$50,000 Pharmacist Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship

Why the USA is Hiring Foreign Pharmacists in 2025

The demand for licensed pharmacists in the U.S. has surged over the past few years. As the country expands healthcare access and grapples with rural healthcare shortages, pharmacists are taking on more critical roles.

Key factors driving demand include:

Shortage of pharmacists in rural and underserved areas
Increased prescription medication use
Aging population with chronic illnesses
Pharmacists being integrated into clinical decision-making

Due to this talent gap, many top U.S. healthcare employers are now offering H-1B visa sponsorship, green card sponsorship (EB-3), and even paid internships to international pharmacy graduates who meet licensing requirements.

Can Foreign Pharmacists Work in the USA?

Yes—but there are critical steps and legal requirements to follow. The U.S. pharmacy system is regulated and requires proof of equivalent education, English proficiency, and licensing exams.

If you’re serious about working in the U.S., understanding and completing the required certification path is key.

Licensure Pathway: Step-by-Step for Foreign Pharmacists

To become a licensed pharmacist in the U.S. in 2025, you must follow this path:

1. Verify Your Pharmacy Credentials

Use an approved agency like the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) to evaluate your pharmacy degree. Your qualification must match a U.S. PharmD or BPharm level.

2. Obtain the FPGEC Certificate

The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification, issued by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), is mandatory. You must pass:

FPGEE – a knowledge exam for international graduates.
TOEFL iBT – tests your English proficiency (minimum score: 89).

3. Complete State Internship Requirements

Depending on the state, you may need to complete 1,500–2,000 internship hours. These can be paid and help you gain U.S. clinical experience.

4. Pass the NAPLEX and MPJE Exams

NAPLEX: Tests clinical knowledge and pharmacy practice.
MPJE: State-specific law exam.

Once these are complete, you’re eligible to apply for a license and secure jobs offering visa sponsorship.

U.S. Visa Options for Pharmacists in 2025

There are three main immigration pathways for foreign-trained pharmacists:

✔️ H-1B Visa

Sponsored by a U.S. employer
Must hold a bachelor’s or higher degree in pharmacy
Subject to an annual lottery (file by April)

✔️ TN Visa (For Canadians & Mexicans)

Offered under the USMCA agreement
No lottery, quicker approval
Must show valid pharmacy credentials

✔️ EB-3 or EB-2 Green Card

Long-term solution with permanent residency
Employer must file a PERM labor certification
Higher chance if you already work in the U.S. under H-1B

Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship for Pharmacists

Several high-paying employers across the U.S. are known for hiring and sponsoring foreign-trained pharmacists:

Employer	States Covered	Sponsorship Offered
CVS Health	Nationwide	H-1B, EB-3
Walgreens	Nationwide	H-1B
Cleveland Clinic	Ohio	H-1B, EB-2
Mayo Clinic	Minnesota	Green Card, Internships
Kaiser Permanente	CA, CO	H-1B
Ascension Health	Midwest, South	EB-3
University Hospitals	Varies	H-1B
Rite Aid	Select States	H-1B (case-by-case)

Pro Tip: Employers like CVS Health and Walgreens often recruit international pharmacists through internship programs, then process H-1B sponsorship after licensing.

Pharmacist Salary in the USA (2025 Outlook)

Pharmacy jobs in the United States remain some of the highest-paying roles in healthcare, after doctors and surgeons.

State	Average Salary (2025)
California	$155,000
New York	$136,000
Texas	$130,000
Florida	$125,000
Illinois	$127,500
National Avg.	$133,000

Factors such as specialization (e.g., clinical pharmacy, oncology, pediatric pharmacy) and location significantly affect salary.

How to Apply for Sponsored Pharmacist Jobs in the U.S.

Here’s a practical roadmap:

Evaluate & Verify Credentials via ECE
Apply for FPGEC & prepare for FPGEE and TOEFL iBT
Pass both exams
Complete internship hours in your target state
Pass NAPLEX and MPJE
Apply for jobs at visa-sponsoring companies
Secure visa sponsorship (H-1B or EB-3)

Tip: Create a compelling resume with U.S. pharmacy internship experience, and be proactive in reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn and job portals like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor.

Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming your foreign pharmacy degree is automatically valid
Missing the H-1B filing deadline (April every year)
Applying to companies that don’t offer sponsorship
Ignoring state-specific licensing laws

Benefits of Being a Pharmacist in the U.S.

High salary potential
Access to cutting-edge pharmaceutical technologies
Career growth opportunities in clinical and research settings
Sponsorship for permanent residency
Dependent visa eligibility for family members

FAQs: Foreign Pharmacists in the U.S.

Q: Can I work in the U.S. without the FPGEC certificate?
A: No. It is mandatory unless you graduated from an accredited U.S. pharmacy school.

Q: Can I use OPT after studying pharmacy in the U.S.?
A: Yes. F-1 visa holders can work under OPT, then switch to H-1B if sponsored.

Q: Do I need to retake exams if I move to a new state?
A: NAPLEX is generally transferable, but MPJE must be retaken in each new state.

Conclusion

The pathway to pharmacist jobs in the U.S. with visa sponsorship is achievable—with the right preparation, certification, and job search strategy. The U.S. is one of the best countries to work as a pharmacist in 2025, offering stability, high income, and a path to permanent residency.

If you’ve dreamed of building a future in the U.S., now is the time to act. Start preparing for your FPGEC, build your professional profile, and begin applying to sponsoring employers today.

Ready to take the first step toward a U.S. pharmacy career with visa sponsorship?
Opportunities are open—don’t miss out.