Pharmacist Salary in Kenya (2025)
Average gross salary KES 80,000 — Net take-home pay after all statutory deductions
Full Deductions Breakdown — Pharmacist KES 80,000
| Deduction / Item | Monthly (KES) | Annual (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | 80,000 | 960,000 |
| NSSF (Tier I & II, capped) | 4,320 | 51,840 |
| SHIF (2.75%) | 2,200 | 26,400 |
| Housing Levy (1.5%) | 1,200 | 14,400 |
| PAYE (Income Tax) | 14,067 | 168,804 |
| Personal Relief (deducted from PAYE) | 2,400 | 28,800 |
| Net Pay (Take-Home) | 58,213 | 698,556 |
Pharmacist Salary Ranges in Kenya (2025)
Salaries vary by experience level, employer type, and location. Below are the typical ranges for 2025:
| Level | Gross Salary (KES/month) | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 50,000 – 70,000 | Intern Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist |
| Mid-Level | 70,000 – 120,000 | Hospital Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist |
| Senior Level | 120,000 – 200,000 | Chief Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Manager |
Pharmacist Job Market in Kenya
- Demand: High. Kenya's expanding healthcare system and growing pharmaceutical retail sector consistently require qualified pharmacists.
- Top Employers: Kenyatta National Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, private hospital chains (MP Shah, Nairobi Hospital), pharmacy chains (Goodlife, Haltons, Naivas Pharmacy), pharmaceutical companies, MOH.
- Top Cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru.
- Key skills: Dispensing, pharmacovigilance, clinical pharmacy, drug information, pharmaceutical management, Kenya Pharmacy & Poisons Board registration.
- Effective deduction rate: At KES 80,000 gross, you lose 27.2% of your salary to statutory deductions.
- Annual net pay: KES 698,556 per year.
Pharmacist Salary Kenya — FAQs
What is the average pharmacist salary in Kenya in 2025?
The average gross salary for a pharmacist in Kenya is approximately KES 70,000–120,000 per month in 2025. A mid-level pharmacist earning KES 80,000 gross takes home KES 58,213 per month after statutory deductions.
How much PAYE does a pharmacist pay in Kenya?
On a KES 80,000 gross salary, a pharmacist pays KES 14,067 in PAYE per month. Taxable income is KES 72,280 after NSSF (KES 4,320), SHIF (KES 2,200), and Housing Levy (KES 1,200) deductions.
Do pharmacists need to register with a professional body in Kenya?
Yes. All practising pharmacists in Kenya must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and hold a valid annual practising certificate.
How does a hospital pharmacist salary compare to a community pharmacist in Kenya?
Hospital pharmacists, especially in large referral hospitals or private facilities, typically earn more than community pharmacists. Hospital salaries range from KES 70,000 to KES 150,000, while community/retail pharmacists may earn KES 50,000–80,000.
Related Salary Calculations
Other professions in Kenya:
Salary after tax by amount: