September 8, 2025
If you’ve been considering a career in healthcare but don’t necessarily want to spend years in school, working as a pharmacy assistant could be the right fit. It’s a role that blends healthcare knowledge, customer service, and hands-on technical skills. But before jumping in, it’s important to answer one big question: how much do pharmacy assistants make in Canada?
The short answer: wages are competitive, demand is strong, and opportunities exist in every province. The long answer is more interesting because wages vary across the country, depending on the region, type of employer, and even local cost of living. In this guide, we’ll explore national wages, province-by-province breakdowns, regional insights, and what makes pharmacy assistants valuable in today’s healthcare system.
Why Pharmacy Assistants Are Important
Pharmacy assistants are often the unsung heroes behind the counter. They’re the ones who make sure prescriptions are filled accurately, shelves are stocked, and patients leave with the right information and support. They:
- Prepare and package prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist
- Manage inventory and restock medications
- Interact with patients, answer questions, and provide customer service
- Handle administrative tasks like data entry, billing, and insurance processing
With pharmacies offering more services than ever from flu shots to health consultations, the need for skilled assistants is only growing.
Bonus Read: How To Become a Pharmacy Assistant in Canada?
National Overview: How Much Do Pharmacy Assistants Make in Canada?
So, how much do pharmacy assistants make in Canada overall? According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank (updated December 2024), here’s the national picture:
|
Location |
Low ($/hr) |
Median ($/hr) |
High ($/hr) |
|
Canada (National) |
15.80 |
20.00 |
29.00 |
The median wage of $20/hour means a full-time pharmacy assistant working 40 hours per week could earn around $41,600 annually before taxes. At the higher end, wages can approach or exceed $29/hour, translating into more than $60,000 annually.
🎓 Study Pharmacy Assistant Online: CDI College Online 🎓
Pharmacy Assistant Wages by Province and Region
Now let’s dig into the details province by province.
How Much Do Pharmacy Assistants Make in Alberta
Alberta stands out with some of the highest pharmacy assistant wages in Canada.
|
Region |
Low ($/hr) |
Median ($/hr) |
High ($/hr) |
|
Alberta (Province) |
16.41 |
24.56 |
31.78 |
|
Athabasca–Grande Prairie–Peace River |
16.41 |
24.56 |
31.78 |
|
Banff–Jasper–Rocky Mountain House |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Calgary |
16.41 |
23.00 |
29.50 |
|
Camrose–Drumheller |
16.41 |
24.56 |
31.78 |
|
Edmonton |
18.64 |
25.00 |
31.78 |
|
Lethbridge–Medicine Hat |
15.05 |
24.50 |
37.75 |
|
Red Deer |
16.41 |
24.56 |
31.78 |
|
Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake |
15.00 |
22.00 |
26.00 |
Highlights: Edmonton and Calgary offer stable median wages, while Lethbridge–Medicine Hat shows one of the highest maximum wages in the country at $37.75/hour.
🎓 Study Pharmacy Assistant in Alberta: CDI College Alberta🎓
How Much Do Pharmacy Assistants Make in British Columbia
British Columbia also offers competitive wages, especially in urban areas.
|
Region |
Low ($/hr) |
Median ($/hr) |
High ($/hr) |
|
British Columbia (Province) |
17.85 |
20.75 |
30.00 |
|
Cariboo |
17.85 |
20.75 |
30.00 |
|
Kootenay |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Lower Mainland–Southwest |
17.85 |
20.75 |
30.00 |
|
Nechako |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
North Coast |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Northeast |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Thompson–Okanagan |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Vancouver Island and Coast |
17.85 |
20.75 |
30.00 |
Highlights: The Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island both hit the provincial high of $30/hour, making BC a strong choice for pharmacy assistants.
🎓 Study Pharmacy Assistant in BC: CDI College, BC🎓
How Much Do Pharmacy Assistants Make in Manitoba
Wages in Manitoba are solid, with slightly higher pay in Winnipeg.
|
Region |
Low ($/hr) |
Median ($/hr) |
High ($/hr) |
|
Manitoba (Province) |
15.80 |
21.17 |
27.00 |
|
Interlake |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
North Central |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
North |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Parklands |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
South Central |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Southeast |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Southwest |
15.80 |
19.00 |
27.00 |
|
Winnipeg |
15.80 |
23.00 |
26.00 |
Highlights: The Winnipeg region offers the highest median wage at $23/hour, reflecting demand in the province’s largest healthcare hub.
How Much Do Pharmacy Assistants Make in Ontario
Ontario has one of the largest pharmacy assistant workforces and a wide wage range.
|
Region |
Low ($/hr) |
Median ($/hr) |
High ($/hr) |
|
Ontario (Province) |
17.20 |
19.64 |
28.50 |
|
Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula |
17.20 |
22.35 |
30.55 |
|
Kingston–Pembroke |
17.20 |
19.64 |
28.50 |
|
Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie |
17.20 |
20.50 |
26.00 |
|
London |
17.50 |
20.75 |
29.80 |
|
Muskoka–Kawarthas |
17.20 |
19.64 |
28.50 |
|
Northeast |
17.20 |
18.00 |
27.88 |
|
Northwest |
17.20 |
19.05 |
28.00 |
|
Ottawa |
17.20 |
19.64 |
28.50 |
|
Stratford–Bruce Peninsula |
17.20 |
19.64 |
28.50 |
|
Toronto |
17.20 |
19.50 |
31.97 |
|
Windsor–Sarnia |
17.20 |
19.64 |
28.50 |
Highlights: Toronto tops the chart with a maximum of $31.97/hour, making it one of the most lucrative urban centres for pharmacy assistants.
🎓 Study Pharmacy Assistant in Ontario: CDI College, Ontario🎓
How Much Do Pharmacy Assistants Make in Quebec
Quebec’s wages are steady across the province, with a few standout regions.
|
Region |
Low ($/hr) |
Median ($/hr) |
High ($/hr) |
|
Quebec (Province) |
16.10 |
20.00 |
26.00 |
|
Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
16.10 |
18.50 |
23.00 |
|
Bas-Saint-Laurent |
17.00 |
21.00 |
25.00 |
|
Capitale-Nationale |
16.10 |
21.50 |
27.78 |
|
Centre-du-Québec |
16.10 |
20.00 |
26.00 |
|
Chaudière-Appalaches |
16.10 |
20.00 |
26.00 |
|
Côte-Nord |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Estrie |
17.00 |
20.00 |
26.00 |
|
Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine |
19.75 |
22.00 |
26.00 |
|
Lanaudière |
16.10 |
20.00 |
26.00 |
|
Laurentides |
16.10 |
20.00 |
26.00 |
|
Laval |
16.10 |
20.00 |
27.00 |
|
Mauricie |
16.10 |
20.00 |
26.00 |
|
Montréal |
16.10 |
20.00 |
26.00 |
|
Montérégie |
16.10 |
17.50 |
26.00 |
|
Nord-du-Québec |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Outaouais |
16.10 |
22.00 |
27.00 |
|
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean |
17.00 |
19.20 |
22.00 |
Highlights: Outaouais and Capitale-Nationale regions hit highs over $27/hour, reflecting strong demand.
Other Provinces and Territories
|
Province |
Low ($/hr) |
Median ($/hr) |
High ($/hr) |
|
New Brunswick |
15.65 |
19.50 |
25.00 |
|
Newfoundland and Labrador |
16.00 |
17.00 |
26.00 |
|
Nova Scotia |
15.70 |
18.00 |
25.00 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
16.00 |
20.00 |
25.00 |
|
Saskatchewan |
16.00 |
20.50 |
25.00 |
|
Northwest Territories |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Nunavut |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Yukon |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Highlights: Saskatchewan edges slightly higher than other Atlantic provinces with a median of $20.50/hour.
Why Wages Vary Across Canada
You might wonder why a pharmacy assistant in Toronto can earn nearly $32/hour while someone in Nova Scotia earns closer to $18/hour. Several factors explain the differences:
- Cost of living: Wages in Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton reflect higher housing and living costs.
- Demand for workers: Regions with shortages, like rural Alberta, often offer higher wages.
- Work setting: Hospital and specialized pharmacies may pay more than retail chains.
- Experience: Pharmacy assistants with years of experience, or additional certifications, command higher pay.
Beyond Hourly Wages: Benefits
According to Job Bank data, about 67% of pharmacy assistants in Canada receive non-wage benefits. These often include:
- Employer-paid health and dental insurance
- Life insurance and pension plans
- Paid sick leave and vacation days
- Parental or caregiver leave
- Employer contributions to EI and CPP/QPP
These perks can add thousands of dollars of value to your total compensation.
How Training Impacts Your Earning Potential
While you can sometimes learn on the job, completing a diploma program makes you more competitive and can help you start closer to the median or even higher wages.
CDI College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Highlights
- Comprehensive curriculum: pharmacology, pharmacy software (KROLL), customer service, and medical terminology
- Hands-on learning: practicum placement plus a capstone project
- Certifications included: WHMIS, First Aid, and CPR Level 1
- Career services: resume, interview prep, and job search support for six months post-graduation
- Work-ready focus: prepares graduates for community pharmacies, hospitals, and online/mail-order pharmacies
Graduates enter the job market ready to meet employer expectations, which can directly translate into better starting wages.
Final Thoughts
So, how much do pharmacy assistants make in Canada? On average, about $20/hour nationally, with strong earning potential in provinces like Alberta, BC, Ontario, and Quebec. Top-paying regions like Toronto and Lethbridge–Medicine Hat reach $30–37/hour, making this a stable and rewarding career.
With steady demand, strong job outlooks, and an aging workforce, opportunities will continue to grow. Combine this with training from a program like CDI College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma, and you’ll be prepared not only to enter the field but to thrive in it.
