Pharmacists held about 230,000 jobs in 2004. More than half worked in community pharmacies (61%) as salaried employees. Others working in community pharmacies were self-employed. Almost a quarter worked in hospitals. The rest worked in clinics, mail order pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, home health care agencies or for the Federal government.
Pharmacists must have scientific aptitude, good communication skills, and be detail-oriented. They must also be conscientious and want to help others.
Median Annual Earnings in the Industries Employing the Largest Numbers of Pharmacists (U.S., 2004*)
- Department stores: $86,720
- Grocery stores: $85,680
- Health and personal care stores: $85,380
- General medical and surgical hospitals: $84,560
- Other general merchandise stores: $84,170
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On a typical day a pharmacist will:
- advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications;
- monitor the health and progress of patients in response to drug therapy;
- advise patients and answer questions about prescription drugs, including questions about possible side effects and interactions among different drugs;
- provide information and make recommendations about over-the-counter drugs;
Pharmacists may also
- give advice about diet, exercise, or stress management;
- help patients manage conditions such as diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, or high blood pressure;
- advise patients about durable medical equipment and home healthcare supplies;
- complete third-party insurance forms and other paperwork;
Pharmacists who own or manage drugstores may supervise personnel, as well as have other general managerial duties.
*This is the most recent year for which this information is available.
Information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Pharmacists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos079.htm (visited February 21, 2007).
