Pharmacy is a highly respected profession in South Korea, with pharmacists playing a critical role in the country’s advanced healthcare system. As of 2025, the average pharmacist’s salary in South Korea has seen steady growth, driven by the rising demand for healthcare services, an aging population, and the expansion of pharmaceutical industries.
South Korea might be an interesting option, especially for pharmacists. With its robust healthcare system and increasing demand for qualified pharmacists, South Korea offers competitive salaries and excellent working conditions. In this blog post, we will provide you with detailed information on pharmacist salary in South Korea. This information will provide you with valuable insight into the potential financial reward of a career in South Korean pharmacy.
This Blog Includes:
- How Much Does a Pharmacist Earn in South Korea?
- Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Experience Level
- Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Education Level
- Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Organisation
- Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Cities
- Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Positions
- FAQs
How Much Does a Pharmacist Earn in South Korea?
Pharmacists in South Korea earn an average annual salary of KRW 58,319,900, which translates to an average monthly income of KRW 4,859,991. However, salaries can vary significantly. The lowest annual salary is KRW 30,240,200 (KRW 2,520,016 monthly), while the highest annual salary reaches KRW 89,160,700 (KRW 7,430,058 monthly). This wide range in earnings likely reflects factors such as experience, specialisation, location, and the specific employer.
Here you can check Get Highest Paying Jobs In South Korea
Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Experience Level
In South Korea, entry-level pharmacists with 0–2 years of experience earn an average annual salary of approximately KRW 34,441,600. As they gain experience, their earnings increase significantly. Professionals with 5-10 years of work experience, salaries that rise by about 74%, reaching nearly KRW 59,999,100 annually.
Pharmacists with 10 to 15 years of experience see their income grow even further, earning over KRW 59,999,100, which marks an impressive 111% increase from the entry-level salary. Those with more than 20 years of experience can expect to earn around KRW 83,521,700 per year, reflecting a remarkable 143% growth compared to fresh graduates.
Pharmacist salaries in South Korea are influenced by various factors, including experience, location, and the specific role within the pharmacy sector. Here’s a general breakdown of how salary can vary based on experience level:
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
0-2 Years | KRW 34,441,600 |
2-5 Years | KRW 46,199,800 |
5-10 Years | KRW 59,999,100 |
10-15 Years | KRW 72,718,100 |
15-20 Years | KRW 79,438,400 |
20+ Years | KRW 83,521,700 |
Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Education Level
Pharmacists holding only a Bachelor’s degree earn an average annual salary of approximately KRW 48,480,700 per year. Pursuing a Master’s degree increases earning potential significantly, with average annual salaries reaching about KRW 67,321,200 per year.
This represents a 39% salary increase when moving from a Bachelor’s qualification to a Master’s qualification.
Education level is important in determining career paths and potential earnings, but it’s not the sole factor influencing pharmacist salaries in South Korea. Experience, specialisation, and the specific workplace (hospital, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry) play significant roles:
Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Bachelor’s Degree | KRW 48,480,700 |
Master’s Degree | KRW 67,321,200 |
Here you all you need to know about How to get part-time Jobs in South Korea for International Students
Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Organisation
Pharmacists working in the public sector (e.g., government hospitals or research institutions) earn around KRW 44,780,000 per year. Those employed by private hospitals or clinics see a salary boost of about 7%, earning approximately KRW 48,120,000 annually.
Pharmacists in multinational pharmaceutical companies earn significantly more, with average annual salaries reaching KRW 53,100,000, representing an 18% increase compared to public sector salaries.
Pharmacist’s salaries in South Korea can vary significantly based on the type of organisation they work for. Here’s a general breakdown:
Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
Seoul National University Hospital | KRW 48,000,000- KRW 52,000,000 |
Chung-Ang University Hospital | KRW 40,000,000- KRW 50,000,000 |
The Catholic University Hospital of Korea | KRW 50,000,000-KRW 60,000,000 |
GSK | KRW 50,000,000- KRW 55,000,000 |
Soonchunhyang University Hospital | KRW 40,000,000- KRW 60,000,000 |
Wonkwang University Hospital | KRW 60,000,000- KRW 70,000,000 |
Community Pharmacy | KRW 30,000,000- KRW 40,000,000 |
MyMD Healthcare | KRW 40,000,000- KRW 56,000,000 |
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | KRW 30,000,000- KRW 60,000,000 |
Cipla | KRW 40,000,000- KRW 60,000,000 |
Pharmacist at Consmore Pharmacy & Stores | KRW 30,000,000- KRW 50,000,000 |
Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Cities
Seoul, the capital city, offers the highest average pharmacist salary at around KRW 68,639,200 annually, which is about 13% higher than the national average.
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, follows with an average salary of KRW 68,639,200, roughly 5% above the national average. In cities like Incheon, pharmacists can expect to earn slightly more (+2%) than the average.
Pharmacist salaries in South Korea can vary significantly based on the city and region due to factors like cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and general economic conditions. Here’s an approximate breakdown of pharmacist salaries by major cities in South Korea:
Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
Bucheon | KRW 57,719,800 |
Busan | KRW 66,841,000 |
Ulsan | KRW 56,520,500 |
Suwon | KRW 58,559,300 |
Seoul | KRW 68,639,200 |
Seongnam | KRW 54,600,600 |
Incheon | KRW 65,161,000 |
Gwangju | KRW 60,239,600 |
Goyang | KRW 54,961,400 |
Daejeon | KRW 61,919,600 |
Daegu | KRW 63,481,200 |
Pharmacist Salary in South Korea Based On Positions
Leadership, management, and specialised care roles command premium salaries. Clinical and research pharmacists undergo extra training and certifications, justifying their higher pay.
Pharmacist salaries in South Korea also vary based on the position or type of role within the pharmacy field. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
Job Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
Nuclear Pharmacist | KRW 66,481,700 |
Pharmaceutical Manager | KRW 108,600,300 |
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Lead | KRW 113,761,800 |
Pharmaceutical Operations Excellence Manager | KRW 98,161,500 |
Pharmaceutical Process Engineer | KRW 54,000,800 |
Pharmaceutical Representative | KRW 42,479,000 |
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Specialist | KRW 56,158,300 |
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Manager | KRW 67,079,700 |
Pharmaceutical Quality Auditor | KRW 71,280,900 |
Pharmaceutical Project Manager | KRW 61,919,600 |
Here you can explore How to Find Jobs in South Korea
FAQs
In South Korea, the average gross compensation for a pharmacist is KRW 65,476,020, which translates to KRW 31,479 per hour. They also receive bonuses of KRW 1,623,805 on average. wage estimates are derived from wage survey information obtained directly from South Korean companies and anonymous workers.
The candidate must find employment as a pharmacist in Korea after passing the Pharmacy Board Exam. The candidate can apply for a work visa at the Korean embassy in his or her home country by presenting the necessary paperwork after the employer files for a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance.
South Korea is an excellent option if you are an Indian pharmacy student who wants to pursue a career in pharmacy.
This was all about the Pharmacist Salary in South Korea. For more informative blogs, follow Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad.
Related Read