Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists are biomedical scientists who analyse and study pharmaceutical drugs and their effects on the human body and overall wellbeing. They test drugs on living cells in the laboratory (as well as through clinical trials) and then make recommendations for the development and manufacture of new pharmaceutical products. Pharmacologists are often required to carry out drug testing on non-human animals.

As a Pharmacologist you could be examining blood and urine samples from participants in a clinical trial, cleaning and sanitising laboratory equipment, ensuring the wellbeing of test subjects, entering lab test results into a structured database, writing a progress report for the R&D department, replacing stocks of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing chemicals, or attending an international conference for Pharmacologists and biomedical research professionals.

Pharmacologists spend most of their workday in the laboratory and at a computer desk, analysing data and writing reports. To succeed in this occupation you will need focused attention, a commitment to accuracy and data integrity, and the ability to create meaningful reports and recommendations from your research and laboratory work.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $88,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a pharmacologist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Pharmacology)
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$7,950 - $9,314
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmaceutical Scientist Pharmacologist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmaceutical Scientist Pharmacologist

Bachelor of Pharmacy
On Campus
4 years
$0 - $36,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacist Pharmacologist Clinical Pharmacist
Medical Science Liaison Medical Advisor
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacist Pharmacologist Clinical Pharmacist Medical Science Liaison Medical Advisor + 2 more

Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $123,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacologist Pharmaceutical Scientist Quality Control Analyst
Clinical Researcher
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacologist Pharmaceutical Scientist Quality Control Analyst Clinical Researcher + 1 more

Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology)
On Campus
3 years
$25,200 - $27,401
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Clinical Trial Coordinator Pharmacologist Clinical Scientist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Clinical Trial Coordinator Pharmacologist Clinical Scientist

Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours)
On Campus
4 years
$0 - $32,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacologist Toxicologist Pharmaceutical Scientist
Medicinal Chemist Medical Chemist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacologist Toxicologist Pharmaceutical Scientist Medicinal Chemist Medical Chemist + 2 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Research and Development Chemist

A Research and Development Chemist designs and tests new products across industries, focusing on safety and effectiveness while working in teams.

Avg yearly income $88,400
Skill level Advanced

Analytical Chemist

Analytical Chemists analyse chemical substances for applications in drug development, food manufacturing, and environmental science, conducting experiments and reporting findings.

Avg yearly income $83,460
Skill level Advanced

Chemist

Chemists analyse the properties and behaviour of chemical substances in various industries, conducting tests and research to support advancements in science and technology.

Avg yearly income $83,200
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Common questions

How much do Pharmacologists earn?

Pharmacologists can earn between $79,051 and $116,189 per annum, which translates to a weekly salary of approximately $1,517 to $2,237. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate qualifications in a specialist area such as biochemistry, physiology, toxicology, or microbiology, and joining an industry association like the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT).

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What are the job opportunities for Pharmacologists?

There are no clear employment figures for Australian Pharmacologists at this time. They are employed by scientific and medical research centres, pharmaceutical companies, universities and academic institutions, government health organisations, manufacturing companies, conservation organisations, and more.

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How do I become a Pharmacologist?

Launch your career as a Pharmacologist in Australia with a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology), Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, or Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology). You will also benefit from a Master of Pharmacology (Research) or Master of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology).

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

A Beginner's Guide to Laboratory Technician Training in Australia

7th February 2025)

What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

25th October 2022)

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

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