Pharmacists in Canada: Demand, Supply Trends and Job Outlook (2023–2026)
Canada continues to experience strong and steady demand for pharmacists, making it one of the most promising healthcare careers for international professionals. With expanding clinical responsibilities, an ageing population, and healthcare workforce gaps, pharmacists are increasingly becoming essential to the healthcare system.
In this blog, we break down year-wise supply data, demand projections, and what this means for pharmacists planning to work in Canada.
Pharmacist Supply in Canada (2023–2026)
According to national statistics from the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), the number of licensed pharmacists in Canada has been steadily increasing each year.
References:
- 2023 Report: https://www.napra.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-NAPRA-National-Statistics-EN.pdf
- 2024 Report: https://www.napra.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-NAPRA-National-Statistics-EN.pdf
Pharmacist Demand in Canada (2024–2033 Projection)
Canada’s labour market outlook from Employment and Social Development Canada highlights a strong ongoing demand for pharmacists.
Key projections:
- 23,000 job openings (2024–2033)
- 24,400 job seekers
- ~2,300 jobs per year
- ~2,440 candidates per year
Reference:
Why Is There Still a Shortage?
Even with increasing supply, pharmacists are still classified under a “strong shortage risk” occupation.
This is due to:
- Existing shortages (2021–2023)
- Low unemployment
- High vacancy rates
- Increasing healthcare demand
Where Are Pharmacists Needed Most?
Pharmacists are in demand across:
- Community pharmacies
- Hospitals
- Long-term care
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Public health programs
Reference:
How to Become a Pharmacist in Canada (Step-by-Step)
If you’re an international pharmacist, you must complete a structured licensing process.
Step 1 — Credential Evaluation
Apply through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
🔗 https://pebc.ca/pharmacists/credential-evaluation/
Step 2 — Evaluating Exam
🔗 https://pebc.ca/pharmacists/evaluating-exam/
Step 3 — Qualifying Exams (MCQ + OSCE)
🔗 https://pebc.ca/pharmacists/qualifying-exam/
Step 4 — English Language Requirement
🔗 https://pebc.ca/pharmacists/language-proficiency-requirements/
Step 5 — Internship / Practical Training
Example (Ontario):
🔗 https://www.ocpinfo.com/registration/register-pharmacist/
Step 6 — Provincial Registration
Find your regulator:
🔗 https://www.napra.ca/national-association-of-pharmacy-regulatory-authorities/membership/
What This Means for International Pharmacists
Canada offers strong long-term career opportunities:
✔ Stable demand
✔ Competitive salaries
✔ Advanced clinical roles
✔ Clear licensing pathway
Qualified pharmacists have strong opportunities to build a career in Canada.
Final Takeaway
Even though the number of pharmacists in Canada is increasing each year, demand remains high due to structural healthcare needs and evolving roles.
✔ Growing workforce
✔ Strong job openings
✔ Ongoing shortage conditions
✔ Expanding scope of practice
👉 Canada remains one of the top destinations for pharmacists globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pharmacists in demand in Canada?
Yes. Pharmacists are in demand in Canada due to workforce shortages, an ageing population, and expanding clinical responsibilities.
Why are pharmacists in demand in Canada?
Demand is driven by growing healthcare needs, chronic disease management, medication complexity, and the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care.
What is the job outlook for pharmacists in Canada?
The job outlook remains strong, with long-term openings projected across the country and continued shortage pressure in the profession.
How can an international pharmacist become licensed in Canada?
Most international pharmacists must complete PEBC credential evaluation, pass the required exams, meet language requirements where applicable, complete practical training, and register with a provincial regulator.
What exams are required to become a pharmacist in Canada?
This usually involves the PEBC process, including the Evaluating Examination where required and the Qualifying Examination with MCQ and OSCE components.
Can international pharmacists get jobs in Canada?
Yes, once they meet licensing and registration requirements, they can apply for roles across community, hospital, and other healthcare settings.
Where can I find pharmacist jobs in Canada?
You can browse current pharmacist opportunities on MedicoTalent.
Pharmacy graduates by country, highest to lowest
- India — 200,000+ per year
- Based on the Indian Pharmaceutical Association statement that “more than 2 lakhs of Diploma and degree pharmacists are passing out each year.” Reliability: Medium-High.
- United States — 12,639 PharmD degrees (2022–23)
- From AACP’s national degrees-conferred reporting for U.S. pharmacy schools. Reliability: High.
- Japan — 11,070 graduates (2023)
- A recent compiled country dataset reports Japan at 11,070 pharmaceutical graduates in 2023; a Japan pharmacy education review also notes annual enrolment of 11,550 students across 73 pharmacy schools, which supports Japan’s very high output. Reliability: Medium.
- Philippines — around 4,000 graduates per year
- A UP Manila report says around 4,000 pharmacy students graduate annually; PRC also reported 4,555 candidates sat the November 2025 Pharmacists Licensure Examination, which is a useful cross-check but not the same as graduates. Reliability: Medium.
- United Kingdom — 3,160 graduates (2023)
- From a recent country graduate dataset. Reliability: Medium.
- Australia — close to 2,000 graduates per year
- FIP’s Australia profile says the country’s 17 accredited pharmacy schools graduate close to 2,000 students annually. Reliability: Medium-High.
- Canada — about 1,337 graduates per year (estimate)
- This is an inference using the previously cited 3.3 pharmacy graduates per 100,000 population figure for Canada and Statistics Canada’s 40,528,396 population estimate for October 1, 2023:
- 3.3 × 40,528,396 / 100,000 = 1,337. Reliability: Medium-Low, because it is derived rather than directly reported as a headcount.
Looking for Pharmacist Jobs in Canada?
👉 Pharmacist Jobs in Canada: https://www.medicotalent.com/jobs/pharmacist/in-canada
👉All Pharmacist Jobs: https://www.medicotalent.com/jobs/pharmacist
👉 Get Licensing Support: https://www.medicotalent.com/Licensing-and-Coaching-support-for-GCC-Healthcare-Licences