There are many careers and positions in the medical field; we cannot list them all. However, the pharmaceutical field may be just right for you if you’re interested in medicine, critical thinking, and the health and wellness of others. Being a pharmacist isn’t just one position. The pharmaceutical industry offers various jobs and roles. Specifically, we will discuss what it is like to become a retail pharmacist and the required schooling.
What is a retail pharmacist?
Have you ever had to get your medicine from the grocery store or a drugstore? If so, you’ve seen what a retail pharmacist is. Retail pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals who work in pharmacies of retail stores, including grocery stores like your local Safeway, big-box retail stores like Costco, or drug stores like Walgreens. Besides giving patients medicine, what else do retail pharmacists do? You might have already seen a glimpse into the job of a retail pharmacist, but to clarify, retail pharmacists dispense medication accurately and effectively with the proper dosage levels and provide patient counseling, so patients can learn more about the medication they are taking, its storage, and its potential side effects. These pharmacists also offer patients other health-related advice.
How much money do these pharmacists usually make?
Retail pharmacists earn decent money. As of May 12, 2025, in Seattle, the average retail pharmacist makes about $67.00 an hour, compared to the nationwide average of about $59.00 an hour.
What skills do you need to be a retail pharmacist?
To work in any job, you would need to gain or have certain skills to work in that position. The skills you’ll need in the pharmaceutical industry are essential for your working environment, as you’ll be working with different types of patients and medications. Such skills would likely include attention to detail, as you would need to pay precise attention, so that you won’t mess up the dosage or amount of medication you give to your patient. You would also need to have very good communication skills because patients will always have questions to ask you, and you’ll answer all of them to the best of your ability. Moreover, you’d need to make sure everything is confidential when discussing medication with patients, as it is always ethical that the information that is exchanged between you and the patient only remains between the two of you. Math and science are a big thing in pharmacy; that’s why biochemistry is one of the best majors to take when pursuing a future in pharmacy. Financial skills are also important, so that it is easier to make patient payments and keep track of their insurance. Finally, it’s important to have computer skills so that you can gather more information about your patients, monitor your inventory, and maintain data on medications.
How much education do you need to be a retail pharmacist?
Of course, you’ll need education to work in the medical field, but how much education do you need specifically for pharmacy? For pharmacy, you’ll need about 6-8 years of school. There are many steps to take, but first, you’d need to get your undergraduate prerequisite coursework done. This includes minors such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- English/Communication
- Physics
- Statistics
- Economics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry
- Calculus
- Humanities and Social Studies
These minors help you prepare for the future of being a pharmacist, guiding you to gain the skills and knowledge of what it means to be a pharmacist. Putting these minors aside, an important requirement for becoming a pharmacist is to get your PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy Degree), which is usually a 4-year program. Curriculum courses include:
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy Laws
- Clinical Sciences
- Internships and Experiential Learning
Gaining the skills and knowledge will get you to a successful future as a pharmacist, whether it’s being an intern or a pharmacometrician. Knowing this, you have the power to help others and make a difference both to your patients and to the world.
Sources:
These retail pharmacies rank highest in customer satisfaction… | Chain Store Age
Retail Pharmacist Salary in Seattle, WA: Hourly Rate (2025)
What Are Pharmacy Skills? (With How-to and Examples) | Indeed.com Canada
