Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Pharmacy Aide assists pharmacists in managing the operations of a pharmacy. They are responsible for administrative tasks, inventory management, and customer service, but do not handle medication preparation.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Short-term
Projected Growth: -2.8% (negative growth)
Annual job openings: 6 100
Direct AI exposure: 8% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 20% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants. According to the wage tables, average income is $42K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $33K per year | $36K per year | $42K per year | $48K per year | $54K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $23K below the national average. | ||||
Pharmacy Aides typically work in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or healthcare facilities. The environment is structured and requires interaction with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and customers. Aides work regular hours, but in retail settings, these may include evenings and weekends.
Pharmacy Aides play a critical support role in the operation of pharmacies. They ensure that the administrative and clerical aspects of the pharmacy run smoothly, which allows pharmacists and technicians to focus more on patient care and medication management. Aides need to be well-organized, as they handle a variety of tasks including inventory management, customer service, and record-keeping.
In this role, strong communication skills are essential, as aides often interact with customers, addressing inquiries and managing transactions. They also need to be familiar with pharmacy operations, insurance procedures, and basic healthcare knowledge. While they do not handle medications directly, an understanding of pharmacy practices and terminology is beneficial.
This occupation suits those who are interested in the field of pharmacy but prefer a more administrative role. It offers an opportunity to work in the healthcare sector without the requirement for extensive specialized education. For those interested in advancing, this role can provide a foundation for further education and career development in pharmacy or healthcare administration.
Pharmacy Aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most training is provided on the job and focuses on clerical, stocking, and customer service tasks. Some employers may prefer candidates with short-term postsecondary coursework related to pharmacy support, healthcare administration, or customer service, but formal certification is not usually required.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
