Pharmacist Salary Australia: How State and Industry Differences Affect Pay
See how the pharmacist salary in Australia compares to the national average, with state-by-state and industry breakdowns. Learn about award rates and recent increases.
The median full-time pharmacist salary in Australia is around $101,700 per year, which is about 94 on the Salary Index (where 100 is the national average).
Pharmacist salary Australia: what the numbers say
When you search for "pharmacist salary Australia", the most reliable starting point is the median full-time earnings reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median weekly pay for a full-time pharmacist (non-managerial, adult rate) is $1,956. That works out to about $101,712 a year before tax. On the Salary Index, where 100 is the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, that puts pharmacists at roughly 94 – a touch below the all-occupations average.
But a single national figure hides a lot. Where you work and the type of pharmacy you work in can shift that number up or down. Let's break it down.
State differences matter for pharmacist pay
The states page shows how average earnings vary across Australia. While we don't have pharmacist-specific state medians, the overall state indices give a clue. Western Australia (index 106.9) and the Australian Capital Territory (109.9) tend to pay above the national line, while Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) sit lower. Pharmacists in WA might earn more than the national median, especially in remote or high-demand areas. Conversely, a pharmacist in Hobart might find pay closer to the award minimum.
About 30% of pharmacists work in New South Wales, 24.4% in Queensland, and 23.1% in Victoria, according to the ABS Labour Force Survey. These states have indices near 100, so the national median is a reasonable guide for most pharmacists in the eastern states.
Industry: retail vs hospital pharmacy
Pharmacists work mainly in two industries: Retail Trade and Health Care and Social Assistance. The industries page shows that Retail Trade has an index of just 75.9, while Health Care and Social Assistance is 97.8. That suggests hospital pharmacists (who fall under health care) may earn closer to the national average, while retail pharmacists might be on lower award rates unless they move into management.
But remember: the industry index reflects all jobs in that sector. A pharmacist in a busy retail chain with experience could earn well above the retail average. The median pharmacist earnings of $1,956 per week are higher than the retail trade median because pharmacists are a skilled subset.
Award rates and the recent pay boost
A major change came from the Fair Work Commission's gender undervaluation review. The Fair Work Ombudsman reports that minimum pay rates under the Pharmacy Industry Award increased by 14.1% in three stages from June 2025, plus a further 4.75% from July 2026. From 1 July 2026, the weekly minimum for a Pharmacist is $1,586.30, and for a Pharmacist manager $1,981.60. That's an hourly rate of $41.74 and $52.15 respectively.
These award rates are the floor. Many pharmacists, especially those with experience or in shortage areas, earn above award. The median of $1,956 is about 23% above the Pharmacist award minimum, which shows that market rates are higher.
How super and tax affect take-home pay
Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so on a $101,712 salary, your employer would contribute about $12,205 to super. That's on top of your salary. For tax, a resident earning $101,712 in 2026–27 would pay roughly $24,667 in income tax plus $2,034 Medicare levy (2%), leaving about $75,011 take-home (ignoring HELP or other deductions). Use the how the index works page to see the full tax brackets.
Putting it all together
If you're looking at a pharmacist salary in Australia, start with the national median of $101,712 (index 94). Then adjust for your state: add maybe 5–10% if you're in WA or ACT, subtract a bit if in TAS or SA. Consider the industry: hospital pharmacy may pay closer to the health care index, retail pharmacy may be nearer the award. And remember that the award rates are rising, so minimums are catching up.
For more detail on specific award classifications and pay guides, check the pay guides section. And if you want to compare pharmacist pay to other health professions, browse the topics page.
Key takeaways
- Median full-time pharmacist earnings: $1,956/week, $101,712/year, index 94.
- State indices suggest higher pay in WA and ACT, lower in TAS and SA.
- Award minimums increased significantly from 2025–2027; from July 2026 a Pharmacist gets at least $1,586.30/week.
- Super is 12%, and take-home on median pay is around $75,000 after tax and Medicare.
Pharmacist pay in Australia is solidly middle-income, with room to grow through experience, location, and management roles.
Questions people ask
How does the pharmacist salary in Australia vary by state?
While national median full-time earnings for pharmacists are about $1,956 per week, state indices for all occupations show differences: NSW index 101.2, VIC 98, QLD 97.9, SA 94.6, WA 106.9, TAS 88.6, NT 95.2, ACT 109.9. Pharmacist pay tends to follow these patterns, with higher pay in WA and ACT due to cost of living and demand. However, pharmacist-specific state data is not published; the national median is the best guide.
What are the new award rates for pharmacists from July 2026?
From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the Pharmacy Industry Award minimum weekly rates are: Pharmacist $1,586.30, Experienced Pharmacist $1,737.40, Pharmacist in charge $1,778.40, Pharmacist manager $1,981.60. These include a 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review. Casual rates include a 25% loading. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide.
How is the pharmacist salary index calculated?
The Salary Index compares a job's annual gross pay to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $108,352 per year (index 100). For pharmacists, the median annual pay of about $101,712 gives an index of 94. This means the typical pharmacist earns 6% below the national average. Individual pay may be higher or lower depending on experience, location, and award classification.