Average Income & Income Distribution

Recruitment in the pharmaceutical sector should be relatively easy since the average weekly salary ($838.40) excluding the salary of self-employed workers, is well above the national average ($595.60).

As indicated in Figure 4, most employees in the pharmaceutical and medicine industry earn an annual salary in the $20,000-$59,999 income bracket. Few receive under $20,000 and over $60,000 per year. Wages in the pharmaceutical sector tend to be higher than the overall average. Twenty-two% of the sectoral workforce, compared to 15% at the national level, earn $30,000-$39,999 annually. (Source: Statistics Canada, Census 1996)
The sector is perceived to pay well and offer good benefits. Pay differs according to the occupation. An employee in sales/marketing can earn $40,000 to $45,000 and earn a bonus. A research scientist (with a Ph.D.) can earn over $60,000.