Pharmacy assistant job description

No formal qualification is required to start as a pharmacy assistant — it is an entry-level pathway with on-the-job training. A Certificate II or III in Community Pharmacy is desirable and can be completed while working. Employers generally look for strong customer service skills, reliability and working rights in Australia.

Pharmacy assistants under 21 are paid a percentage of the adult level rate — around 45% under 16, rising through roughly 50% at 16, 60% at 17, 70% at 18, 80% at 19 and 90% at 20, reaching the full adult rate at 21. Junior rates step up on each birthday, so review them regularly. See the Pharmacy Award pay guide for current figures.

Mandatory requirements are usually working rights in Australia and good customer service skills. Preferred qualifications include a Certificate II or III in Community Pharmacy, previous retail experience and a first aid certificate. Avoid over-qualifying entry-level positions, as it narrows your candidate pool unnecessarily.

Yes. Pharmacy assistant is an entry-level role and many pharmacies hire and train staff without prior experience. Focus on a warm customer-service manner, reliability and discretion with sensitive purchases. Clear job descriptions help candidates understand the retail and dispensary-support duties and self-select appropriately.

This depends on your trading pattern. Casual assistants offer flexibility for peak periods and weekends but attract a 25% casual loading under the Pharmacy Award. Permanent part-time or full-time staff provide consistency and stronger retention. Many pharmacies use a mix — permanent staff for core hours and casuals for busy trading and relief.

Under the Pharmacy Award (MA000012), for full-time and part-time staff: evening (Mon–Fri 7pm–9pm) and Saturday (8am–6pm) are paid at 125%, Sunday (7am–9pm) at 150% and public holidays at 225% of the ordinary rate. Casual rates are higher again because the loading is added to the penalty. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

The Pharmacy Award sets a minimum engagement per casual shift, so a casual assistant must be paid for at least that minimum even if sent home early. Confirm the current minimum in the Pharmacy Award pay guide and build shifts around it to avoid underpayment and short, uneconomic engagements.

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type, hourly rate (including junior rate where relevant), applicable award, reporting structure, main duties and any qualification expectations. For casuals, include the 25% casual loading. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Award and agreement rules vary, so confirm the notice period that applies to your business. As a general practice, providing rosters at least 7 days in advance gives staff visibility of their shifts. Using rostering software helps ensure compliance and reduces last-minute changes.

Roster by area so you have enough front-of-shop assistants for busy trading while keeping dispensary support available for the pharmacist. Use rostering software to see coverage at a glance and match assistants’ skills and availability to each area across the day.

Junior assistants are cheaper per hour but must be paid the correct age-based rate, which changes on each birthday. Award-aware rostering software with award interpretation shows live wage cost as you build the roster and applies the right junior and penalty rates automatically.

Break entitlements are set by the applicable award or agreement and generally include a meal break for shifts beyond a set length. Set clear break policies and ensure staff record their time accurately. Use time and attendance tools to support compliance.