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Specialty

Specialty pharmacists focus on high-cost, complex medications for chronic and rare diseases such as cancer, HIV, autoimmune disorders, and transplant care. They provide comprehensive services, including patient counseling, adherence monitoring, coordination of financial assistance, and collaboration with providers to ensure safe and effective therapy. This career offers opportunities to develop deep expertise, support patients through challenging treatment journeys, and improve outcomes in some of health care’s most complex conditions.

Meet the Pharmacist

Mrs. Catherine Avery
Chief of Clinical Pharmacist, Seattle Pharmacy Group

Mrs. Avery is a board-certified clinical pharmacist with over 28 years of experience in managing complex medication therapies. She is passionate about patient education and leveraging technology to improve health outcomes.
At Wellness Pharmacy Group, he leads a team of dedicated pharmacists committed to providing personalized care and expert advice.

Mr. John Doe, PharmaD
Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Wellness Pharmacy Group

Dr. Chen is a board-certified clinical pharmacist with over 12 years of experience in managing complex medication therapies. He is passionate about patient education and leveraging technology to improve health outcomes.
At Wellness Pharmacy Group, he leads a team of dedicated pharmacists committed to providing personalized care and expert advice.

Table of Contents

  • Background
  • Characteristics
  • Insider’s perspective
  • Most appealing aspects
  • Least appealing aspects
  • Advice
  • Critical factor ratings
  • Critical factors
  • References/resources
  • Professional organizations

Background

A specialty pharmacy, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dispenses low volume high-cost medications for complex, chronic, or life-threatening conditions, like cancer or autoimmune diseases. These pharmacies provide comprehensive high-touch services beyond traditional community pharmacy, including patient education, adherence monitoring, distribution, reimbursement, case management financial assistance, and other services specific to patients with rare and/or chronic diseases, and often require specialized handling for medications like injectables or biologics. Managing overall specialty drug costs and total cost of care are two of the top goals in specialty management.

Specific clinical monitoring is required for some of the medications. Many of the medications may have adverse event profiles that are more complex than other medications. The term "specialty drug" is also used by Medicare Part D to define high-cost medications.

Examples of the types of diseases addressed within the scope of specialty pharmacy services include:

  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Gaucher’s Disease
  • Growth Hormone Deficiency
  • Hemophilia
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Immune Disorders
  • Infertility
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Organ Transplant
  • Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Characteristics

A total of 41 specialty pharmacists responded to the 2024–2025 APhA Career Pathways Program. Twenty-four percent of the respondents completed a residency. Twenty-two percent also completed an additional degree: MS (7.32%), MBA (7.32%), and one respondent each with an MPH, MHA, and PhD. One respondent also listed they received more than one graduate degree.

Information provided indicated that pharmacists in this profile have an average age of 46 years old. The age can be related to the fact that this is a board-certified practice, which often requires extra years of residency and experience. The median salary for a specialty pharmacist falls between $122,000 and $186,000 annually. The median total pay is around $144,701. Total pay can include bonuses dependent on the specific position and the company.

Specialty pharmacists work on average a 40-hour week. Some pharmacies are open 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and others are open 24/7. A total of 31.7% indicated that they work nights and weekends. Seventeen percent indicated that they travel for work.

Thirty-three specialty pharmacists responded directly to a question about what they felt was an important skill for their role. The group provided numerous responses to the open-ended question. Three primary skills stood out the most: communication skills (12.2%), empathy (12.2%), and continued learning (9.76%).

One respondent from Indiana stated important skills are, “Empathy, great communication skills (verbal, written), able to work with other health care professionals, and to have a listening ear.” Another from Florida added, “People skills, empathy and understanding of human emotions.”

A respondent from Texas took a little different path for the role and provided a detailed statement, “The ability to learn. I did not match to a residency, but I continued to move forward with my MBA, Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Specialty Certification (BCACP), and other professional certifications. Everyone told me I could not be in a clinical role because I did not match to a residency, but I am glad I did not believe them. Designing clinical programs for oncology is something I never thought I would get the chance to do, but now it is my day-to-day. Just keep learning and keep upskilling as you go.”

Insider’s perspective

Respondents listed the following critical factors as those being the most important to them. Please note that a factor can rank highly based on wanting the factor or wanting to avoid the factor. As an example, some may rank repetitive activities as a top factor as this is something that they want or look to avoid in their practice. The factors listed below are based on the number of respondents who indicated these would be the top five factors they would like to have in a role. Note that there are 25 total critical factors from which to select.

Top 5 – first tier

There are three factors in the first tier that had the same rating across the group.

  • Work type (e.g., repetitive versus variable work) (26.8%)
  • Leisure and family time (24.4%)
  • Community impact (24.4%)
  • Application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) (24.4%)
  • Compensation and collaborating with health professionals (19.5% each)

In addition to the top 5 factors, the second tier of critical factors are listed below. Note that two of the factors, application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) and leisure and family time are also listed in the first tier.

Top 5 – second tier

  • Application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) (24.4%)
  • Leisure and family time (24.4%)
  • Opportunities for advancement (19.5%)
  • Problem solving (14.6%)
  • Collaborating with health professionals (9.76%)

One respondent from Georgia indicated they, “Would like to collaborate more with providers to start and stop medication regimens.” A respondent from Oregon added this about collaboration, “Important to working environment.”

A respondent from Texas commented on the ability to have leisure and family time when they stated, “Being able to have a life outside of work is also important.” One additional respondent from Indiana supported this statement simply saying, “Family comes first!”

A couple of respondents commented on the application of knowledge. One from Indiana stated, “Application of my college and company education is important as this is why I chose the profession.” Another specialty pharmacist from Georgia stated, “I would prefer to apply the clinical knowledge I have obtained to start and stop medication regimens.”

There are many rewarding and challenging experiences as a specialty pharmacist. Thirty-two percent of the respondents indicated that working with patients was a rewarding experience. One challenging area was listed by 12.2% percent of the respondents, the diversity of disease states that they need to track and keep up with new advances. Numerous other areas were highlighted by the respondents.

One respondent from Virginia briefly stated, “The relationships with patients.” Another from Michigan added the enjoy, “Making a difference in a patient's life.”

A specialty pharmacist from Georgia provided both sides of the discussion when they indicated, “Rewarding seeing patient's health outcomes improve once initiated on therapy they could not afford before. Most challenging, getting patients to come in for appointments as well as follow-up appointments.” Another from Indiana added, “Rewarding is that we have a foundation fund that can help our oncology patients to help them cover their out-of-pocket expenses for medications. Challenging is not being able to see my patients face to face, but majority of my interactions are over the phone.”

Twenty-six percent indicated that work schedule is an additional factor that is important to them. In addition, the following factors were also listed as important factors to consider: pressure/stress (24.4%), and geographic work location flexibility (9.76%).

Specialty pharmacists listed a variety of responses that they consider highlights of their career and where they see the future of the role. Several of the responses are listed below:

  • “I feel like I have worked with some of the most amazing people during my career so far. They keep me coming back day after day. We keep each other focused on the goal of taking care of patients and doing whatever is necessary to meet their needs.”
  • “Being respected and valued by patients and providers.”
  • “All cognitive work including patients, pharmacists, nurses and physicians.”
  • “Helping people around me to be better person.”
  • “Collaborative practice agreements. More autonomy in medication therapy management.”
  • “I see it growing and expanding quickly; I think specialty pharmacies are still being defined, and the roles are included in that.”
  • “Many potential new agents coming to market that will have an impact on disease management.”

Most appealing aspects

What aspects of the role are most appealing?

Respondents listed several different aspects that are appealing. Helping people/patients was listed by 21.9% of the specialty pharmacists. Several other appealing aspects are highlighted below in the verbatim comments.

One respondent from Michigan indicated they have a, “Degree of autonomy and variety of things that I do. I work with multiple disease states and with people who care.“ Another respondent from North Dakota stated, “Patient care, provider interactions in clinic, and stable hours.”

An additional comment was provided by a pharmacist from West Virginia, “The ability to be a part of the health care team and collaborate with other providers, while caring for patients with complex disease states.”

Least appealing aspects

What aspects of the role are least appealing?

Respondents listed several different aspects that are least appealing. One specific area stood out as a least appealing role: dealing with insurance/payers at 14.6%. There are numerous other areas that are listed by the respondents.

A specialty pharmacist from Georgia stated, “Insurance restrictions limiting patient care opportunities.’ Another respondent from New Jersey added, “Dealing with payers and their restrictions.”

One respondent from West Virginia indicated, “The lack of direct, in person interaction with patients and providers. Most of my interactions take place over the phone or electronically.” Another specialty pharmacist from Louisiana added, “Constantly being on call and working odd hours.”

Advice

What advice should student pharmacists and practitioners consider when selecting a position in specialty pharmacy?

Fifteen percent of the respondents listed the importance of being exposed to different practices while in school as well as continuing to do so once in practice. Another 14.6% listed internships/residency as an important way to be exposed to the area. Several other considerations were provided by the specialty pharmacists who responded to the survey. A sample of the comments is listed below:

  • “Look at all the practice settings available to you and choose the one that will give you the most joy.”
  • “Be willing to see people as people and not just as patients. See them as your mom, your dad, your brother, your sister, or your significant other.”
  • “Gaining understanding of various areas of pharmacy benefit clinical problem solving/reasoning and communication with other health care professionals to provide integrated care.”
  • “If you like patient interaction and the evolving changes with health care and also being able to impact patients’ lives positively this is the field for you.”

Critical factor ratings

Opportunities for advancement
[To what degree does your work allow for advancement?]

The respondents rated the opportunities for advancement mid-range with a score of 6.31.

One respondent from Maryland stated, “I have been in my role for 11 years, there has been ‘ladder’ of positions from level 1–3, which only gives you a very small pay increase. These were implemented in past 4 years, and I achieved level 2 and 3 within 3 years. There is no opportunity for a leadership or supervisor position. Basically, being a pharmacist is a terminal position these days.” A different respondent from Maryland added, “There are very little advancement opportunities for my specific role unless I wanted to move into management of people or look outside my organization.”

A specialty pharmacist from Georgia provided a different approach, “Professional advancement generally consists of typical supervisory advancement (i.e., management opportunities). However, there are opportunities to participate in special projects to further diversify your skills and offer additional personal/professional development.” A pharmacist from Michigan has had a different experience and stated, “We are always asked if we would like to advance to a leadership role etc.”

6.31
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little advancement opportunities 10 = Great opportunities for advancement

Leadership development/professional involvement
[To what extent does your work allow for the development of leadership skills and professional involvement in the pharmacy profession?]

Respondents rated this critical factor in the mid-range with a score of 7.11.

A respondent from Texas provided the following, “My current role has had the most leadership/professional development. Monthly coaching sessions with my manager and encouragement to go to conferences. In previous roles, work volume was the key metric (not workforce advancement).” Another respondent from Florida added, “This is up to the individual depending on their desires.”

A pharmacist from Maryland stated, “We are supported to be actively involved in organizations but not required. If I wanted to seek additional certification or degree, I would be supported but preparation would be outside of work.” Another from Arizona looked at this a little differently and added, “Precepting student pharmacists and involvement with colleges of pharmacy allows me to develop professionally and network.”

7.11
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little development of leadership skills and professional involvement 10 = Great opportunities for leadership development and professional involvement

Community impact
[How much impact does your work have in terms of serving the community?]

Community impact is rated at 7.26 by specialty pharmacists.

One respondent from Maryland stated, “I like to think my work is impacting the community, but we never see the tangible results. Rather, knowing your patients and seeing them meet goals of therapy (e.g., pregnancy (fertility), remission (inflammatory conditions), etc. is most likely how impact is seen.” A respondent from Georgia added, “Our community impact is larger than your typical pharmacy experience, as my ‘community’ is national. We services patients nationwide.”

A different respondent from Georgia provided a broader scope of work when they stated, “I provide direct and indirect patient care to underserved populations.” Another from Michigan added, “We attend community events for Crohn’s foundations in all states we are licensed in.”

7.26
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little impact 10 = High level of impact

Autonomy
[To what extent does your work allow for autonomy in decision making?]

Respondents are mid-range in their review of autonomy with a rating of 6.74.

One specialty pharmacist from Georgia stated, “This is a PharmD run clinic, therefore I have complete autonomy on how I practice at this site.” A different respondent from Georgia added, “I largely have autonomy within my team to make immediate decisions. However, we have standard operating procedures that limit the rapid incorporation of new methods of operation.”

A respondent from Indiana indicated, “I believe this will depend on the degree of freedom the manager/director imparts to those who report to them.” Another from Louisiana explained their thoughts on this when they stated, “I do have some autonomy with regards to my direct supervisor, but that is because they do not want to deal with anything. However, district and regional managers micromanage from afar.”

6.74
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Very little low autonomy 10 = High level of autonomy

Focus
[To what extent does your work allow you to be focused on the future versus a focus only on immediate tasks?]

Respondents were mid-range rating the factor at 6.18, indicating a slight lean toward the future.

One pharmacist from Indiana stated, “I believe we are always thinking ahead, however, we are not always able to fully focus on the future cause of the busyness of today.“ This was supported by a pharmacist from Maryland who added, “I wish I had more of a role in the future and planning.”

On the other side, a respondent from Michigan indicated, “I work in a value clinic that is constantly trying to figure out how to be proactive versus reactive in solving our patient's health problems.” Another respondent from Georgia added, “My work constantly looks ahead at new challenges and opportunities. The realm of pharmacy is quite volatile right now, which necessitates the need to evolve with a prospective focus.”

6.18
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Immediate tasks only 10 = Tasks focused on the future

Prestige
[To what extent does your work provide professional prestige?]

Respondents were mid-range with a rating of 6.89 regarding their prestige.

One respondent from Florida put this simply, “High prestige working with cancer therapies.” Another respondent from Indiana stated, “I feel very proud about what I do. Most people do not know about my area of pharmacy, but when I explain what I do, they are impressed.”

A different respondent from Indiana provided this perspective, “I work behind the scenes to serve patients. I am not sure they really understand all we do, but that is okay. I do not do what I do to be known. I do what I do knowing patients are receiving the care they need by a great team of professionals behind the scenes.“ Another from Maryland added, “there are many things I have accomplished professionally that my manager has praised me for but there is no recognition from the pharmacy division as a whole or within the health system.”

6.89
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Provides low prestige 10 = Provides high prestige

Creating value/positive outcomes
[To what extent does your work allow for personal fulfillment through the creation of value and positive outcomes?]

Respondents rated this factor in the mid-range with a rating of 7.26.

A specialty pharmacist from Florida stated that they have, “Personal fulfillment helping patients and their family members.” Another respondent from Arizona added that they enjoy, “Helping health care providers.”

A respondent from Michigan indicated they are, “Always encourage to do more.”

7.26
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little extent 10 = High extent

Patient relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with patients?]

Respondents rated patient relationships in the mid-range with a 4.51 rating.

A respondent from Maryland stated, “Developing a relationship with a patient telephonically or through online communication does not work. I miss the in-person relationships made when you work in a pharmacy and patients come to pick up medications.” Another respondent supported this when they added, “I don’t provide direct patient care.”

4.51
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No ongoing/ long-term relationships 10 = All are long-term relationships

Coworker/client relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with coworkers or clients?]

Respondents feel that they have a much greater opportunity to have long-term relationships with their coworkers and clients with a rating of 7.51.

A respondent from Maryland put it simply, “Coworkers are pleasant and cordial.” Another from Indiana added, “I really love my coworkers. I have been on the same team for almost 5 years.”

7.51
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No ongoing/ long-term relationships 10 = All are long-term relationships

Writing/conducting research
[How often do you engage in writing and/or conducting research?]

Respondents rated writing/conducting research as the lowest critical factor for the group at 2.08 which is a low range response.

A respondent from Texas who would like to do more of this stated, “I wish there were more opportunity for this. I have stated in every interview that this is something in which I am interested. I am always promised a spot at the table, but then daily tasks get in the way.” Another respondent from Maryland added, “We mentor our residents in their research project but there is no support to conduct research on our own.”

Another respondent from Florida felt, “This is up to the individual. I have published multiple opinion pieces.” A pharmacist from Michigan indicated, “I always say I will, but patients take priority.”

2.08
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Generating new ideas
[To what degree does your work involve generating new ideas?]

Respondents rated the generation of new ideas as a mid-range factor with a rating of 5.79.

One respondent from Maryland stated, “At times able to help implement workflow ideas but takes a lot of time for buy in.“ Another respondent from Georgia indicated, “We often problem solve new challenges through multidisciplinary teams.”

A different respondent from Maryland indicated, “The leadership does not seem to value new ideas but rather goes with their opinions. Many new processes are disconnected with the front-line staff. Other times I can provide a new idea and see it put into workflow.”

5.79
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little innovative thinking 10 = High degree of innovative thinking

Supervision/management
[To what extent do you spend your time organizing, managing, or supervising others and/or business operations?]

Respondents look at supervision/management as a mid-range rating with a 6.78.

One specialty pharmacist from Maryland stated, “No supervision of persons but do get to provide feedback that is implemented. I spend more time organizing and managing my disease states. I am able to coach technicians.” A pharmacist from Indiana had a slightly different outlook when they added, “Most pharmacists in this area do not have to supervise anyone. Specialty pharmacy wants pharmacists to focus (and work) at the top of their license, which includes counseling, problem solving, and checking prescriptions.”

A different respondent from Indiana indicated that they, “supervise pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists while on my shift.” Another from Michigan added, “I lead the pharmacy team daily.”

6.78
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Patient interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with patients?]

Patient interactions fell into the mid-range with a rating of 4.62.

A pharmacist from Georgia provided the following, “Our communication is largely via phone calls to patients nationwide.” Another from Texas added, “Drive-thru and phone calls allow for interactions with patients, but they must be kept short.”

4.62
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Public interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with the public?]

Respondents rated public interaction in the low range with a 2.11 rating.

One respondent from Texas highlighted the environment related to public interaction and stated, “Not in my new role since it pertains to creating clinical programs. I would say 0/10 for public since it was a call center setting.” Another from Indiana added, “I am on the call center side, so I speak to patients all day. If you do not like speaking to patients there is the fulfillment side. Patients do not pick up drugs here so no public interaction.”

2.11
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Collaboration
[How often do you work or collaborate with other health professionals or educate other professionals in your work?]

Respondents rated collaboration in the mid-range with a 5.62 rating.

A respondent from Georgia stated, “We often communicate electronically with providers when clarifying doses/orders. We also utilize phone calls to verbally communicate with other health professionals.” Another respondent from Michigan added, “We work with a team of nurses and collaborate daily.”

5.62
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Family/leisure time
[How much free time do you have for leisure and family activities in your work?]

Respondents rated family/leisure time in the mid-range with a 6.65 rating.

A respondent from Indiana stated, “My work is paid hourly, and I am guaranteed 40 hours per week. In the past we had mandatory overtime, which was always paid, but soul sucking. We now have voluntary overtime. It helps with balance of home and work.” Another from Texas added, “PTO can be an issue especially around the holidays in an operation where pharmacy services are required to continue even on holidays. Spent a lot of time in my early days of pharmacy working big holidays because I was new and did not have children.”

6.65
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little free time 10 = Plenty of time for family and leisure activities

Impact on well-being
[To what degree do you impact the well-being of individuals?]

Specialty pharmacists rated the impact on well-being as the second highest factor with a mid-range rating of 7.37.

A respondent from Florida stated, “Working with cancer patients is very helpful to those individuals and their family members.” Another respondent from Indiana added, “I have a strong need to help others. My focus is on educating others about specialty drugs to ensure that everyone in the system understands the benefits of patients getting the right drug at the right time.”

7.37
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Low degree 10 = High degree

Problem solving
[To what degree do you solve problems with tried-and-true alternatives versus untested alternatives in your work?]

Specialty pharmacists were mid-range with a 5.14 rating relative to problem solving.

One respondent from Texas stated, “Problem solving is important in maintaining workflow and patient well-being.” Another from Indiana added, “It is a balance. I keep seeing my company come back to solutions that did not work in the past and pushing us toward different solutions.”

5.14
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Tried and true 10 = Untested alternatives

Expertise
[How general or specialized is the expertise required in your work?]

Respondents rated expertise as the highest rated critical factor at 7.38.

One specialty pharmacist from Texas stated, “I am always learning and challenging myself in the workplace and during free time.” Another from New Jersey added their areas of expertise, “Compounded Sterile Preparations Pharmacy Specialty Certification (BCSCP), Home Infusion, Immunoglobulin Certified Pharmacist (IgCP).”

A pharmacist from Indiana explained their transition to specialty, “I came from community and started in a general area of specialty pharmacy. I am now focused on oncology. My knowledge of diabetes and many other disease states is suffering because I do not have time to keep up with them. I am focused on about 30 or less drugs now.”

7.38
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Generalized 10 = Specialized

Repetition
[To what degree is your work composed of activities and tasks that are highly repetitive versus highly variable?]

Respondents indicated repetition was in the mid-range with a 5.94 rating.

A pharmacist from Michigan stated, “I work with mental health patients so there is not a lot of repetition.” Another from Texas added, “We have a set assigned list of tasks to be completed in order every day at specific times.”

A different respondent from Michigan indicated that, “Each day can be very different. But at the same time each week can be similar.” Another from Indiana added, “My role is to counsel patients all day over the same types of topics, which can get repetitive. The patients are the ones that make it interesting.”

5.94
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Highly repetitive 10 = Highly variable

Applying scientific knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying scientific knowledge in your work?]

Respondents indicated that the application of scientific knowledge was in the mid-range with a 5.50 rating.

A respondent from Florida stated, “Both are important—scientific and clinical.”

5.50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No application 10 = High level of application all the time

Applying clinical knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying clinical knowledge in your work?]

Pharmacists looked at the application of clinical knowledge to be at a higher level than scientific knowledge and rated this factor at 7.06.

A respondent from Indiana provided the following, “My company does not want us answering anything without proof. The drugs are too expensive to just try. We are very mindful of diagnosis. I also like to discuss options for patients and give them knowledge about how to tell if a drug is working and how long it will take to reach that point. I do not feel like enough pharmacists explain expectations.”

7.06
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No application 10 = High level of application all the time

Parental leave
[To what extent does your work setting offer parental leave opportunities?]

Respondents rated parental leave in the mid-range with a rating of 6.17. It should be noted that not all respondents have a need for this factor.

One pharmacist from North Dakota stated, “Six weeks at 60% pay. One week of paid leave from the company. You must use all PTO before returning to supplement remainder up to 12 weeks.” Another from Maryland added, “Four weeks parental leave, with up to 12 weeks total in disability/FMLA. Not the best but better than others.”

6.17
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Limited opportunities 10 = Unlimited opportunities

Compensation
[To what degree do you feel compensated for your responsibilities in your work?]

Respondents indicated compensation was in the mid-range with a 6.44 rating.

One pharmacist from Texas stated, “Compensation is great; the budget often constricts hours available however.” Another from Florida added, “Higher than average compensation working in a specialty pharmacy.”

A respondent from Oregon provided the following, “I work for a nonprofit funded by grants, so I definitely do not make the typical pharmacist salary, but the work-life balance and opportunity to meaningful work is worth it to me.”

6.44
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Not well compensated 10 = Well compensated

Benefit package
[How comprehensive is the employee benefit package offered in your work setting?]

The benefit package was rated 6.58 by the respondents.

One respondent from Florida stated benefits are, “Required in order to attract and retain pharmacists.” Another from Arizona listed the following, “401k match, medical, vision, dental, and some lifestyle benefits available as well for gyms and things.”

Another respondent from Indiana added, “Flexible childcare spending accounts, all sorts of other benefits. I have up to 5 weeks PTO plus holidays.”

6.58
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Not comprehensive 10 = Very Comprehensive

Advice for student pharmacists

Respondents provided advice across several areas and what the future brings. A total of 24.4% of the specialty pharmacists indicated that they see growth in this area moving forward. An additional 22.0% percent of the respondents listed that student pharmacists should research and understand the variety of career options available to them. Information from several of the pharmacists is listed below:

  • “What you put into this profession is what you get out of it. Get involved and engaged at work, in your community, and with your peers.”
  • “Gain understanding of various areas of pharmacy benefit clinical problem solving/reasoning and communication with other health care professionals to provide integrated care.”
  • “Care for what you're doing.”
  • “A lot of growth with new intravenous and intramuscular injection medications that are suitable for the outpatient/home setting.”
  • “More clinical duties and fewer administrative tasks.”
  • “There is more to learn than what is in a book. Not everything is black and white, be open minded.”
  • “Get exposure to as many different practice areas as possible.”

Critical factors

Opportunities for advancement 6.31
Leadership development/professional involvement 7.11
Community impact 7.26
Autonomy 6.74
Focus 6.18
Prestige 6.89
Creating value/positive outcomes 7.26
Patient relationships 4.51
Coworker/client relationships 7.51
Writing/conducting research 2.08
Generating new ideas 5.79
Supervision/management 6.78
Patient interaction 4.62
Public interaction 2.11
Collaboration 5.62
Family/leisure time 6.65
Impact on well-being 7.37
Problem solving 5.14
Expertise 7.38
Repetition 5.94
Applying scientific knowledge 5.50
Applying clinical knowledge 7.06
Parental leave 6.17
Compensation 6.44
Benefit package 6.58

References/resources

Schommer JC, Sogol EM, Brown LM. Work profile factors identified from the career pathway evaluation program, 2018 pharmacist profile survey. Am J Pharm. 2019;83(10):7480.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a pharmacy director? ZipRecruiter. Available at: www.ziprecruiter.com/e/What-are-the-typical-daily-responsibilities-of-a-Pharmacy-Director . Accessed August 1,2025.

Pharmacy accreditation. Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). Available at: www.achc.org/pharmacy Accessed August 1, 2025.

Pharmacists. Data USA. Available at: datausa.io/profile/soc/pharmacists Accessed August 1, 2025.

Specialty pharmacy salaries. Glassdoor. Available at: www.glassdoor.com Accessed August 1, 2025.

Professional organizations

Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)

675 North Washington Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-2600 | www.amcp.org

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603-3446
(312) 664-3575 | www.acpe-accredit.org

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)

1400 Crystal Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 739-2330 | www.aacp.org

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

Avedisian Hall, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881
(703) 556-0650 | www.aaps.org

American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP)

8055 O Street, Suite S113, Lincoln, NE 68510
(402) 476-1677 | www.aapp.org

American College of Apothecaries (ACA)

2830 Summer Oaks Drive, Bartlett, TN 38134
(901) 383-8119 | www.acainfo.org

American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)

13000 West 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66215-4530
(913) 492-3311 | www.accp.com

American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE)

11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 360A-105, Fairfax, VA 22030
(571) 404-0471 | www.afpenet.org

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 628-4410 | www.pharmacist.com

American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)

1240 North Pitt Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-1300 | www.ascp.com

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814
(866) 279-0681 | www.ashp.org

Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS)

2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 946-5026 | www.bpsweb.org

Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA)

555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(877) 467-2791 | www.hoparx.org

National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)

2530 Professional Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 285-4431 | www.naspa.us

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)

1600 Feehanville Drive, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 391-4406 | www.nabp.pharmacy

National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)

1776 Wilson Blvd, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 549-3001 | www.nacds.org

National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP)

300 New Jersey Ave, NW, #900, Washington, DC 20001
(703) 842.0122 | www.naspnet.org

National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)

100 Daingerfield Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8200 | www.ncpa.org

National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA)

10810 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 102-965, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(480) 405-9291 | www.nationalpharmaceuticalassociation.org

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

670 Maine Avenue, SW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 835-3400 | www.phrma.org

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