s an overview of the average pharmacist salary in Dubai based on different job titles:
| Jobs Profile | Average Salary Per Year |
| Hospital Pharmacist | AED 120,000 |
| Retail Pharmacist | AED 54,000 |
| Staff Pharmacist | AED 66,000 |
| Assistant Pharmacy Director | AED 394,300 |
| Clinical Consultant | AED 330,700 |
| Biotechnologist | AED 301,600 |
| Clinical Pharmacist | AED 341,153 |
| Clinical Programmer | AED 164,200 |
| Nuclear Pharmacist | AED 367,200 |
In 2025, the salary for pharmacists in Dubai and across the UAE continues to reflect the growing demand for healthcare services. Larger cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer higher salaries due to a higher cost of living and greater opportunities in both public and private healthcare sectors.
However, even in smaller emirates like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, pharmacists can enjoy competitive compensation with additional benefits such as housing, transport, and medical coverage, making the UAE an attractive destination for healthcare professionals.
Here is detailed information about Work and Study in Dubai
FAQs
In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a pharmacist makes an average of AED 18,800 a month. In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a pharmacist’s supplementary financial remuneration ranges from AED 2,300 to AED 12,000, with an average of AED 6,000.
Indian pharmacists have a lot of options to advance their careers in Dubai. In the United Arab Emirates, 27% of people work as pharmacists.
Here is a list of a few Top countries with the highest Pharmacist salaries per year:
The average salary of pharmacists in Dubai is AED 225,700
The average salary of pharmacists in the United States is USD 133,014
The average salary of a pharmacist in Canada is CAD 106,000
The average salary of a pharmacist in Australia is AUD 88,843
The average salary of a pharmacist in Switzerland is CHF 83,600
This was all about the Survey of Pharmacist Salary in Dubai in 2025: By Experience, Education, and Cities. For more articles on salaries, follow the Jobs Abroad page on the Leverage Edu site.
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what is the procedure to get a job in dubai for female who have completed master in pharmacy and fresher who is also quick learmer, ready to adopt things quickly, hard worker. please guide
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Hey Rabeena Farheen,
Completing Master in Pharmacy would prepare you for several jobs in Dubai. Some of the jobs you can apply for are: Trainee Pharmacist, Pharmacist, Senior Product Specialist – Biologics, Store Manager, medial representative amount others. However, getting a degree is just a basic qualification for these jobs. To get hired, you need to meet the specific requirements of the employer. For example, to become a pharmacists in Dubai, apart from the degree, you need to have at least 2 years of experience of working in a hospital as a pharmacist, excellent knowledge of UAE laws, and need to have a DHA license. You must also have good command of the English language. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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I complet B.pharma experience 6yr in pharmacy pls contact me
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Hey Vaseem Ahamd,
If you are interested in further education abroad, you can connect with us. Our phone number is: 1800 57 2000.
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I want do job in dubai as medical rep in dubai i have completed my b pharmacy and i have experience almost 10 years
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Hey Manoj,
It is possible for you to get a job in Dubai. After all, you have experience promoting pharmaceutical products to doctors, clinics, or hospitals. It will be really useful if you already have work experience with UAE-approved medicines or international brands. You must also possess solid English communication skill, and be familiar with the healthcare systems, and market in the UAE. You can look for jobs at popular job portals like LinkedIn Jobs, Gulf Talent, Naukri Gulf, etc. You can consider getting a DHA License (Dubai Health Authority) to easily get a job. Once, you get a job offer, you can apply for a visa and more to UAE.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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Really it’s so good.
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25 comments
what is the procedure to get a job in dubai for female who have completed master in pharmacy and fresher who is also quick learmer, ready to adopt things quickly, hard worker. please guide
Hey Rabeena Farheen,
Completing Master in Pharmacy would prepare you for several jobs in Dubai. Some of the jobs you can apply for are: Trainee Pharmacist, Pharmacist, Senior Product Specialist – Biologics, Store Manager, medial representative amount others. However, getting a degree is just a basic qualification for these jobs. To get hired, you need to meet the specific requirements of the employer. For example, to become a pharmacists in Dubai, apart from the degree, you need to have at least 2 years of experience of working in a hospital as a pharmacist, excellent knowledge of UAE laws, and need to have a DHA license. You must also have good command of the English language. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
I complet B.pharma experience 6yr in pharmacy pls contact me
Hey Vaseem Ahamd,
If you are interested in further education abroad, you can connect with us. Our phone number is: 1800 57 2000.
I want do job in dubai as medical rep in dubai i have completed my b pharmacy and i have experience almost 10 years
Hey Manoj,
It is possible for you to get a job in Dubai. After all, you have experience promoting pharmaceutical products to doctors, clinics, or hospitals. It will be really useful if you already have work experience with UAE-approved medicines or international brands. You must also possess solid English communication skill, and be familiar with the healthcare systems, and market in the UAE. You can look for jobs at popular job portals like LinkedIn Jobs, Gulf Talent, Naukri Gulf, etc. You can consider getting a DHA License (Dubai Health Authority) to easily get a job. Once, you get a job offer, you can apply for a visa and more to UAE.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
Really it’s so good.
hi I am post graduate in pharmaceutics and having 4 year industrial experience in quality assurance and 3 years experience in hospital pharmacy ..what’s my scope in dubai
Hi Gurbinder, Your postgraduate degree in pharmaceutics and experience in quality assurance and hospital pharmacy, you’ve got a great foundation for a career in Dubai. Dubai is a major healthcare hub, so there are plenty of opportunities for pharmacists like you. You could work in a hospital pharmacy, a retail pharmacy, or even in the pharmaceutical industry. Your experience in quality assurance would be especially valuable in roles like regulatory affairs or clinical research.
Just make sure to research the licensing requirements and visa process for working in Dubai. Also, networking with other pharmacists in the area can help you learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door.
Good luck with your job search!
I am D.Pharmacist looking for service for suitable educational qualification. As Hospital pharmacist, Retail pharmacist, Medical Transcriptionist or any other
Hi Joshi,
To work as a Hospital Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist, or Medical Transcriptionist in Dubai, you’ll need specific educational qualifications and often, licensing from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). For Pharmacist Roles (Hospital and Retail) and Medical Transcriptionists you must fulfill fil, the education requirements which are mentioned below:
1. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) Degree: This is the minimum educational requirement for a pharmacist role in Dubai.
2. DHA License: You must obtain a DHA license to practice pharmacy in Dubai. This involves passing the DHA licensing exam and meeting specific eligibility criteria.
3. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is essential for effective communication with patients, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies also must have good knowledge of Medical Terminology.
hi, I have 20 years experience as a registered pharmacist in New Zealand worked mainly in community pharmacy. I’m Arab so fluent in Arabic and speak English too as it’s main language in NZ. What are the job opportunities and salary please if you could provide some details would be thankful.
Hi S.Hassan,
With your 20 years of working experience as a registered pharmacist in New Zealand, plus fluency in both Arabic and English, you’re well-positioned for several types of opportunities. Here’s an overview of what to expect, including job roles and salary ranges:
1. Hospital Pharmacist: Average Salary In New Zealand typically between NZD 80,000 to NZD 100,000 per year
2. Community Pharmacy Manager or Lead Pharmacist: Community pharmacy managers in New Zealand generally earn between NZD 85,000 to NZD 120,000 annually.
3. Consultant Pharmacist: Consultants might earn between NZD 90,000 to NZD 130,000 per year.
4. Medical Transcriptionist or Medical Writer (with a Pharmacy Focus): Medical transcriptionists in New Zealand typically earn around NZD 55,000 to NZD 70,000.
5. Pharmacy Educator or Trainer: Educators in pharmacy can earn from NZD 70,000 up to NZD 110,000.
New Zealand has a high demand for experienced pharmacists, particularly in more rural areas or regions with fewer healthcare services. Bilingual abilities like yours can be a huge asset, especially in community pharmacies serving diverse populations. If you are interested in reading more opportunities, you can click on Jobs Abroad and read more about different professions with their salary range.
what is the procedure for working as a pharmacist in Dubai. I have completed my Bachelor in pharmacy and I’m fresher
Hi Ashok,
To work as a pharmacist in Dubai, you need to pass the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) Licensing Exam. Start by creating an account on the DHA website, upload your documents (Bachelor’s degree, internship proof, passport, etc.), and pay the required fees. Once you pass the exam, you’ll get your DHA license, allowing you to work in pharmacies or hospitals in Dubai. After securing a job, your employer will handle your work visa. Since you’re a fresher, focus on exam prep and UAE pharmacy regulations. Good luck!
i am planning to take b pharm and mba what mba is preferred to work with a great salary in uae
Hey Alfayad Firoz,
MBA in Healthcare Management, and MBA in Pharmaceutical Management are some of the best MBA programs that you can take up. These two MBA degrees align with your pharmacy background. After completing MBA in Healthcare Management you can work in hospitals, insurance companies, clinics, health ministries as a Hospital administrator or healthcare consultant. The average salary that you can earn is about AED 15,000–40,000 month.
On the other hand, if you take up MBA in Pharmaceutical Management you can work as product manager, regulatory affairs manager, medical sales director in pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Dubai. After graduation, you can earn about AED 18,000–45,000 per month.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
hi sir I’m vel keerthana from Tamil Nadu.i completed b.pharm and I worked for 2 years of hospital pharmacist. how can I get a job in dubai. if vacancy is there means in the sense please guide me sir for get a job in dubai
Hey Vel keerthana,
To get a job in Dubai, you need to obtain a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license in Dubai. You will have to submit your documents for the same. Thereafter, prepare and clear the DHA Pharmacist Prometric exam. You also need to verify your documents through Dataflow to prove that all your documents are genuine. Once you clear the exam and the Dataflo verification, you will receive a DHA eligibility letter. This letter is a permission to apply for a job.
Once you get this letter, you can apply for jobs. Some of the popular job portals you can check out are: Indeed UAE, Bayt, and GulfTalent. Once you get selected, your employer will assist you with the work permit application.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
Hi, I have a master’s degree in pharmacy (5 years) and a master’s degree in clinical pharmacy (one year). I have 3 years of experience in Sweden. What is the possibility of finding a job, especially as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital in Dubai.
Hey Shams,
You have a good chance of getting a job as a clinical pharmacist in Dubai. However, you must obtain DHA Licensing to start working. Therefore, get your documents verified, and clear the DHA exam. Thereafter, you can apply for jobs in popular platforms like LinkedIn, and Bayt. You can look for jobs in government hospitals, private hospitals and pharmacy chains.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
my qualification is Doctor of pharmacy (PHARM-D)
I WANT A JOB IN DUBAI
WHAT JOB I CAN GET
A D HOW MUCH PAY SCALE
Hi Zeeshan,
Since you have a Pharm-D, you’ve got good career options in Dubai. The most common roles are clinical pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, retail/community pharmacist, or even medical representative in pharma companies. If you’re interested in more desk-based work, you can also look into regulatory affairs or pharmacovigilance.
In terms of salary, it really depends on your experience and the kind of employer. Freshers / entry-level usually start around AED 5,000 – 8,000 per month (mostly in retail or assistant roles).With a few years of experience, you could earn AED 12,000 – 20,000 per month, especially in hospitals or clinical pharmacy.Senior pharmacists or managers can go up to AED 25,000 – 40,000+ per month in reputed hospitals or pharma companies.
One important thing to know is that you’ll need to clear a UAE pharmacist license exam (DHA, MOH, or HAAD) to practice legally. Once that’s sorted, opportunities open up quickly since Dubai’s healthcare sector is expanding.
job related to pharmacist
Hi Asiya,
If you are a qualified pharmacist, there are several job roles related to your profession in Dubai apart from working as a retail or hospital pharmacist. Some of the common options include:
1. Clinical Pharmacist – Works in hospitals and clinics, guiding doctors and patients on safe use of medicines.
2. Community/Retail Pharmacist – Dispenses medicines in pharmacies and advises patients on prescriptions.
3. Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Ensures medicines meet UAE health authority rules and approvals.
4. Medical Representative – Works with pharmaceutical companies to promote medicines to doctors and hospitals.
5. Pharmacovigilance Officer – Monitors and reports on drug safety and side effects.
6. Pharmaceutical Industry Jobs – Roles in production, quality control, or research in pharma companies.
7. Medical Transcriptionist/Healthcare Admin Roles – If you want to shift slightly away but still use your medical background.
Dubai’s healthcare sector is growing, so demand for skilled pharmacists is strong. Salaries and opportunities usually depend on your qualifications (like a B.Pharm, M.Pharm, or PharmD) and years of experience.