Job prospects Retail Pharmacist in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a major labour shortage for Pharmacists in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region. There were far more job openings than workers available to fill them in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Assessment Methodology

The employment outlook will be very good for Pharmacists (NOC 31120) in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation depends mainly on the full scope of practice, the volume of prescription drugs and the development of new drugs.

As of 2020, members of this profession who work in pharmacies have been authorized to take on new activities to make health care more accessible for the public. These activities include administering vaccines, prescribing medication for minor conditions, refilling prescriptions and providing some clinical activities free of charge.

With an aging population, longer life expectancy and investments in research to develop new drugs, the need for this occupation is expected to increase.

For several years, many positions in health care institutions have been difficult to fill due to the appeal of the private sector.

Here are some key facts about Pharmacists in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region:

• Approximately 370 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Pharmacists mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 87%
  • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 13%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology