I’m a pharmacist recruiter based in New Zealand and have been helping pharmacists (including a few from the US) explore opportunities over here.
I’ve seen a few discussions in this sub about burnout, workload, and frustration with the US system, so thought it might be useful to offer some real, on-the-ground insight into what working as a pharmacist in NZ actually looks like.
To be upfront, yes, salaries are generally lower than the US. But the feedback I consistently hear is that the pace, expectations, and overall lifestyle are very different (in a good way). Think more balance, less pressure, and a healthcare system that’s a bit easier to navigate day-to-day.
Happy to answer questions on things like:
- Registration and getting licensed in NZ
- Job market and demand
- Salary ranges and cost of living
- Questions about working in retail/community pharmacy
- Visa pathways and relocation process and what support you can expect
- What people find better… and what they don’t
My feedback will be honest and open, offering insights into what I see working with pharmacists making the move.
Thanks, Mel Pantelides - at Humanlogix in New Zealand