Pharmacist vs Physician Assistant salary
In New Zealand, a physician assistant earns about 42% more than a pharmacist — $146,243 vs $103,061 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician Assistant$146,243/yr
- Monthly
- $12,206
- Hourly
- $70
- Range
- $106,746–$194,492
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Pharmacist | Physician Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $79,858 | $106,746 |
| 25th | $91,489 | $126,495 |
| Median | $103,061 | $146,243 |
| 75th | $117,225 | $170,368 |
| Senior (90th) | $131,389 | $194,492 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a pharmacist or physician assistant earn more in New Zealand?
- A physician assistant earns more, at about $254,000 per year vs $179,000 for a pharmacist — roughly 42% ($75,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A pharmacist typically earns $138,700–$228,200, while a physician assistant earns $185,400–$337,800 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a pharmacist averages about $14,900 and a physician assistant about $21,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a pharmacist earns about $138,700 while a physician assistant earns about $185,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a pharmacist earns about $228,200 while a physician assistant earns about $337,800 per year.
- Are pharmacist and physician assistant similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.