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Medical & WelfareStable

Pharmacy Aide

Operational-level

Also known as: Certified Pharmacist Assistant, Dispensary Attendant, Drug Clerk, Drug Purchaser

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Pharmacy Aide, you play a key role in supporting the smooth operation of a pharmacy. You'll record incoming medications, organize merchandise, and monitor stock levels to ensure shelves are always supplied, informing your supervisor of needs. This role involves frequent contact with a team, face-to-face discussions, and phone conversations, often operating a cash register and accepting prescriptions from customers. This job suits someone who is organized, detail-oriented, enjoys working with others, and has strong communication skills.
Pharmacy SupportPharmaceutical InventoryPrescription HandlingMedical AdministrationHealthcareCustomer ServiceInventory ManagementPatient CareMedical Support

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word
In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-0.7%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

5,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

39,200

in 2025 → 39,000 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The job outlook for Pharmacy Aides is stable, with an estimated 5,100 openings each year through 2035, despite a slight projected decrease in overall employment. You can expect to earn a median annual wage of about $37,680. Many Pharmacy Aides advance to roles like Pharmacy Technician or move into other healthcare administrative positions such as Health Unit Coordinator.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Retail Sales Associate
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Stock Clerk

Where it can lead

  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Health Unit Coordinator
  • Medical Administrative Assistant

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely automate routine tasks for Pharmacy Aides, such as inventory management, ordering, and data entry, through advanced systems and robotics. This shift could free up aides to focus more on direct customer interaction, patient support, and complex administrative duties requiring human judgment and empathy. However, the core roles of handling prescriptions and assisting pharmacists will still require human oversight.

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Salary

$37,680

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Healthcare Assistance

Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 1 year

Medical Assistance

Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 2 years

Medical/Clinical Assistant

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Medical Reception/Receptionist

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Medication Aide

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Health Aide

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

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