How much does a pharmacy assistant earn?

The salary of the pharmacy préparator

After exploring the academic path required to become a pharmacy technician, let's take a look at the average earning levels of this professional, as well as the opportunities available.

Context and importance of the pharmacypreparatory profession

The pharmacy assistant is the pharmacist's relay. They are an essential link in the drug supply chain. They distribute prescription and over-the-counter products in pharmacies. A role that brings them into direct contact with the vast majority of the population.

In this context, the studies required to become a pharmacy assistant are rigorous and certifying. Since they handle sensitive and vital materials, they must be trained in the best possible way.

Since 2022, students no longer take the Brevet Professionnel de Préparateur en Pharmacie (BP). This has been replaced by the Diplôme d'Études Universitaires Scientifiques et Techniques de Préparateur en Pharmacie (DEUST). This change has enabled pharmacy assistants to receive better training, in addition to obtaining a Bac +2 level (compared with +1 previously).

This DEUST is accessible after a Baccalaureate, BEP, DAEU or CAP depending on the orientations selected. In addition, some training organizations require apprentices to take a preliminary test if they do not have a scientific baccalaureate. The test covers three subjects (chemistry, biology and mathematics) and is designed to check the candidate's level of basic knowledge, which is essential for further study.

If you'd like to learn more about this topic, find our pharmacy prerequisite studies sheet!

Salary grid for pharmacy préparators in 2024

As in most trades, the salary of the pharmacy préparator is set according to the sector's Collective Bargaining Agreement. This is set out in the salary scale below. It is used to determine minimum and/or maximum salaries, although some sales representatives may earn more, depending on the benefits and advantages inherent in long careers: 

Factors influencing salary growth

Pharmacy prescribers are not condemned to follow the evolution of the salary grid. To increase their income, they have other means of action at their disposal, which they can use wisely:

• L’expérience : c’est le critère d’influence le plus important, mais aussi le plus indirect. The accumulation of years of practical experience enables pharmacy assistants to climb the pay scale, but also the internal hierarchy. Their know-how is built up over time and becomes invaluable to structures looking to hire.
• Qualification level : while all pharmacy prescribers are required to obtain the DEUST, some may take additional training, linked to new pharmaceutical technologies or patient management qualifications, which may prove valuable when applying for a job vacancies for pharmacy assistants and négocier a more attractive salary.
• Location : when it's time to change jobs, pharmacy prescribers can upgrade their rémuneacute;ration by joining an undervalued area, which is actively looking to recruit. This will allow them to negotiate salary increases or obtain other benefits.
• Type of establishment : while the nature of the assignments remains essentially the same, hospital pharmacies generally offer better salaries, due to the responsibilities and demands associated with the job.
• Neacute;gociation : it's a rare skill, but a valuable one. Pharmacy prescribers who know the state of the market, and their value in it, will be able to achieve substantial pay rises.

Projections for the coming years

The healthcare sector represents a paradox: it is both stable and volatile. Stable, because French people will always need healthcare, but volatile, because laws are changing rapidly and technological advances are on the rise. While we have been witnessing a crisis since Covid-19, job opportunities are plentiful and working conditions are improving for practitioners.

As a result, employment prospects for pharmacy practitionersare good. As the population ages and chronic diseases increase, the demand for pharmaceutical services will grow. Salaries should therefore follow a moderate upward trend, of the order of a few percent per year.

In conclusion, the pharmacy assistant profession offers an attractive career with interesting career prospects. Salaries vary according to experience, qualifications and geographical location, while remaining competitive with other professions in the same sector. With the arrival of new technologies, this is an exciting and attractive career for young students.

Learn more about pharmaceutical métiers by browsing our pharmacist métier sheetor our pharmacist salary sheet!