Pharma Jobs in Australia: Latest Salaries, Roles & Scope 2025

Written by

Inayat Sharma

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Feb 22,2025

Pharma Jobs in Australia: Opportunities for Indian Professionals - TerraTern

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We find Australia’s pharmaceutical industry to be an evolving, job-laden area of opportunity. With a projected annual growth of 5.8% for the years between 2025 and 2030, the industry is rapidly increasing in research content and manufacturing and regulatory affairs in regards to pharma jobs in Australia. The $1.5 billion investment in medical research and the newly laid down pathways to realign the visa system put Australia in focus for Indian professionals.

A wide range of job roles offers higher pay packets and career stability, travelling from a pharmacist to a clinical researcher. Analysis of the job opportunities, possibilities for obtaining a visa, salary expectations, and success stories will guide Indian professionals toward successful pharma jobs in Australia. 

 

Latest Facts and News

  • Australia's pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.8% from 2025 to 2030.

  • The Australian government declared a $1.5 billion investment in medical research and pharmaceutical manufacturing in January 2025.

  • Demand for pharma jobs in Australia increased by 12% in Australia since last year.

  • New visa pathways for skilled pharmaceutical professionals came into existence in March 2025.

  • Australia's largest pharmaceutical company, CSL, has pledged to create an additional 1,000 pharma jobs in Australia by the close of 2025.

Explore the ever-burgeoning job market in Australia about the pharmaceutical industry and how Indian professionals can leverage lucrative opportunities in this thriving industry Down Under. Let's learn more about pharma jobs in Australia!

Pharma Jobs in Australia - TerraTern

Overview of the Pharmaceutical Industry in Australia

The value of Australia's pharmaceutical industry stands ever significantly in contributing to the economy, estimated at above $50 billion. Hence, the industry can continue performing due to ever-increasing investments in research and development (R&D), biotechnology, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Hence the increased demand of pharma jobs in Australia.

Also Read: Immigration To Australia: Everything You Need To Know

Key Players in the Australian Pharmaceutical Market in 2025

Several multinational and domestic pharmaceutical companies operate in Australia and offer pharma jobs in Australia. Given are some that are considered to be the top pharmaceutical firms offering top pharma jobs in Australia: 

Company

Headquarters

Specialization

Job Opportunities

CSL

Melbourne

Biotechnology, Vaccines

Research, Manufacturing

Pfizer Australia

Sydney

Prescription Medicines

Sales, R&D

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Melbourne

Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines

Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs

AstraZeneca

Sydney

Oncology, Respiratory Medicines

Research, Sales

Novartis

Sydney

Generic & Biosimilar Medicines

Marketing, Quality Assurance

Recent Developments and Future Prospects of Pharma Jobs in Australia

Below are the recent developments with pharma jobs in australia:

  • Government Initiatives: Tax allowances and grants foster pharmaceutical R&D within Australia.

  • Biotechnology Boom: Biotech in Australia is expected to increase together with the pharma manufacturing domain.

  • Digitisation: AI and digitisation continue to leverage on ensuring efficacy in production and drug development.

Pharma Jobs in Australia: Types and Opportunities in 2025

There are many career paths available to aspiring candidates in the Australian pharmaceutical industry. Following are some of the significant pharma jobs in Australia categories available:

Research and Development Pharma Jobs in Australia

  •  Pharmaceutical Scientist

  • Clinical Research Associate

  • Drug Safety Specialist

Manufacturing and Quality Control Pharma Jobs in Australia

  • Production Manager

  • Quality Assurance Analyst

  • Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Inspector

Pharma Sales and Marketing

  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

  • Medical Science Liaison

  • Product Manager 

Pharma Jobs in Australia for Indian Professionals

The Australian pharmaceutical sector is quite new and on a high growth curve; vast opportunities await Indian professionals. Gujarat pharmacists, researchers, and quality assurance professionals could find lucrative roles in Australia due to the rising demand for pharma jobs in Australia for Indians and better salary offers, along with generous visa pathways. Its advanced healthcare system, research-oriented pharmaceutical industry, and government support are prime factors that encourage the growth of careers there, along with the best pharma jobs in Australia for Indians.

It's important to know what The visa requirements will be, how the credentialing process works, and what to expect from this industry. This section discusses job prospects and various visa options, recognition of Indian qualifications, and the success stories of Indian professionals who get pharma jobs in Australia for Indians.

Pharma Jobs in Australia for Indian Professionals - TerraTern

Visa Requirements for Indian Pharmaceutical Professionals

The following are the key visa options for an Indian professional to look into pharma jobs in Australia as per types: 

Visa Type

Eligibility Criteria

Duration

Pathway to PR

Additional Requirements

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

Employer sponsorship, relevant qualifications, minimum work experience

Up to 4 years

Possible via Subclass 186

Must work for the sponsoring employer

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa)

Employer nomination, skills assessment, work experience in Australia

Permanent

Direct PR

Requires at least three years of work experience

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)

Points-based (minimum 65 points), occupation in demand list, English proficiency

Permanent

Direct PR

No employer sponsorship required

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)

State nomination, occupation on the skilled list, meet point criteria

Permanent

Direct PR

Must live and work in the nominating state for two years

Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)

State or family sponsorship, occupation on regional demand list

5 years

PR via Subclass 191

Must live and work in a regional area

Recognition of Indian Qualifications in Australia

For Indian pharmaceutical professionals, having their qualifications recognized in Australia is essential to securing relevant pharma jobs in Australia roles. The recognition process depends on the specific profession within the pharmaceutical industry:

1. Pharmacists

  • Indian pharmacy degrees must be accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
  • Applicants need to pass the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam.
  • After passing, they must complete an internship and a registration exam under the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

2. Research and Development (R&D) Professionals

  • No formal accreditation is required; employers assess qualifications.
  • A skills assessment by VETASSESS or Engineers Australia may be required for visa purposes.

3. Quality Control and Regulatory Affairs Specialists

  • Recognition depends on employer requirements and prior experience.
  • Some roles may require certification from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

4. Sales and Marketing Professionals in Pharma

  • No licensing is required; Australian employers assess qualifications based on experience and skills.

Also Read: Australia Visitor Visa Processing Time from India

Success Stories of Indian Professionals in Australian Pharma

Many Indian pharmaceutical professionals have successfully built flourishing careers abroad. For instance, Dr. Ananya Rao, a clinical research scientist from India, got into a top biotech company after completing her APC accreditation and KAPS exam. Rahul Mehta, for example, transitioned with ease into Australia's healthcare system through the Subclass 482 visa and later settled down as a permanent resident.

Neha Sharma, a regulatory affairs specialist, capitalized on her Indian work experience to move to high-paying pharma jobs in Australia with an international pharmaceutical company. These success stories affirm that Indian professionals can certainly carve a niche for themselves in Australia's booming pharma sector given the right qualifications and strategy.

How to Find Pharma Jobs in Australia in 2025?

Finding Pharma Jobs in Australia - TerraTern

It would take a scientific approach, dependent upon factors such as networking, online pharma jobs in Australia portals, or understanding industry requirements, for an Indian professional to get a pharma jobs in Australia. Professionals from India can leverage various platforms, professional associations, and recruitment agencies to maximize their odds. This section outlines some of the most essential job search strategies to help professionals land the right opportunity.

Best Job Portals to Look for Pharmaceutical Jobs in Australia

Finding the right pharmaceutical job in Australia calls for exploits into some of the reliable pharma jobs in Australia portals that specialize in healthcare and pharma roles. Here are the most recommended platforms: 

Job Portal

Description

Specialization

Seek

Australia’s largest job portal with pharma and healthcare listings

All pharma roles

Indeed Australia

Aggregates job postings from multiple sources, including pharma companies

Research, manufacturing, sales

LinkedIn Jobs

Professional networking site with pharma job listings and recruiter connections

R&D, quality assurance, sales

Pharmaceutical Careers

Industry-specific job portal featuring pharmaceutical and biotech jobs

R&D, regulatory affairs, clinical research

APS Jobs (Australian Public Service)

Lists government and public sector pharma roles

Public healthcare, regulatory jobs

These portals provide a great starting point for Indian professionals looking to enter Australia’s pharmaceutical industry. Let me know if you need further guidance!

Networking and Professional Associations for Pharma Jobs in Australia

Building a strong professional network is crucial for securing pharmaceutical jobs in Australia. Joining industry associations and attending networking events can provide valuable connections, job leads, and industry insights. Here are some key professional associations for pharmaceutical professionals:

Association

Description

Benefits

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)

Represents pharmacists and supports professional development

Training, certifications, networking

Medicines Australia

Represents pharmaceutical companies and industry professionals

Advocacy, job opportunities, industry updates

Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)

Accredits pharmacy qualifications and oversees licensing

Recognition of overseas qualifications

Australian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT)

Focuses on clinical pharmacology and toxicology research

Research collaborations, conferences

Association of Regulatory and Clinical Scientists (ARCS Australia)

Supports regulatory affairs and clinical trials professionals

Training programs, career development

Membership in these associations shows a whole set of opportunities for work, possible contacts, and knowledge about the whole market, including conditions for advancement. If you want me to specify anything else, dear!

Networking and Professional Associations for Pharma Jobs in Australia - TerraTern

Skills and Qualifications Required for Pharmaceutical Jobs in Australia

The pharmaceutical industry in Australia requires people with a mixture of technical knowledge and soft skills. The following are five core skills and qualifications that should be in stock:

1. An understanding of TGA standards and regulations governing compliance in Australia.

2. Training in GMP is essential for all manufacturing and QA personnel.

3. Knowledge of clinical research and laboratory techniques is a plus for R&D roles, along with being able to formulate proper medicines and conduct clinical trials.

4. Communication and networking skills are essential in liaising with clients and industry professionals about sales, marketing, and regulatory affairs.

5. Recognition of Indian Qualifications – Pharmacists require accreditation from the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), while other professionals may need a skills assessment for visa eligibility.

Acquiring these skills will help enhance job prospects and career development in the vigorously growing pharmaceutical sector of Australia. Let me know if you require more info!

Salary Ranges for Pharmaceutical Jobs in Australia

Salary Ranges for Pharmaceutical Jobs in Australia - TerraTern

Here is an overview of salaries for various roles: 

Job Role

Entry-Level Salary (AUD)

Experienced Salary (AUD)

Entry-Level Salary (INR)

Experienced Salary (INR)

Pharmacist

70000

120000

3850000

6600000

Clinical Research Associate

65000

110000

3575000

6050000

Quality Assurance Manager

80000

130000

4400000

7150000

Pharmaceutical Sales Rep

60000

100000

3300000

5500000

R&D Scientist

75000

125000

4125000

6875000

Also Read: Australia Transit Visa from India: Get the Latest Details

Challenges and Considerations for Indian Professionals

Certain obstacles may stand in the way of Indian pharmacy professionals looking for jobs in Australia. Below are just five key observations worthy of consideration.

1. Licensing and Registration – To be employed as a pharmacist in Australia, one must have passed the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) examination and provided proof and completion of the Ensuing Internship.

2. Competition in the Job Market – Employers usually prefer their candidates with Australian work experience, thus essential to acquire local exposure through internships and networking opportunities.

3. Visa and Work Permits – Getting suitable visa sponsorship in Australia for guaranteed job placement is a tedious process that usually requires applicants to comply with a set of strict requirements.

4. Cultural and Workplace Differences – There could be a phase of adjustment while transitioning to Australian workplace culture, communication, and professional specifications.

5. Moving and Living Costs – There is a high cost of living, covering accommodation costs, medical insurance, and spending for a daily commute that one needs to budget for when moving to Australia.

Future of Pharma Jobs in Australia

These are the future predictions for pharma jobs in australia:

  • Biotechnological and AI Enhancement – The time to come is teleologically aimed at working out augmented pharmaceutical production with AI-gathered information for research and other developmental processes.

  • Escalating Generics – Increasing competition will create sustained interest in generics.

  • Expansion of Clinical Trials – Australia is the most preferred place for clinical research internationally.

 

Conclusion

A vivid, flourishing pharmaceutical industry welcomes all pharmaceutical professionals from India with a huge amount of pharma jobs in Australia to its shores, a promising abode for one to look at in considering the prospects of working in Australia. Between governments counting on sourcing professionals into Australia, the search for skilled workers in a growing area, and an attractive salary package, the future is bright for Indian professionals in the pharmaceutical industry in Australia's future.

Look into the opportunities today and take the next step towards pharma jobs in Australia. To learn more about the Australian job market, visit Terra Tern!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top pharmaceutical companies hiring in Australia?

Some of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Australia include CSL, Pfizer Australia, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), AstraZeneca, and Novartis. These companies offer roles in research, manufacturing, quality control, and sales.

How does the salary for pharma jobs in Australia compare to India?

Salaries for pharmaceutical professionals in Australia are significantly higher than in India. For example, pharmacists in Australia earn between 3,850,000 to 6,600,000 INR annually, while in India, the average salary is considerably lower.

Are there any special visa programs for skilled pharmaceutical professionals in Australia?

Yes, skilled pharmaceutical professionals can apply for visas such as Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa), Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa), and Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa). These visas provide pathways to work and permanent residency.

What is the job market outlook for pharmacists in Australia?

The demand for pharmacists in Australia has increased by 12% in the past year, and the industry is expected to grow steadily due to an aging population and increased healthcare investments.

How important is English proficiency for securing pharma jobs in Australia?

English proficiency is essential for working in the Australian pharmaceutical industry. Most employers require candidates to clear IELTS, PTE, or OET exams, particularly for roles requiring direct patient interaction or regulatory compliance.