What does a pharmacist earn in 2025?

What does a pharmacist earn in 2025?

The pharmacy profession is central to the Norwegian healthcare system, both in private and public pharmacies. With increasing healthcare needs and a wide range of medications available in the Norwegian market, the pharmacist role maintains high status – and correspondingly competitive salary. In this article, you will get an updated and reliable overview of the salary level for pharmacists in 2025, as well as insights into the factors that influence salaries, and tips if you want to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Salary statistics for pharmacists in Norway (2025)

According to Statistics Norway's salary statistics and official reports, a pharmacist earns on average between 780,000 and 830,000 kroner per year before tax in 2025. This corresponds to a monthly salary of approximately 65,000 – 69,000 kroner. The figures vary somewhat depending on whether one works in the private or public sector, and whether one has managerial responsibilities or is the manager of a pharmacy.

The most common salary for a full-time pharmacist (before tax) is therefore approximately 805,000 kroner per year in 2025. This makes pharmacists one of the more attractive healthcare professions in terms of income.

What influences a pharmacist's salary?

• Seniority and experience: Pharmacists with extensive experience and additional responsibilities are often at the top of the salary range.
• Sector and geographical location: There may be higher salaries in certain privately owned pharmacies than in smaller district pharmacies, but this varies. Larger cities often have somewhat higher salary levels.
• Type of position: Pharmacists who are also managers often receive higher salaries than those who have regular pharmacist positions.
• Extras and bonus schemes: Work at inconvenient times, or performance-related bonuses, can provide noticeable additional pay.

Salary compared to other pharmaceutical professions

The pharmacy profession has a higher average salary level compared to pharmacists in general; pharmacists without managerial responsibilities usually earn around 620,000–700,000 kroner. Healthcare personnel specializing in medication management or working in the pharmaceutical industry may have comparable or slightly higher salaries, especially in leadership roles.

How to become a pharmacist

To become a pharmacist in Norway, a master's degree in pharmacy (MFarm) and authorization through the Health Directorate are required. Many pharmacists start as pharmacy technicians and then move into managerial positions after a few years of experience. Practical leadership training and the ability to run a pharmacy as a business are important additional qualifications.

More information about the educational path can be found at Utdanning.no.

Career opportunities and job prospects

The demand for pharmacists is expected to remain stable or increase in the coming years, especially as the pharmacy industry grows and the population ages. Many pharmacists also receive exciting career opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry, research environments, or public administration. Leadership skills and administrative experience could lead to even higher salaries or positions at chain offices.

How to negotiate salary as a pharmacist?

If you are applying for a pharmacist position or negotiating salary, it pays to have knowledge of industry standards. Familiarize yourself with Statistics Norway's salary statistics and compare them with positions advertised on Lønna.no – here you can also find salary levels for specific positions in real-time. Highlighting managerial responsibilities, results, and additional tasks will strengthen your argument for the highest possible starting salary or local adjustments.

Lønna.no also offers a simple CV builder, tips for job applications, and an overview of currently available pharmacy-related jobs. This can provide practical support in every phase of the job seeker process.

Summary

• The average salary for pharmacists in Norway in 2025 is around 805,000 kroner.
• Salary is influenced by experience, responsibilities, workplace, and any extras.
• The career path goes through a master's degree in pharmacy and managerial experience; demand is expected to remain stable moving forward.
• You can always find updated salary information and relevant pharmacy jobs at Lønna.no.

Sources: Statistics Norway Database, Statistics Norway Work and Salary, Utdanning.no