How much does a pharmacist earn in Nigeria?
Pharmacy is a vital field in the healthcare industry that involves the preparation, dispensation, and management of medications.
In Nigeria, the profession of pharmacy is highly valued, and pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines. One of the critical factors that determine a career choice is the earning potential of the profession.
This article will provide insights into how much pharmacists earn in Nigeria.
Pharmacy Education in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the training of pharmacists is regulated by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), which is the regulatory body for pharmacy education and practice in the country.
To become a pharmacist in Nigeria, an individual must complete a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) program, which is a five-year course offered in universities and colleges of pharmacy accredited by the PCN.
The B.Pharm program includes theoretical and practical training in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacy practice.
After completing the B.Pharm program, the graduate must undergo a one-year internship program under the supervision of a registered pharmacist in a hospital or community pharmacy setting.
The intern is required to pass the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) Registration Examination before being eligible for registration with the PCN as a pharmacist.
Salary Structure for Pharmacists in Nigeria | How Much Does a pharmacist Earn in Nigeria?
Pharmacists in Nigeria are employed in various sectors of the economy, including the public and private sectors. The salary structure for pharmacists in Nigeria varies depending on the sector of employment, years of experience, and level of qualification.
Public Sector
In the public sector, pharmacists are employed in government hospitals, teaching hospitals, and primary healthcare centers. The salary structure for pharmacists in the public sector is determined by the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for healthcare professionals.
The CONHESS salary structure was introduced in 2007 to address the salary disparities and inequities in the healthcare sector. The CONHESS salary structure is a unified salary structure that applies to all healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.
The Structure includes
This is the entry-level for healthcare workers in Nigeria. Health workers at this level are usually interns, trainees or those just starting their careers. The salary range for level 1 is between ₦86,000 to ₦100,000 per annum.
Health workers at level 2 are those who have completed their internship or training and are fully employed. The salary range for level 2 is between ₦110,000 to ₦130,000 per annum.
This level is for health workers who have acquired more skills and experience and have been employed for at least two years. The salary range for level 3 is between ₦140,000 to ₦160,000 per annum.
Health workers at this level are those who have been employed for at least three years and have acquired more skills and experience. The salary range for level 4 is between ₦170,000 to ₦190,000 per annum.
This level is for health workers who have been employed for at least four years and have acquired more specialized skills and experience. The salary range for level 5 is between ₦200,000 to ₦220,000 per annum.
Health workers at this level are those who have been employed for at least five years and have acquired more specialized skills and experience. The salary range for level 6 is between ₦230,000 to ₦250,000 per annum.
This level is for health workers who have been employed for at least six years and have acquired more specialized skills and experience. The salary range for level 7 is between ₦260,000 to ₦290,000 per annum.
Health workers at this level are those who have been employed for at least seven years and have acquired more specialized skills and experience. The salary range for level 8 is between ₦310,000 to ₦350,000 per annum.
This level is for health workers who have been employed for at least eight years and have acquired more specialized skills and experience. The salary range for level 9 is between ₦380,000 to ₦430,000 per annum.
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Health workers at this level are those who have been employed for at least nine years and have acquired more specialized skills and experience. The salary range for level 10 is between ₦450,000 to ₦510,000 per annum.
This level is for health workers who have been employed for at least ten years and have acquired more specialized skills and experience. The salary range for level 11 is between ₦570,000 to ₦640,000 per annum.
This level is for the highest-ranking health workers who have been employed for at least eleven years and have acquired extensive skills and experience. The salary range for level 12 is between ₦700,000 to ₦800,000 per annum.
The Private Sector
In the private sector, pharmacists are employed in pharmaceutical companies, community pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities.
The salary structure for pharmacists in the private sector varies depending on the organization and years of experience. In general, pharmacists in the private sector earn higher salaries than those in the public sector.
The salary range for a pharmacist in a pharmaceutical company is between ₦150,000 to ₦500,000 per month, depending on the organization and years of experience.
In community pharmacies, the salary range for a pharmacist is between ₦70,000 to ₦150,000 per month, depending on the location and size of the pharmacy.
Consultancy
Some pharmacists in Nigeria work as consultants for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and other industries that require the expertise of a pharmacist.
The salary structure for consultant pharmacists in Nigeria varies depending on the organization and years of experience. A consultant pharmacist can earn between ₦200,000 to ₦1,000,000 per month, depending on the scope of their work and level of experience.
Locum Pharmacy
Another area where pharmacists in Nigeria can earn an income is through locum pharmacies.
Locum pharmacy involves providing temporary pharmacy services to a pharmacy that is experiencing staff shortage or requires additional support during peak periods.
The salary structure for locum pharmacists varies depending on the location and the demand for their services. Typically, locum pharmacists can earn between ₦15,000 to ₦50,000 per day, depending on the location and the scope of work.
Conclusion
Pharmacists in the public sector are placed on a particular level based on their years of experience and level of qualification.
The entry level for a pharmacist in the public sector is Level 9, which has a salary range of ₦110,000 to ₦140,000 per month.
The salary increases with each level of the CONHESS structure, and a pharmacist can attain the highest level, which is Level 17, with a salary range of ₦400,000 to ₦600,000 per month, depending on years of experience and level of qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CONHESS salary structure?
The Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) is a salary structure used to remunerate health workers in Nigeria. It was established in 2003 to address the disparity in salaries among health workers in Nigeria.
What is the entry-level salary for pharmacists in Nigeria?
The entry-level salary for pharmacists in Nigeria is at least ₦86,000 per annum, according to the CONHESS salary structure.
What is the highest-paying level for pharmacists in Nigeria?
The highest-paying level for pharmacists in Nigeria is level 12, with a salary range between ₦700,000 to ₦800,000 per annum.
How long does it take to reach level 12 in the CONHESS salary structure as a pharmacist?
It takes at least eleven years of employment and extensive skills and experience to reach level 12 in the CONHESS salary structure as a pharmacist.
Are there additional allowances for pharmacists under the CONHESS salary structure?
Yes, there are additional allowances for pharmacists under the CONHESS salary structure, such as hazard allowance, call duty allowance, and shift duty allowance, among others.
Is the CONHESS salary structure applicable to pharmacists working in the private sector?
No, the CONHESS salary structure is applicable only to pharmacists working in the public sector, such as government hospitals and health centers.
Are there opportunities for pharmacists to earn more than the CONHESS salary structure?
Yes, pharmacists can earn more than the CONHESS salary structure by working in the private sector or owning their pharmacies. However, the salary earned may depend on various factors such as location, years of experience, and skills, among others.
How does the CONHESS salary structure compare to the salary structure of other health workers in Nigeria?
The CONHESS salary structure is one of the most comprehensive salary structures in Nigeria, covering a wide range of health workers. However, some health workers, such as medical doctors, may earn more than pharmacists under different salary structures.