A few months ago, RPI Consulting Group shared a blog that outlined the reasons why the job market for nurses is hotter than it’s been in a long time, and why now is the right time to get back into that full-time job hunt. In this blog, we’re going to be looking at why the current job market for pharmacists is at a similar point, and why we’re urging all of our pharmacy candidates to take advantage!
It’s true – pharmacist wages are going up
RPI has been in the pharmacy recruitment business since 2002, and we’re currently seeing a higher demand – and consequently, higher wages – for pharmacists than we’ve seen in almost 10 years. And what’s interesting about this is that it’s taking place during a time when many pharmacists are, for one reason or another, currently choosing not to work a full-time position. Whether it’s due to the fact that they’re erring on the side of caution and staying at home to protect their health and that of their loved ones, or they’re just unable to find a a regular full-time gig, the demand for pharmacists, and the higher wages that come with this demand, is reaching a fever pitch.
And now, with Canada having reached a respectable vaccination level and more provinces relaxing ongoing restrictions, pharmacy managers and owners are finally approaching the point where they’ll be able to take a long overdue vacation or extended time off. This increases the demand for skilled and professional pharmacists who are capable of stepping in and running the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy. Added to this, many of our clients are also extending additional perks in the job offers on top of the higher wages, including accommodations, meals, etc. And some locations – such as more remote areas like Northern Ontario and the Northwest Territories – are offering salaries of as much as $70 per hour for pharmacists, which is virtually unheard of in this day and age.
Don’t miss the boat!
The important thing to remember about these high wages, however, is that it’s very important to take advantage of these wages before they get lower. If you’re an out-of-work pharmacist who’s looking to get back into the game, there’s truly no better time than right now. Additionally, if you were looking at taking some extended time off, we’d suggest working for a little longer and reaping the benefits of these higher wages before doing so. Our clients have shifts available as far into the future as December and the holiday season, and if you get offered one of these top-wage shifts, you’d be making a very smart move for your career if you take them and work as much as you can over the next few months. Eventually, as more pharmacists get vaccinated and become able/willing to work, these shifts and the wages that they offer will become much fewer and farther between.
In closing
We’ve said it a number of times during this blog, but it bares repeating – now is the time to pick up as many shifts as you can and earn some life-changing money before the industry returns to some semblance of normalcy. If you’re interested in getting back to work and finding out more about the shifts RPI has available, contact our friendly team of Account Managers, and tell them that you’re ready to work.
