Pharmacist pay under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 from 1 July 2026: pharmacy interns, pharmacists, experienced pharmacists, pharmacists in charge and managers, with evening, weekend, public holiday and casual rates and take-home pay in 2026–27.
A pharmacist earns at least $41.74 an hour ($52.18 casual), about $82,488 a year. An experienced pharmacist earns at least $45.72. Open in the pay calculator.
Pharmacist award pay rates
| Classification | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy intern, 1st half of training | $33.99 | $42.49 | $1,291.50 | $67,158 | $2,121 |
| Pharmacy intern, 2nd half of training | $35.14 | $43.93 | $1,335.50 | $69,446 | $2,181 |
| Pharmacist | $41.74 | $52.18 | $1,586.30 | $82,488 | $2,522 |
| Experienced pharmacist | $45.72 | $57.15 | $1,737.40 | $90,345 | $2,727 |
| Pharmacist in charge | $46.80 | $58.50 | $1,778.40 | $92,477 | $2,783 |
| Pharmacist manager | $52.15 | $65.19 | $1,981.60 | $103,043 | $3,060 |
Full-time weekly rate for 38 hours. Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27, without a study loan.
Classifications
- Pharmacy intern: Has passed the exams of an accredited program and is doing their clinical training (internship).
- Pharmacist: A registered pharmacist.
- Experienced pharmacist: A pharmacist with at least 4 years' full-time (or part-time equivalent) experience in a community pharmacy.
- Pharmacist in charge: Responsible for the day-to-day supervision and running of the pharmacy.
- Pharmacist manager: Responsible to the owner for all aspects of the business.
Evening, weekend and public holiday rates
Full-time and part-time
| Classification | Evening Mon-Fri 7pm-9pm | Saturday 8am-6pm | Sunday 7am-9pm | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy intern, 1st half of training | $42.49 | $42.49 | $50.99 | $76.48 |
| Pharmacy intern, 2nd half of training | $43.93 | $43.93 | $52.71 | $79.07 |
| Pharmacist | $52.18 | $52.18 | $62.61 | $93.92 |
| Experienced pharmacist | $57.15 | $57.15 | $68.58 | $102.87 |
| Pharmacist in charge | $58.50 | $58.50 | $70.20 | $105.30 |
| Pharmacist manager | $65.19 | $65.19 | $78.23 | $117.34 |
Casual
| Classification | Evening Mon-Fri 7pm-9pm | Saturday 8am-6pm | Sunday 7am-9pm | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy intern, 1st half of training | $50.99 | $50.99 | $59.48 | $84.98 |
| Pharmacy intern, 2nd half of training | $52.71 | $52.71 | $61.50 | $87.85 |
| Pharmacist | $62.61 | $62.61 | $73.05 | $104.35 |
| Experienced pharmacist | $68.58 | $68.58 | $80.01 | $114.30 |
| Pharmacist in charge | $70.20 | $70.20 | $81.90 | $117.00 |
| Pharmacist manager | $78.23 | $78.23 | $91.26 | $130.38 |
Other times (early mornings, late evenings, Saturday evenings) have their own rates in the pay guide.
How it works
- The Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 covers community pharmacies. Many pharmacists are paid above these minimums.
- Casuals get a 25% loading instead of paid leave. Super is paid on top.
- Pharmacy assistants are on the same award: see pharmacy assistant pay rates.
Common questions
What is the pharmacist award rate?
From 1 July 2026 the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 minimum for a pharmacist is $41.74 an hour ($1,586.30 a week, about $82,488 a year), $45.72 for an experienced pharmacist and $52.15 for a pharmacist manager.
What is the casual pharmacist rate?
$52.18 an hour for a pharmacist and $57.15 for an experienced pharmacist, including the 25% casual loading.
How much does a pharmacy intern earn?
$33.99 an hour in the first half of the internship and $35.14 in the second half, about $67,158 to $69,446 a year.
When does a pharmacist become an experienced pharmacist?
After at least 4 years' full-time experience (or the part-time equivalent) in a community pharmacy.
What do pharmacists get on weekends?
Saturday work between 8am and 6pm is $52.18 an hour for a pharmacist, Sundays (7am to 9pm) $62.61 and public holidays $93.92.
Do hospital pharmacists get these rates?
No. This award covers community pharmacies. Public hospital pharmacists are paid under state health agreements.
See also nurse salary, the casual loading calculator and public holiday pay rates.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text, Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 [MA000012], rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.