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What is a retail pharmacist and how to become one
Retail pharmacists are employed in retail outlets like supermarkets and drug stores to dispense medications. They answer questions about medications and prescriptions and explain how and when they should be taken. Likewise, they examine which other drugs patients are taking and how they might affect the new ones. Also, they note possible side effects and suggest over-the-counter solutions. They handle insurance by liaising with insurance companies to determine the coverage that patients have. Additionally, they follow proper procedures laid down by their employer and other relevant regulations.
Before you apply for this job, you must have a doctor of pharmacy degree. Similarly, you must have a state license to practice. You must be a good communicator and active listener. Likewise, you must possess maths and interpersonal skills. You must be familiar with prescription medications, controlled substances, and the computer, among others. Retail pharmacists earn an average salary of $119,924 per year, equivalent to $57.66 per hour.
What general advice would you give to a retail pharmacist?
Antoine Al-Achi Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmaceutics and Biomedical Sciences Track-Head/Industrial Pharmacy (Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences), Campbell University
Avg. Salary $118,899
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 2%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%
Asian 22.08%
Black or African American 7.10%
Hispanic or Latino 5.60%
Unknown 3.97%
White 61.07%
Genderfemale 56.22%
male 43.78%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Retail pharmacist career paths
Key steps to become a retail pharmacist
Explore retail pharmacist education requirements
Start to develop specific retail pharmacist skills
Skills Percentages Patients 28.67% Customer Service 12.50% Patient Care 7.49% Pharmaceutical Care 4.19% Therapy Management 4.11% Complete relevant retail pharmacist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New retail pharmacists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a retail pharmacist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real retail pharmacist resumes.Research retail pharmacist duties and responsibilities
- Hold concurrent role as PIC for Pleasanton store, managing daily pharmacy operations and staff.
- Compound medications as required and provide immunization services for eligible patients.
- Establish relationship with customers so they gain feeling of trust and compassion.
- Practice state and federal dispensing regulations (HIPAA compliant) regarding control substances, narcotics, and pharmaceutical agents.
Prepare your retail pharmacist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your retail pharmacist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a retail pharmacist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable retail pharmacist resume templates
Build a professional retail pharmacist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your retail pharmacist resume.
Apply for retail pharmacist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a retail pharmacist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first retail pharmacist job
Are you a retail pharmacist?
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Average retail pharmacist salary
The average retail pharmacist salary in the United States is $118,899 per year or $57 per hour. Retail pharmacist salaries range between $93,000 and $151,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do retail pharmacists rate their job?
Retail pharmacist reviews
Pay is fair for a starting pharmacist (CVS). The technicians are alright. 401K Helping people (and I really mean it).
Typical pharmacist complaints like tired legs, stress, etc. Terrible work-life balance. You make a good amount of money, sure, but there's a point where money doesn't bring happiness like it used to.
it helps a lot. i really needed this.
i like everything. theres nothing i dont like.
The ability to make a difference in someones Health and Wellness
Inability to balance Life and Work and Family
Updated January 8, 2025
