Top 9 Highest Paying Jobs With A Pharmacy Degree

There are several universities in the US that offer degrees in pharmacy on various levels i.e. bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral. Some universities offer dual degrees in pharmacy at master’s and doctoral level. For instance, the University of Southern California offers following dual/joint degrees in Pharmacy:

• Doctor of Pharmacy/Juris Doctor (PharmD/JD)
• Doctor of Pharmacy/Doctor of Philosophy (PharmD/PhD)
• Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration (PharmD/MBA) and more.

Keeping that in mind, here is the list of 10 highest paying jobs in the US with a Pharmacy degree. Many of these degrees require a doctoral or a professional degree while others require at least a bachelor’s degree. The following salary information, job description and career outlook data has been reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018-19.

Purchasing Managers, Buyers and Purchasing Agents

Purchasing Managers are supposed to supervise all purchases of products or services on behalf of their company. They oversee the performance of buyers as well as all purchasing agents that work under their supervision. They have the authority to negotiate all purchasing contracts. In addition to that, they also write quality reviews for purchased products. With a degree in Pharmacy, all these duties will be performed with relevance to the purchase of chemicals and pharmaceutical drugs.

Pharmacists

The job description of Pharmacists requires them to carefully dispense drugs that are prescribed by Physicians or other Healthcare Practitioners. Pharmacists are also required to inform and advise patients about the proper use of their prescribed medications. Pharmacists are allowed to advise Physicians and other Healthcare Practitioners regarding dosage and selection of a particular drug and its side effects etc.

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists are individuals who study chemical compositions of living cells as well as living organisms. They carry out research on the electrical and mechanical energy reactions happening within living organisms. Biochemists also investigate the complex chemical reactions related to metabolism, heredity, reproduction and growth etc. They also study the effects of drugs, serums, foods, hormones, and other related elements on significant processes of living beings.

Medical Scientists

Medical Scientists are trained individuals who use scientific methodologies to investigate various diseases that occur in human beings. Their research is aimed to improve the human health therefore, they carry out clinical research and trials. Medical Scientists can belong to numerous professions with various degrees in natural science. For instance, Medical Scientists can be Pharmacologists, Medical Pathologists, Physicians, Public Health Specialists and so on.

The following statistics are for Medical Scientists, except Epidemiologists.

Chemists

Chemists are scientists who carry out qualitative or quantitative research using chemical techniques to perform experiments in laboratories. Their research is aimed at performing quality control evaluations or they conduct research to develop new products and extend existing knowledge. 

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

They are also scientists tasked with conducting research to identify and eliminate sources of hazardous elements or other pollutants affecting our surroundings. Their research aims to improve human health and to prevent deterioration of the planet.

Chemical Technicians

Chemical Technicians carry out laboratory tests to help the scientists who are conducting qualitative and quantitative research. They usually run tests on samples of liquids, soil and other gaseous materials. The results of these tests are then used by scientists to perform quality control, develop new products or help maintain environmental standards etc.

Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy Technicians are required to prepare medications under the supervision of Pharmacists. They are supposed to carefully measure or mix, count out the medicines, label them properly and maintain the record of amounts and dosages of medications as mentioned in the prescription orders.

Pharmacy Aides

Pharmacy Aides are supposed to record the drugs that are delivered to the pharmacy they work for. They are also responsible for storing the received stock under the supervision of the Pharmacist. In addition to that, they inform their supervisor about the required stock. They may also be asked to manage the cash register or receive prescriptions for filling.