Australia vs New Zealand for Pharmacists

Introduction

New Zealand and Australia are among the most sought after countries for pharmacists. And for good reasons. The two nations offer an exclusive expectation of living, solid medical services frameworks, and phenomenal work possibilities. Notwithstanding, contrasts in compensation, permitting cycles, and balance between serious and fun activities can impact your choice. This guide will assist you with figuring out which nation suits you best.

Introduction

Table of Contents

1. Salary Comparison

2. Licensing and Registration Process

3. Job Market and Opportunities

4. Cost of Living and Lifestyle

5. Work-Life Balance

Conclusion

FAQs

1. Salary Comparison

Pharmacists in Australia procure a normal of AUD 80,000-120,000 every year, while in New Zealand, the compensation goes from NZD 70,000-100,000. The compensation in Australia is, for the most part, higher because of more noteworthy interest and a bigger medical care area.

Average Salaries:

Country / Region	Experience	Local Salary (Per Annum)
Australia – Sydney	0–2 yrs	A$95,000–110,000
	3–5 yrs	A$105,000–120,000
	6–10 yrs	A$115,000–130,000
	10+ / Lead	A$125,000–145,000
Australia – Melbourne	0–2 yrs	A$90,000–105,000
	3–5 yrs	A$100,000–115,000
	6–10 yrs	A$110,000–125,000
	10+ / Lead	A$120,000–140,000
New Zealand – Auckland	0–2 yrs	NZ$85,000–95,000
	3–5 yrs	NZ$95,000–110,000
	6–10 yrs	NZ$110,000–125,000
	10+ / Lead	NZ$125,000–145,000
New Zealand – Christchurch	0–2 yrs	NZ$70,000–85,000
	3–5 yrs	NZ$85,000–100,000
	6–10 yrs	NZ$100,000–115,000
	10+ / Lead	NZ$115,000–130,000

2. Licensing and Registration

For both countries, overseas pharmacists need to clear the OPRA exam before they can register as a pharmacist.

In Australia, pharmacists must register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA) and may need to complete an internship or additional training.

In New Zealand, registration is handled by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ). International pharmacists may need to complete the Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) before obtaining full registration.

3. Job Market and Opportunities

Australia has a big and varied pharmaceutical industry, which results in more jobs in hospitals, pharmacies, and research places. New Zealand has less because its population is smaller.

Areas with Demand:

Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

Find Your Perfect Job Match

4. Cost of Living and Lifestyle

Expenses of living in Australia are higher than in New Zealand, particularly in huge urban communities like Sydney and Melbourne. In any case, compensation in Australia helps to counterbalance this. New Zealand is known for having more reasonable lodging and more affordable travel.

Cost of Living Index:

Category	Australia (AUD)	INR	New Zealand (NZD)	INR
Housing in centre rent	2,800/month	₹153,500	2,500/month	₹125,500
Outside centre	1,772/ month	₹97,200	1,800/ month	₹90,400
Groceries (weekly, per family of 4)	150–200	₹4115–5480	150–200	₹7,531–10,040
Transportation (monthly pass)	150–170	₹8,225–9,320	150–200	₹7,531–10,040

5. Work-Life Balance

Australia and New Zealand both offer decent work-life balance. But, New Zealand is more relaxed, with shorter work hours and lower stress levels.

In Australia, pharmacists could have more tasks, especially in urban areas. But overtime is compensated well.

6. Visa and PR Opportunity

Step	Australia	New Zealand
Degree recognition	APC + OPRA exam (if needed)	PCNZ + OPRA exam (if needed)
Internship	1 year supervised practice	1 year intern program
Visa type	Skilled (189, 190, 491)	Green List → Straight to Residence / Skilled Migrant
Time to PR	2–4 years (points + work experience)	0–2 years (fast-track via Green List)
Citizenship	After 4 years PR + 1 year residence	After 5 years residence (with PR)
Difficulty	Medium–High (competitive points)	Easier (priority pathway for pharmacists)

In short:

Australia - More competitive (points-based), but higher salary.
New Zealand - Easier PR (Green List Tier 1), but slightly lower salary.

Which country is “best”?

Choose Australia if you want:

Higher earnings and a larger, more diverse job market.
Multiple visa routes
Mobility across states and regional centres.
A pathway that leads to strong career acceleration.

Choose New Zealand if you value:

A structured, cohort-based intern year and a clearly sequenced route.
Green List residency settings.
Lifestyle that emphasises community and outdoors.

Choosing Australia or New Zealand as a pharmacist is about what matters most to you. If you want better pay and more jobs, Australia is the way to go. But, if you want a cheaper living and a chill work vibe, New Zealand could be the right fit.

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