Pharmacy is a field of study and practice that may have historically been male-dominated, but now an estimated 65% of pharmacists in the United States are women! And there are many benefits to women who pursue pharmacy as a career.

Job stability and growth

Pharmacy is a rapidly growing field that’s expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of pharmacists will increase by 3% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is due to an aging population, increased access to healthcare, and the development of new drugs and treatments.

Competitive salary

Pharmacists are highly valued healthcare professionals who are well compensated for their work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacists was significantly higher than the median wage for all other occupations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacists in 2021 was $128,570.

Additionally, It is considered one of the most egalitarian of all professions in the United States because of a comparatively low gender wage gap, an earnings base that is more linearly related to hours, and more non-punitive flexibility in part-time and per diem employment in relation to other professions.

Flexibility in work hours and settings

Pharmacy offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of work hours and settings. Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community pharmacies, research laboratories, and government agencies. They can also work part-time or full-time, and have the ability to create their own schedules. 

Opportunity to make a difference in patient’s lives

Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare by ensuring that patients receive the medications they need and providing guidance on their use. They also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses. Together they ensure that patients receive the best possible care. For many women, the opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives can be a motivating factor in a career.

In fact, according to the CDC, the evidence is strong that when pharmacists are members of the health care team, outcomes related to preventing or managing chronic disease (e.g., blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, obesity, smoking cessation) and medication adherence improve.

Opportunities for advancement and specialization

Pharmacists have many opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field. For example, they can become clinical pharmacists and work in hospitals. Or they can specialize in areas such as oncology, geriatrics, or pediatrics. They can also become researchers, educators, or consultants. This variety of options allows pharmacists to find a career path that best suits their interests and skills.

Pharmacy is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for many women. It offers job stability, a competitive salary, flexibility in work hours and settings, the chance to make a difference in patient’s lives, and opportunities for advancement and specialization. Women who are interested in healthcare and enjoy helping others should learn more about the profession on the Pharm4Me website, including a list of pharmacy career pathways, pharmacist bios, and a fun pharmacy career quiz!

Also, be sure to celebrate National Women’s Pharmacist Day with us later this year on October 12th. And learn more about the history of women in pharmacy here.