Pharmacist salary: This is what the average salary looks like

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Are you soon to be a newly graduated pharmacist? Then it's completely natural for thoughts about your upcoming average salary to occupy your mind. A pharmacist can generally expect an attractive starting salary, but it typically depends on several factors such as your workplace and specialisation. Get an overview of what you can expect as a newly graduated pharmacist and how your salary development can look over time.

Table of contents:

Salary for newly graduated pharmacists: what can you expect?
The technical aspects behind IDA’s salary calculator
Specialisation for pharmacists: career and salary
Unemployment as a pharmacist How to negotiate your salary as a pharmacist
Pharmacy education: what you need to know

Salary for newly graduated pharmacists: what can you expect?

As a newly graduated pharmacist, you can expect a starting salary of DKK 49,500 per month in 2025, according to IDA's salary calculator. This figure is calculated using IDA's salary calculator and is based on an educational background in health and pharmaceutical sciences and in the pharmaceutical industry.

The starting salary can vary depending on the workplace, geographical location, and specialisation.

Pharmacists employed in big cities often have higher salaries than our members who work in smaller towns. This is usually due to the higher cost of living in big cities.

Your salary can increase significantly over time as you gain experience. Specialisation provides deeper knowledge and specific skills, making you more valuable to employers.

IDA's salary calculator

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The technical behind IDA's salary calculator

The expected salary rates mentioned in this article are based on calculations from IDA's salary calculator. IDA's salary calculator is based on a specific industry and a specific geographical area, which the salary is regulated according to. Additionally, it is based on IDA's salary statistics, which we collect salary data on every year. We project this figure by 2.0 percent year by year, which corresponds to the development in IDA's recommended starting salary.

Below, we present to you the development in the average salary from 2024-2026 at a private workplace for a pharmacist in the pharmaceutical industry.

Specialisation for pharmacists: career and salary

Specialisation within pharmacy can open the door to higher salaries and exciting career opportunities. Pharmacists have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as clinical pharmacy, research, pharmaceutical legislation, and the pharmaceutical industry.

These specialisations provide pharmacists with deeper knowledge and skills, making them extremely valuable to employers. Specialised pharmacists can advise doctors on medication, develop new drugs, and ensure that drugs meet regulatory requirements. This expertise can result in higher salaries and better career opportunities.

For regionally employed pharmacists outside Greater Copenhagen, a lower salary can be expected.

Specialising in one of the many different areas can quickly increase one's salary level and strengthen the position in salary negotiations, where a salary increase is more likely. There is high demand for professionals with knowledge in pharmaceutical production, which can further positively affect the salary.

IDA's salary statistic

Unemployment as a pharmacist.

Although the pharmacy education generally provides good job opportunities, there can be periods of unemployment. However, unemployment among pharmacists in Denmark is generally low, as there is a high demand for pharmacists in both the healthcare system and the pharmaceutical industry.

To manage unemployment as a pharmacist, you can use your network to find job opportunities by attending professional events and conferences where you can meet potential employers.

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It is also a good idea to update your skills by taking courses and further education, as it can make you more attractive to employers. Generally, there is an increasing demand for pharmacists who can advise doctors and nurses on medication and dosage, as well as those who work with research and development of new drugs.

Additionally, be open to maternity cover positions or project-based employment at the start. These experiences can provide you with valuable experience and keep you active in the job market. Many pharmacists, especially newly graduated pharmacists and graduates from other fields, may not find their dream job right away, but don't see this as a defeat. It takes experience to find out what you are truly passionate about.

IDA Campus

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During your education, you learn a lot, but your knowledge of the tools and skills in demand in the job market may be lacking in real terms.

IDA Campus is a learning platform for you as a student member, where you can learn what companies are looking for and gain a competitive edge over others.

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How to negotiate your salary as a pharmacist

When negotiating your salary as a pharmacist, it is important to be well-prepared. Here are some tips on how to negotiate a good salary:

Take our interactive salary course

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Research salary levels: Use IDA’s salary calculator to get an overview of what other pharmacists earn in your industry and geographical area.
Prepare your arguments: Be ready to explain why you deserve a higher salary. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and any specialisations in areas such as clinical pharmacy, research, or pharmaceutical production.
Be confident: Believe in yourself and your abilities. A confident demeanor can make a big difference in salary negotiations. Remember, you have valuable skills and expertise that are in demand in the healthcare system and pharmaceutical industry.
Be flexible: Be open to negotiating other benefits, such as extra vacation, pension, or other perks if the salary cannot be increased. This can also include opportunities for further education and courses that can enhance your skills, and thus potentially your salary in the long term.
Network: Use your network to gain insight into how other pharmacists have negotiated their salaries. Attend professional events and conferences to meet colleagues and potential employers who can give you valuable advice.

The pharmacist education: what you need to know

The education to become a pharmacist is a master's degree program that typically spans 5 years. The program includes both theoretical instruction, laboratory work, and practical work. You will learn about the chemistry, effects, and pharmacology of medicines, as well as clinical pharmacy and pharmacy management.

The admission requirements for the program include a high school education with specific subjects at A-level, such as chemistry, biology, and either physics or mathematics. After completing your education as a pharmacist, you can work in pharmacies, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, or as a researcher at universities.

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Some may confuse pharmacists with pharmaconomists. However, there is a difference – a pharmaconomist is a healthcare professional with a 3-year vocational education, primarily working in pharmacies and hospital pharmacies.

Pharmaconomists have more practical experience in handling and dispensing medication as well as advising patients on the correct use of medicines. Their education focuses more on the practical application of medication and patient contact. But they are two different educations.

We sincerely hope that this article was helpful. Otherwise, you are of course very welcome to contact us.

Our advice can help you.

Our professional career counseling is always ready to help you with questions regarding your upcoming time as a recent graduate.

If you are fortunate enough to have found a job, it might be a good idea to have your contract reviewed. That is what we, as your union, help you with.

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