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Australia’s vast size and regional diversity offer a wide range of places to live and work. A career in pharmacy here is rewarding - offering diverse pathways, evolving roles, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on health outcomes.
The job market can be competitive, and APC recognises a number of challenges that overseas pharmacists face in securing sponsorships and employment.
This page describes the different locations to live, and the various pharmacist roles Australia has to offer. It is intended for general information only and should not replace your own research, judgement, or seeking independent advice. For official immigration and visa information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs.
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From bustling big cities to smaller country towns and peaceful regional areas, each location comes with its own lifestyle, job opportunities, climate, and community feel.
Australia’s biggest cities - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide - offer the largest job markets, especially in large pharmacy chains, hospitals, and corporate healthcare. These cities are diverse and vibrant, with plenty to explore, but they also come with higher living costs and highly competitive job markets for pharmacists.
Cities such as Canberra, Hobart and Darwin, offer similar professional opportunities in community and hospital settings, but with a slower pace than the major cities. The job market is moderately competitive.
There is often higher demand for pharmacists in regional towns. Opportunities in regional towns are usually for community pharmacies where you would have strong relationships with locals and GPs.
Working in remote areas can be meaningful and impactful. Pharmacists in these areas often play a crucial role in delivering healthcare where services are limited. It is ideal for those who want a challenge and are comfortable with slower living and limited infrastructure. Cost of living is generally lower, however there are some things may be more expensive due to limited access to services or transport costs.
Resources:
The cost of living in Australia can vary depending on which city or region you are in, or whether you plan to live in Australia with your family or on your own.
Try a Cost-of-Living Calculator.
The job market in Australia is highly competitive. Major cities come with higher competition for pharmacy jobs, particularly in well-established hospitals or community/retail pharmacies. This can make it challenging to obtain a visa. At times there can be higher demand for pharmacists and more opportunities in regional or remote areas.
The Australian Government can have formal agreements with state or territory governments or regional authorities that provide access to more overseas workers. To find a list of these areas, see Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA).
See also:
Australians are known for their relaxed, easy-going attitude. Australia is a welcoming country to various cultures, religions and ethnicities. There are many large multicultural communities within most of the large cities here in Australia that you may wish to be close to. You may have family or friends already living here that can support you in your move and settling into Australia.
In Australia, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse cultures and religions.
We place significant value on our local communities and the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For anyone building a life and career in Australia, it is essential to recognise, respect, and learn about the cultures of Australia's First Nations peoples and our shared history.
It is particularly important as pharmacists to undertake cultural safety training and to learn how to practise in culturally safe ways. This ensures that the care we provide is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Practising in a culturally safe way helps to:
It also supports pharmacists in delivering person-centred care that acknowledges and respects the diverse cultural identities, values, and beliefs of the communities we serve.
Some helpful resources to start with include:
Australia has a highly diverse climate, largely due to its vast size, in total Australia has 8 different climate zones. We recommend you undertaking your own research about your preferred locations climate.
Average Temperatures:
Although each Australian city offers a unique climate, the average temperatures are:
Pharmacy is a highly regulated profession in Australia, and pharmacists are held to strict professional and ethical standards to ensure safe and effective patient care. Australian pharmacists play a vital role in strengthening the health care system, ensuring safe and effective use of medicines as well as collaborating with the broader healthcare professions.
As research, scope of practice, and technology continue to evolve in Australia, pharmacists have more opportunities than ever to contribute meaningfully to patient care.
Community pharmacists work in typical pharmacies in local communities. By being accessible and knowledgeable, they interact with a diverse range of people with various health needs, including the elderly, children, young families, and those with chronic or complex medical conditions.
Hospital pharmacists work as part of multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient outcomes through the safe and effective use of medicines. A strong clinical foundation is essential in this role.
Working within residential aged care facilities, these pharmacists are embedded members of the healthcare team, focused on improving the quality of care for older Australians.
Consultant pharmacists operate either independently or through community pharmacies and hospitals, providing expert advice on medicine use, particularly for at-risk populations.
Research pharmacists apply scientific and clinical expertise to investigate the effects, safety, and development of medications.
Pharmacists in non-clinical roles contribute to healthcare through policy, strategy, and program delivery in both government and professional settings.
Pharmacists are also found in academia as teachers, lecturers, and mentors, in Defence, and in journalism.
You may want to undertake some additional research to understand:
An average Australian pharmacist with general registration can expect to be on an annual salary of between $80,000–$100,000AUD depending on location and job setting. With seniority, this can increase to anywhere between $100,000–$140,000AUD.
Intern pharmacists completing an internship can expect to be on an annual salary of between $65,000 to just over $75,000. Salary depends on location in urban areas.
Pharmacist salaries in Australia vary depending on experience, setting, and location. You can find up-to-date salary information from official government sources such as:
This page contains basic information about different locations to live and various pharmacist roles in Australia. The information is not, nor should be relied on as, official registration, career, employment or migration advice from APC. Read full disclaimer.
Explore key considerations before you begin such as commitments, costs, job market, and processing times.
More detailsLearn about the key organisations you will interact with, their roles, and when you need to speak with them.
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