OVER the past year, pharmacist salaries for permanent roles have generally continued to increase, driven by expanded demand for and the evolving complexity of the profession, revealed the latest edition of the Raven's Recruitment Pharmacy Salary and Market Report 2024.
"Over the past three years, this upward trend was particularly pronounced, however, as we move forward, this rapid growth in salaries has begun to stabilise," said Heidi Dariz (pictured), Raven's General Manager, who will be presenting the findings at tomorrow's Pharmacy Careers Summit 2024 (PCS24).
Speaking to Pharmacy Daily, Dariz said, "pharmacists are seeking the financial and professional stability that permanent roles provide due to the current cost-of-living issues, such as consistent income, job security, and access to benefits like leave entitlements and career development opportunities".
Faced with high living costs and limited housing availability, many candidates are now favouring rural roles that offer comprehensive accommodation solutions over those that merely provide initial accommodation or an allowance.
"In rural areas, the full accommodation packages, which include secure housing for the duration of their employment, are a big drawcard for pharmacists.
"Where there hasn't been accommodation offered at first, employers have had to make arrangements on their own, otherwise they may not get a pharmacist to their town."
Dariz said in the locum category, the salaries have actually "dropped a bit" from last year.
"Initially, the extraordinary surge in locum rates was driven by acute shortages and heightened demand, particularly during the peak periods of the pandemic.
"As the urgency that fuelled such high rates has diminished, the downward adjustment in locum rates reflects a more tempered and sustainable approach to remuneration, aligning with the broader trend of stabilising salaries across the pharmacy sector."
Dariz said widespread concerns that the introduction of 60-Day Dispensing would lead to job losses, based on reduced frequency of patient visits decreasing the demand for dispensing services, haven't materialised.
"Contrary to these expectations, the number of vacant roles has actually increased.
"This unexpected trend can be attributed to the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists, who are now taking on more clinical and patient-centred roles," she said.
While there has been an influx of overseas-trained pharmacists seeking employment opportunities in Australia, "business owners are frustrated with the time taken to process visas, and the costs associated with it, which is exacerbating the staffing shortages, particularly in rural and remote areas".
Addressing these visa delays is crucial to fully leverage the potential of international pharmacists, ensuring they can contribute to the healthcare system, she added.
Dariz also mentioned, "employers are increasingly recognising the value of offering work-life balance and flexible hours, and are more willing to implement demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being." JG
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