Understanding an average pharmacologist salary in Canada is necessary to make informed career decisions if you plan to relocate. The increasing demand for pharmacologists in Canada makes it an attractive destination for professionals seeking work opportunities.
However, most aspiring professionals prefer to learn about the salary structure and benefits of these positions to help them manage their expectations. This blog post will provide insights into the potential earnings of pharmacologists across different levels.
Who is a pharmacologist?
A pharmacologist is a medical professional who researches and creates drug treatments for sickness or diseases. They usually work in different clinical settings to develop and test drugs until a healthy result is achieved. Pharmacologists also study the effect of chemicals on our biological systems.
Landing a job of this sort requires extensive formal education in a related field. That said, it may take a series of degrees and certifications from a Bachelor of Science down to a PhD in pharmacology to earn the reputation of an expert in this field.
Factors Influencing Pharmacologist Salary in Canada
There are common factors that affect the salary of pharmacologists in Canada. It’s important to get familiar with them if you hope to venture into the pharmacy career. Here, we will discuss how experience level, specialization, and location influence salary ranges.
Experience and Education
Just like other professions, higher qualifications qualify you for higher earnings. Individuals with more experience and advanced degrees naturally attract positions with better financial benefits. For this reason, pharmacists tend to continue their education to increase their expertise and qualifications.
Salary based on experience
Entry-level: $70,000 to $90,000 per year
Mid-career level: $90,000 to $120,000 per year
Expert level: $100,000 to $150,000 per year
Locations
The province or territory of an employer impacts the level of compensation you’ll receive. If your job is located in metropolitan cities, you will likely earn more than those in rural areas to make up for the high living costs.
Salary based on location
Ontario: $100,000 to $110,000 per year
Manitoba: $85,000 to $95,000 per year
Alberta: $98,000 to $108,000 per year
British Columbia: $95,000 to $105,000 per year
Saskatchewan: $109,108 per year
Quebec: $90,000 to $100,000 per year
Position, specialization, and certification
Different positions have salaries peculiar to them. Professionals who land specialized roles also command higher salaries. Most pharmacologists enroll in advanced certifications and training programs to qualify for these positions.
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Salary based on positions
Retail pharmacist: $104,786 per year
Pharmacist assistant: $45,240
Relief pharmacist: $131,437.50 per year
Pharmacy managers: $120,000 to $160,000 per year
Directors of pharmacy departments: $150,000 to $200,000 per year
Hourly pay
The higher the hourly rates, the higher the annual salary for a pharmacologist. Simply put, the hourly pay influences the yearly salary. The average pharmacologist salary in Canada per hour is $56.22.
Bonus
Some employers award bonuses to excellent pharmacologists while others tip workers who improve the pharmacy’s revenue. This reward system can also affect earnings.
Benefits of pharmacologist jobs in Canada
Competitive salary
Due to the nature of this job, pharmacologists in Canada earn attractive salaries even more than the average earnings of most professionals. In addition to the lucrative pharmacologist salary, employers offer other benefit packages, bonuses, and incentives.
Retirement plans
Employers make provisions for pension plans and savings to help workers prepare for retirement.
Flexible schedule
With these jobs come flexible hours allowing employees to enjoy a work-life balance.
Career development opportunities
Due to the sensitive nature of the job, pharmacologists are allowed to get opportunities to gain certifications, conduct research, and attend seminars.
Comprehensive medical insurance
Pharmacologists are often eligible to access employer-sponsored health plans.
High demand
The rising demand for pharmacologists in Canada means qualified job seekers have numerous job opportunities in the field.