How much are pharmacy assistant paid

[nonamemummy]

Applied for a job as a pharmacy assistant but can’t find how much they pay

Was wondering if anyone on here know how much they are paid?

What company did you apply for? I currently work for Lloyds Pharmacy and have been there 17 months. I started off on minimum wage (£8.21), it increased to £8.46 after completing my NVQ Level 2 with them. Pays peanuts compared to hospital positions / being a locum dispenser but is definitely a good stepping stone if you want to gain your NVQ Level 2 within pharmacy (which they cover the cost for).

I have been offered a position that’s a step above my current role within the NHS at a hospital with a starting pay of £18,800 / year.

I’ve found the low wage to start off with has seriously benefitted me in the knowledge and experience required to be able to move further within the pharmaceutical field.

Amazing that you’ve managed to progress to a higher position job. What exactly will your job role be now?

£8.46 is lower than what I’m paid now but I think I’d rather have the lower pay to be doing something I’d rather be doing, with nicer hours aswell!

I applied for a Jhoots pharmacy

My new job role is a mouthful - Senior Pharmacy Services Assistant. So many chances to advance within the NHS once you get onto the ladder, but it is very hard to do so without experience or connections I’ve found. Even when I went for my interview I didn’t think I’d get it. A lot of people did apply and most probably had more experience (or hospital experience which I don’t have) than I did. If you’re thinking of going down the route as a career you definitely can do it!

I haven’t personally heard of Jhoots Pharmacy but looking on glass door it looks like the hourly rate would probably start off at minimum wage (don’t forget minimum wage is going up again in April to £8.72 / hour) but should go up above that once you achieve your NVQ Level 2 as a Pharmacy Assistant (different Pharmacies call the title different names but as long as you hold that NVQ it’s a standard anywhere). Lloyds gives starters a year to complete the course but I did it in 3 months (everyone else I work with took a year). I was very dedicated because I’ve always wanted to work in a Pharmacy and have a career out of it.

I really love the work and I did take a cut in pay from my previous job too but was definitely worth it for me. Just have to weigh out the pros and cons for your circumstances / interests but sounds like if the hours will be better for you & you think you’ll enjoy it - chances are it will be better!

If you have any more questions or need any advice or tips, happy to help!

Well congrats on your new job!
Thankyou so much for your replies @Applefritzz I love the idea of working in a pharmacy and you’ve just made me even more excited haha I really hope I get an interview

Did you ever get an interview?

@Applefritzz

My new job role is a mouthful - Senior Pharmacy Services Assistant. So many chances to advance within the NHS once you get onto the ladder, but it is very hard to do so without experience or connections I’ve found. Even when I went for my interview I didn’t think I’d get it. A lot of people did apply and most probably had more experience (or hospital experience which I don’t have) than I did. If you’re thinking of going down the route as a career you definitely can do it!

I haven’t personally heard of Jhoots Pharmacy but looking on glass door it looks like the hourly rate would probably start off at minimum wage (don’t forget minimum wage is going up again in April to £8.72 / hour) but should go up above that once you achieve your NVQ Level 2 as a Pharmacy Assistant (different Pharmacies call the title different names but as long as you hold that NVQ it’s a standard anywhere). Lloyds gives starters a year to complete the course but I did it in 3 months (everyone else I work with took a year). I was very dedicated because I’ve always wanted to work in a Pharmacy and have a career out of it.

I really love the work and I did take a cut in pay from my previous job too but was definitely worth it for me. Just have to weigh out the pros and cons for your circumstances / interests but sounds like if the hours will be better for you & you think you’ll enjoy it - chances are it will be better!

If you have any more questions or need any advice or tips, happy to help!

Was it an in training post within the NHS?