Pharmacist salaries in London, Ontario are among the most competitive in Southwestern Ontario, driven by steady demand across community pharmacies, hospital outpatient departments, and long-term care. Whether you are a new graduate weighing your first offer, an experienced pharmacist comparing staff and relief pay, or a locum setting your day rate, this guide breaks down what London pharmacists earn in 2026.
Reported figures vary by source and setting: national salary data and surveys put the London average between roughly $48 and $64 per hour, or about $114,000 to $133,000 a year for full-time work. Relief and locum pharmacists typically command the highest hourly rates, since they trade benefits and job security for flexibility and premium pay.
How Much Do Pharmacists Make in London, Ontario?
A typical pharmacist in London earns around $55 per hour, with entry-level roles starting near $43 and senior relief work reaching $68 per hour or more. On the platform, the highest-paying urgent and overnight shifts in Southwestern Ontario run from $65 all the way to $110 per hour. Here is how the typical hourly rate climbs with experience:
Typical blended hourly rate by experience, London, Ontario (2026). Relief roles sit at the upper end of each band.
Pharmacist Salary Breakdown in London, Ontario
Pay depends heavily on the type of role. Staff pharmacists earn a steady wage plus benefits; relief pharmacists earn a premium hourly rate for covering shifts on short notice; part-time roles fall slightly below staff pay. The table below shows typical London hourly rates by experience and role.
| Experience Level | Staff Pharmacist | Relief Pharmacist | Part-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0 to 2 yrs) | $43/hr | $50/hr | $41/hr |
| Mid-Career (3 to 7 yrs) | $53/hr | $59/hr | $49/hr |
| Senior (8+ yrs) | $62/hr | $68/hr | $57/hr |
Annualized, a full-time London pharmacist earns roughly $89,000 to $141,000 depending on experience and role, with most mid-career pharmacists landing near $114,000 per year. Want to price a specific shift or contract? Use the pharmacist rate calculator.
Sources: Government of Canada Job Bank, Indeed Canada, and SalaryExpert (2025 to 2026). Rates are typical ranges and vary by employer, setting, and shift.
Pharmacist Salary by Pharmacy Type in London, Ontario
Where you work shapes your pay as much as your years of experience. Hospital and long-term care roles reward clinical skills, high-volume chains offer steady hours and benefits, and relief or locum coverage tops the range in every setting.
| Pharmacy Setting | Typical Hourly Rate | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Community / Chain Retail | $45 to $58/hr | Steady hours, benefits, high prescription volume |
| Independent Pharmacy | $46 to $60/hr | Broader scope and more flexible scheduling |
| Hospital / Outpatient | $48 to $62/hr | Clinical focus, specialized skills valued |
| Long-Term Care | $47 to $60/hr | Medication reviews and resident care |
| Relief / Locum (any setting) | $55 to $110/hr | Premium for short-notice and off-hours coverage |
New Graduate Pharmacist Pay in London, Ontario
New pharmacists entering the London market can expect $41 to $50 per hour in their first two years, or roughly $85,000 to $104,000 annually full-time. The fastest way for a new graduate to move up the range is relief work: it pays a premium from day one, builds experience across many pharmacy types quickly, and lets you set your own rate as your reputation grows. Many London new grads supplement a staff role with weekend and evening relief shifts to reach senior-level earnings years earlier.
What Affects Pharmacist Pay in London, Ontario?
Two pharmacists in London with the same license can earn very different amounts. The biggest factors are:
- Role type. Relief and locum pharmacists earn the most per hour; staff roles trade a lower rate for benefits and stability.
- Shift timing. Evenings, weekends, overnights, and same-day urgent coverage carry premium rates, often $65 to $110 per hour.
- Pharmacy type. Hospital, long-term care, and independent pharmacies often pay differently than large chains.
- Certifications and scope. Injection certification, MedsCheck experience, and minor-ailment prescribing under Ontario's expanded scope can raise your value.
- Software fluency. Experience with Kroll, Fillware, HealthWATCH, and other systems lets you step into any London pharmacy and command a higher rate.
How to Earn More as a Pharmacist in London, Ontario
If you want to move toward the top of the London pay range, the fastest levers are:
- Pick up relief shifts. Relief work pays a premium over staff roles. Browse open relief shifts and choose the rate and schedule that fit you.
- Set your own rate. On Relief Guru you name your price; pharmacies see it upfront. The set-your-rate guide shows how to price competitively.
- Target premium shifts. Weekend, overnight, and same-day coverage in and around London pays the most per hour.
- Keep more of what you earn. Track deductible expenses with the relief work tax deduction checklist to lower your tax bill.
- Build a reputation. Strong ratings and reliability on the platform lead to repeat invitations from London pharmacies at your preferred rate.
Ready to see live pay? Explore pharmacist jobs in London, Ontario or how Relief Guru staffs London pharmacies.
How London Pharmacist Pay Compares Across Ontario
London pharmacist pay sits close to the Ontario average and just below the highest-cost markets such as Toronto. Relief rates, though, stay competitive province-wide because demand for coverage is high everywhere. Here is how London compares to nearby Ontario cities:
| City | Average Hourly Rate | Full Salary Guide |
|---|---|---|
| London, Ontario | $55/hr | You are here |
| Toronto | $57/hr | Toronto pharmacist salary |
| Ottawa | $55/hr | Ottawa pharmacist salary |
| Mississauga | $56/hr | Mississauga pharmacist salary |
| Hamilton | $54/hr | Hamilton pharmacist salary |
For national and provincial benchmarks, see the full pharmacist salary guide for Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in London, Ontario?
What is the hourly rate for a pharmacist in London, Ontario?
Do relief pharmacists earn more than staff pharmacists in London?
How much do entry-level pharmacists make in London, Ontario?
What is the highest-paying pharmacist role in London, Ontario?
How can I earn more as a pharmacist in London?
Looking to hire instead? See how Relief Guru helps London pharmacies fill shifts fast. Compare salaries in other cities on the Canada pharmacist salary guide.
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