Pharmacist Jobs at Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix in Canada
Company Overview
Shoppers Drug Mart is Canada’s largest pharmacy retailer, operating under the Pharmaprix banner in Quebec. Founded in 1962 and now part of Loblaw Companies Limited, the organization has built its reputation on being a trusted community health partner. Pharmacy is the cornerstone of every locally owned Shoppers Drug Mart store, and the practice of pharmacy remains the central focus of the brand’s mission.
Through its unique Associate-Owner model, each store is owned and operated by a licensed Pharmacist. This entrepreneurial structure empowers pharmacists to run their own business while benefiting from the national brand recognition, operational support, and purchasing power of the Shoppers Drug Mart network. The company is deeply committed to expanding the scope of pharmacy practice, with pharmacists now delivering an increasingly broad range of primary care services enabled by provincial regulations.
In Quebec, Pharmaprix has pioneered innovative Pharmacy Care Clinics — private consultation spaces managed entirely by pharmacists where patients receive treatment for common ailments, chronic disease monitoring, and immunizations. Following a successful pilot project that served over 30,000 patients, the model is expanding rapidly across the province.
Job Details
- Job Title: Pharmacist (Staff Pharmacist / Clinical Pharmacist)
- Company: Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix
- Employment Type: Full-Time & Part-Time positions available
- Career Area: Pharmacy / Clinical Healthcare
- Work Schedule: Flexible — Days, Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays
- Experience Level: Entry to Mid Level (0–5 years)
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BScPhm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Licensing: Active registration with provincial College of Pharmacists
💰 Salary & Benefits
Hourly Wage: CAD $50.00 – $70.21 per hour (varies by province, experience, and location)
Annual Salary Range: CAD $94,174 – $126,000+ per year
Typical Range: Most staff pharmacist positions offer between $53.75 and $55.42 per hour, with clinical specialists and experienced pharmacists earning up to $70.21 per hour in select markets and specialized roles.
Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:
- Competitive hourly compensation with regular performance reviews
- Health and dental benefits for eligible full-time employees
- Purchase discount program on store merchandise
- Flexible and varied work schedules tailored to lifestyle needs
- Professional development support and continuing education allowances
- Online learning through the Shoppers Drug Mart Academy
- Pathway to Associate-Owner status for entrepreneurial pharmacists
- Support for advanced certifications (Certified Diabetes Educator, Travel Health, Geriatric Pharmacy)
- Corporate career advancement opportunities for pharmacists seeking non-dispensary roles
- Relocation flexibility with over 1,300 stores coast-to-coast
Job Description
As a Pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix, you are an integral member of a community healthcare team dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Canadians. You will work alongside a supportive pharmacy team in a patient-centered environment equipped with cutting-edge technology and clinical practice tools.
This role goes far beyond traditional dispensing. You will deliver expanded scope primary care services including medication reviews, prescribing for minor ailments, immunizations, and chronic disease management — all as enabled by your provincial regulations. You will counsel patients on medication therapy, monitor treatment outcomes, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient care.
Whether you are a new graduate seeking your first professional role or an experienced pharmacist looking to expand your clinical scope, Shoppers Drug Mart offers unparalleled support in achieving your professional goals. Many of the organization’s executives began their careers as dispensary pharmacists and advanced into corporate leadership positions.
🏥 Expanded Clinical Services (Where Permitted by Provincial Regulations)
- Medication Reviews: Comprehensive assessments of patient medication regimens to optimize therapy and identify drug-related problems
- Prescribing for Minor Ailments: Assessment and treatment of common conditions such as urinary tract infections, allergic rhinitis, eczema, shingles, and gastric reflux
- Immunizations: Administration of vaccines including flu shots, travel vaccines, and COVID-19 boosters
- Chronic Disease Management: Monitoring and medication adjustment for diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and dyslipidemia
- Hormonal Contraception: Assessment and prescribing of birth control options
- Travel Health Consultations: Complex travel health services through designated Travel Health Centres of Excellence
- Smoking Cessation: Counseling and prescribing support for patients quitting tobacco
- Rapid Diagnostic Testing: Strep throat testing and other point-of-care diagnostics
Key Responsibilities
Pharmacy Operations & Dispensing
- Accurately interpret, enter, and verify prescription orders in compliance with provincial regulations
- Perform final checks on dispensed medications to ensure accuracy and patient safety
- Maintain proper documentation and record-keeping in accordance with College standards
- Manage pharmacy inventory, including ordering, receiving, and proper storage of medications
- Oversee controlled substance management and ensure compliance with federal and provincial laws
- Supervise pharmacy technicians, assistants, and students to ensure quality care delivery
Patient Care & Clinical Services
- Conduct medication reviews (MedChecks) to assess therapy appropriateness and identify interactions
- Provide prescribing services for minor ailments where authorized by provincial scope of practice
- Administer immunizations and maintain immunization records
- Monitor patients with chronic diseases and adjust therapy within authorized parameters
- Counsel patients on new prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and self-care strategies
- Provide specialized services such as diabetes education, travel health consultations, and geriatric medication management
- Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers to optimize patient outcomes
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
- Identify and resolve drug therapy problems, including drug interactions, allergies, and contraindications
- Ensure compliance with pharmacy practice standards, privacy legislation (PIPEDA/PHIPA), and professional ethics
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and medication incident reporting
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional dispensary environment
Leadership & Professional Development
- Act as a clinical resource for pharmacy staff and front store teams
- Mentor pharmacy students, interns, and new graduates
- Pursue continuing education and advanced designations (e.g., CDE, CGP, ISTM)
- Stay current with new medications, clinical guidelines, and regulatory changes
- Contribute to community health initiatives and public health campaigns
Qualifications & Skills
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BScPhm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from an accredited Canadian university
- Active registration and good standing with the provincial College of Pharmacists
- Injection certification (or willingness to obtain) for immunization administration
- Valid liability insurance as required by provincial regulations
- Proficiency in pharmacy software systems and electronic health records
- Strong clinical knowledge of pharmacotherapy, drug interactions, and patient assessment
Preferred Skills & Certifications
- Previous community pharmacy experience (0–5 years)
- Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) designation or interest in pursuing certification
- Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) credentials
- International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) Certificate in Travel Health
- Experience with medication review programs and minor ailment prescribing
- Bilingual proficiency (English and French) required for Quebec locations; asset in other provinces
Core Competencies
- Clinical Judgement: Ability to assess patient needs and make evidence-based therapeutic decisions
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills for patient counseling and interprofessional collaboration
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy in dispensing, documentation, and clinical assessment
- Patient-Centered Care: Genuine commitment to improving health outcomes and patient experience
- Adaptability: Comfort with evolving scope of practice and new clinical service implementation
- Leadership: Ability to supervise support staff and contribute to a positive team culture
- Ethical Practice: Unwavering commitment to professional ethics, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance
Job Location
Pharmacist positions are available nationwide at over 1,300 Shoppers Drug Mart and 160+ Pharmaprix locations across Canada. High-demand areas and top-paying markets include:
Salary varies by location. Montreal and Quebec City typically offer higher median wages due to expanded scope of practice and clinic-based services. Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary also rank among the top-paying markets for community pharmacists in Canada.
🚀 Career Pathways at Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix
Associate-Owner Track: Shoppers Drug Mart stores are owned and operated by Pharmacists. The company provides training in management, finance, communication, and leadership through interactive distance learning, on-the-job training, and coaching/mentoring to help you transition from staff pharmacist to business owner.
Corporate Advancement: Pharmacists who wish to work in a corporate environment can move into central or regional office positions in operations, clinical services, health strategy, or executive leadership. Many executives started their careers in the dispensary.
Specialized Clinical Roles: Pursue designations as a Certified Diabetes Educator, Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, or Travel Health Specialist to deliver advanced patient care services.
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference in community health? Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the Official Healthcare Careers Portal: Go to careers.shoppersdrugmart.ca/healthcare
- Search for Pharmacy Openings: Enter your city, province, or postal code to find Pharmacist positions near you
- Filter by Role: Select “Pharmacy” and refine by full-time, part-time, or casual status
- Create a Profile: Register an account and upload your CV, cover letter, and provincial registration details
- Complete the Application: Provide your availability, clinical interests, and professional designations
- Interview Process: Selected candidates will be contacted by the Associate-Owner or Store Manager for an interview
Summary
A Pharmacist position at Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix represents one of the most rewarding opportunities in Canadian community pharmacy. With competitive hourly wages ranging from $50.00 to $70.21, comprehensive benefits, and a clear pathway to Associate-Owner status, this role offers both financial stability and professional fulfillment. The organization’s commitment to expanding pharmacy practice means you will deliver meaningful clinical services — from medication reviews and minor ailment prescribing to chronic disease management and immunizations — that directly improve patient outcomes.
With over 1,300 locations from coast to coast, flexible scheduling options, and robust support for continuing education and specialization, Shoppers Drug Mart empowers pharmacists to build careers that match their ambitions. Whether your goal is clinical excellence, entrepreneurship, or corporate leadership, the pharmacy team at Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix provides the foundation for success. New graduates and experienced practitioners alike are encouraged to apply and bring their difference to Canada’s leading pharmacy retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average salary for a Pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart in 2026?
Staff pharmacists typically earn between $53.75 and $55.42 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $94,174 to $126,000 depending on location, experience, and clinical responsibilities. Specialized clinical pharmacists and those in high-demand markets may earn up to $70.21 per hour.
Do I need prior experience to apply as a new graduate?
No. Shoppers Drug Mart welcomes new graduates and provides comprehensive onboarding, mentorship, and support for obtaining injection certification and other required credentials. The Associate-Owner model ensures you receive personalized guidance as you transition from student to practitioner.
What clinical services can I provide as a Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist?
Depending on your province’s regulations, you may provide medication reviews, prescribe for minor ailments, administer immunizations, manage chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism), provide hormonal contraception, conduct travel health consultations, and perform rapid diagnostic tests such as strep throat screening.
What is the Associate-Owner model, and can I become one?
Yes. Every Shoppers Drug Mart store is owned by a licensed Pharmacist called an Associate-Owner. The company actively supports staff pharmacists who wish to pursue ownership through training in management, finance, and leadership. This entrepreneurial pathway is unique to Shoppers Drug Mart and offers significant long-term career and financial rewards.
Are there opportunities for corporate roles outside the dispensary?
Yes. Many Shoppers Drug Mart executives began as dispensary pharmacists. Corporate opportunities exist in clinical program development, health strategy, operations management, regulatory affairs, and senior leadership at central and regional offices.
What advanced certifications does Shoppers Drug Mart support?
The company encourages and supports pharmacists in obtaining Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP), and International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) certifications. These designations enable you to deliver specialized services and often command higher compensation.
Is French required for Pharmaprix positions in Quebec?
Yes. Fluency in French is required for all Pharmaprix positions in Quebec to ensure effective patient communication and compliance with provincial language laws. Bilingualism is considered a strong asset for positions in other provinces, particularly in Ottawa and New Brunswick.
What makes Shoppers Drug Mart different from other pharmacy employers?
The Associate-Owner model, national scale with local ownership, extensive clinical service expansion, investment in pharmacy care clinics (especially in Quebec), and clear pathways from staff pharmacist to store owner or corporate executive distinguish Shoppers Drug Mart from traditional chain pharmacy employers.
Related Job Opportunities
Explore other pharmacy and healthcare positions across Canada on Job Bank Canada’s Pharmacy Jobs Section . For official labour market information, salary benchmarks, and regulatory requirements for pharmacists in Canada, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank .