What is Pharmacist Salary in Nigeria

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In this article, you will find out about pharmacist salary in Nigeria; how much do pharmacists earn per month, so as the
salaries of locum pharmacists and industrial pharmacists in Nigeria.

I implore you to keep on reading till the end so that you won’t miss a point regarding the salary of pharmacists in Nigeria.

Before looking at the subject “Pharmacist Salary in Nigeria,” let us see how who a pharmacist is and how to become a pharmacist in Nigeria.

Who is a Pharmacist in Nigeria?

A pharmacist is a certified individual that is concerned with the clinical application of the principles learned from pharmacology. A pharmacist dispenses prescription medications and advises patients on how to use the prescribed medications.

Pharmacists work in stores where they sell medications, however, pharmacists work as a consultant or in the clinical settings to assist doctors who work directly with patients.

Pharmacists are one of the most respected healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Their place in the medical world remain untouchable. In collaboration with other medical professionals, they are involve in the health promotion, recovery and health maintenance of the client.

How to become a Pharmacist in Nigeria?

To become a pharmacist in Nigeria, you need to have your Primary School Leaving Certificate, Your WAEC or NECO results (and you must have a minimum of C grade in all the required subjects), you must past JAMB and Post JAMB of the University you wish to study Pharmacy.

The duration to study Pharmacy in the University is 5 years.

Once you have completed your 5-year program in the University, you will be awarded a degree in Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), afterwards, you will go for a one-year internship program.

Once you are done with Internship (which is a one year training program), you will go for NYSC (for one year), afterwards, you can decided to start working or start do your masters degree program depending on your plan.

Now let us look at pharmacist salary in Nigeria. How much do pharmacists in Nigeria earn.

Pharmacist Salary in Nigeria?

The salary of pharmacist in Nigeria is dependent on where he or she is working and also years of work experience. Pharmacists are also being paid on a salary structure which are based on two standards; Consolidated Health Salary Structure (COHNESS) which is used to pay pharmacists in the hospitals and the second one is; Consolidated University Academic Structure (CONAUSS) for pharmacists in the academic sector.

However, the average salary of pharmacists in Nigeria is N130,000 per month. There are other bonuses and allowances pharmacists do receive though. Let us look at the salary of pharmacists in the private hospitals and also in the government hospitals.

Also Read: Pharmacologist Salary in Nigeria

Pharmacists Salary in Private Hospitals?

The salary of pharmacists in Private hospitals is summarized below;

Entry level (which is 0 to 2 years): The salary of pharmacists at this level is N70,000 to N100,000
Mid level (which is from 2 to 5 years): The salary of pharmacists at this level is N110,000 to N200,000
Experienced level (which is above 5 years): The salary of this level differs. However, the salary range at this level is N200,000 to N350,000.

Note: Some private hospitals may pay pharmacists in Nigeria within this stated range, while some may pay lower and don’t be surprise when some pay higher.

Pharmacists Salary in Federal Hospitals?

Below are the salaries of pharmacists in Federal hospitals;

Entry level (which is 0 to 2 years): The salary of pharmacists at this level is N120,000 to N150,000
Mid level (which is from 2 to 5 years): The salary of pharmacists at this level is N150,000 to N300,000
Experienced level (which is above 5 years): The salary of this level differs. However, the salary range at this level is N300,000 to N500,000.

Note: Some Federal hospitals may pay pharmacists in Nigeria within this stated range, while some may pay lower and don’t be surprise when some pay higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a pharmacist earn per month in Nigeria?

The salary of pharmacists per month in Nigeria is dependent on where you are working, your entry level or years of experience. However the average salary of a pharmacist in Federal hospitals is N120,000 while in Private hospitals is N80,000.

How much does a locum pharmacist earn?

A locum pharmacist earns between N50,000 to N80,000 per month. The salary of a Locum pharmacy depends on the person who want to give him/her the job. If you don’t know who a Locum pharmacist is; A Locum pharmacist is a certified professional who is employed by an agency based on contract unlike having a permanent salaried position.

Pharmacist salary scale in Nigeria?

Pharmacist salary scale structure is categorised in two as explained before which are the COHNESS and CONUASS salary structure. The salary scale of Nurses also depends on their years of work experience.

Can Pharmacist open their own store?

Yes, pharmacists can open their own medical stores.
However, for a pharmacist to open their own store, it will be advisable for them to first understand the business side of it. Moreover, they will also need to pass at least two licensing exams in order to work which are; one testing general knowledge and one on pharmacy law in their state of residency.

Conclusion on Pharmacist Salary in Nigeria

Becoming a certified pharmacist in Nigeria isn’t easy, you will have to undergo several academic works and practicals, however, you will be grateful for a tedious and successful journey of being a certified pharmacist. Now that you have known the pharmacist salary in Nigeria, go ahead to use the share button to share this article with your family and friends.