Pharmacist Career Outlook

Employment of pharmacists is expected to increase by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Several factors are likely to contribute to this increase. Scientific advances will lead to new drug products. More people may get insurance coverage for medications. The number of older people is growing, and older people use more prescription medicines than younger people. As healthcare continues to become more complex and as more people take multiple medications, more pharmacists will be needed to counsel patients on how to use their medications safely.

Demand is also likely to increase for pharmacists in physicians' offices, outpatient care centers, and nursing homes.

Because a significant number of pharmacists are expected to retire in the coming decade, new pharmacists should expect good job prospects.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition