Exploring the demographics, educational qualifications, and remunerations of pharmacists in diverse practice settings in Nigeria

Purpose: To investigate the socio-demographic attributes of pharmacists, examine income patterns, consider monthly salaries and additional income sources, as well as analyze variations based on educational qualifications and practice settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined socio-demographic characteristics, educational qualifications, income patterns, and job satisfaction among Nigerian Pharmacy graduates. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire targeting 618 Pharmacy graduate respondents. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square, analysis of variance and correlation tests, were conducted to assess key variables and determine associations. Results: Socio-demographic characteristics varied across universities attended, with private universities having a higher percentage of young female graduates. First-degree holders predominantly earned monthly salaries between ₦100,000 ($236.0) and ₦150,000 ($354.0), while Ph.D. holders received higher salaries. Salary distribution analysis across practice settings showed higher salaries in academia, administration, hospitals and industry than in community pharmacies. The salary variations in industry were the highest. Conclusion: The study reveals that first-degree holders earned the lowest salaries, while Ph.D holders earned higher salaries, showcasing the varied career trajectories in pharmacy. Discrepancies in salary distribution across practice settings emphasize the necessity for tailored strategies to tackle challenges encountered by pharmacists in different environments. These insights inform the need for educational policies and workforce planning efforts to improve job satisfaction among pharmacists in Nigeria.