How to Get a Pharmacist Job in Australia

If you’re looking to land a pharmacist job in Australia, you’re definitely not the only one. Every year, qualified pharmacists from overseas apply, register, and find solid work in both city and regional areas.

Australia’s healthcare system relies on pharmacists—and if you’re trained, registered, and ready, there’s a spot for you too. But what does it actually take to go from where you are now to getting hired?

Here’s a complete understanding of the whole process.

Step 1: Registration Comes First (Always)

Before you even start job hunting, you need to be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. No pharmacy can hire you to work independently unless that’s in place.

If you studied in Australia, you’ll follow the local pathway—intern year, final exams, and registration.

If you studied overseas, the process looks like this:

• Skills assessment through the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
• Sit for and pass the OPRA exam
• Complete a 12-month internship under supervision
• Pass the intern written and oral exams
• Apply for general registration via AHPRA

Once that’s done? You’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Understand Where the Jobs Actually Are

There are pharmacist jobs everywhere in Australia—but where you apply matters.

• City areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane): more competition
• Regional areas: more opportunity, higher pay, sponsorship options
• Remote areas: fewer applicants, often better packages

If you’re flexible and open to moving, Australian pharmacist jobs in rural areas can give you faster access, better pay, and help with PR if that’s your long-term goal.

Step 3: Make a Resume That Works Here

Australian resumes are short, clean, and straight to the point.

Here’s what hiring managers expect to see:

• Registration status (full or provisional)
• Internship or prior experience
• Pharmacy systems you’ve used (Fred, Minfos, LOTS, etc.)
• Languages spoken (especially in diverse areas)
• One or two lines on how you work with patients, what your strengths are

Also, write a custom cover letter for each job. Don’t just copy-paste as many assessors are aware of this tactic. They’ll know.

Step 4: Where to Look for Jobs

There’s no shortage of places to look. The top ones:

• Seek.com.au – Australia’s main job board
• Indeed Australia
• LinkedIn Jobs – good for hospital roles
• Pharmacy Guild job board
• Company websites – Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Ramsay Health

But don’t stop there. Some small or regional pharmacies don’t post ads. They wait for someone to contact them. So be bold—call or email directly.

Step 5: What You Can Expect to Earn (Pharmacy Jobs Salary)

Let’s talk numbers. Pharmacy jobs salary in Australia varies depending on location, experience, and role. Here’s a ballpark:

Hourly pay? Around $40–$65/hour, sometimes more in rural areas.

And yep, some roles include housing or relocation help, especially in remote places.

Step 6: Tips That Actually Work

Here’s what separates people who get hired from those who don’t:

• Follow up after you apply. One email or call can move your name to the top.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job. It shows effort.
• Highlight any Australian experience—even internship hours count.
• Be clear about your visa status. If you need sponsorship, say so early.
• If you’re still provisional, go for intern pharmacist roles—they’re a great entry point.

And don’t ignore pharmacy-specific Facebook groups and Telegram channels. A lot of hiring managers share openings there before they post them publicly.

How to Get a Pharmacist Job in Australia Without Full Registration?

You can’t work as a full pharmacist until you’re registered. But you can work as:

• An intern pharmacist (if you’ve passed OPRA or KAPS and have provisional reg)
• A pharmacy assistant while you finish your assessment
• A student intern if you’re studying pharmacy locally

So yeah, even if you’re not fully registered yet, there are ways to get in and gain local experience.

Are There Sponsorship Opportunities?

Absolutely. Many pharmacist jobs in Australia—especially in regional areas—offer visa sponsorship. It’s usually through the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa or part of a skilled migration pathway.

If you’re registered and ready to work, there are employers willing to support your move.

Just be upfront. In your cover letter or interview, mention you’re open to relocation and looking for sponsorship. Saves everyone time.

What Makes You Stand Out?

It’s not always about experience. Here’s what makes someone appealing to Aussie employers:

• You understand how pharmacy works in Australia
• You’ve studied Australian laws and guidelines
• You’re confident with patient counseling and clinical reasoning
• You’re flexible on location
• You’re clear, friendly, and safe

That last one? Safety. It matters. If they trust you’ll make safe decisions, they’ll train the rest.

Final Thoughts

Getting a pharmacist job in Australia isn’t about being lucky. It’s about being prepared.

Once you’re registered, it’s just a matter of applying smart, staying consistent, and showing you’re someone they’d want behind the counter or in the dispensary.

Whether you start in a city or a small town, all that matters is that first step. Once you’re in, everything else gets easier.

You’ve already put in the work. Now it’s time to get hired.