Locum Pharmacist Pay Rates UK (2025): A Data-Driven Guide to Average Earnings

One of the most common questions for any locum pharmacist is: "How much can I expect to earn?" Pay rates can vary significantly based on location, day of the week, and even how far in advance a shift is booked. This guide uses real-world data from 2025 to break down the average locum pharmacist pay rates across the UK, helping you benchmark your earnings and make informed career decisions.

The Key Numbers: What is the Average Locum Pharmacist Rate?

Based on our 2025 data analysis, the average hourly rate for a locum pharmacist in the UK is £35.50.

However, this is just a baseline. Your actual rate may vary considerably depending on the specifics of the shift. Let's explore the key factors that influence earning potential.

The Urgency Factor: Does Last-Minute Booking Mean Higher Pay?

It’s a common belief that last-minute, emergency cover shifts always pay more. Our data shows a more nuanced picture. While there is a clear premium for shifts booked with very short notice, booking far in advance for desirable locations can also secure competitive rates.

• Last-Minute (booked 0-7 days before shift): The average rate is £38.50 per hour. This confirms that pharmacies are often willing to pay a premium for urgent cover.

• Short Notice (booked 8-30 days before): The average rate is £39.15 per hour. Interestingly, this was the highest-paying bracket in our dataset, often capturing weekend shifts that employers were keen to fill ahead of time.

• Advanced Booking (booked 31+ days before): The average rate is £34.75 per hour. While lower on average, this category included some of the highest individual rates for sought-after holiday periods or specific locations booked months in advance.

Actionable Tip: Don't only hunt for last-minute shifts. Keep an eye out for weekend work listed 2-4 weeks in advance, as this appears to be a sweet spot for competitive rates.

How Location Affects Your Pay Rate

Where you choose to work has one of the biggest impacts on your hourly rate. Demand for locums is not uniform across the country, and it's important to understand the local market.

Our analysis of UK postcodes reveals a clear trend:

• Higher-Paying Regions: Certain areas, such as Plymouth (PL), showed some of the highest average community pharmacy rates in our dataset.

• Standard Rate Regions: Many areas, including Nottingham (NG), Cardiff (CF), and Birmingham (B), offered rates closer to the national average.

• Lower-Paying Regions: Some regions, such as Sheffield (S) and Dudley (DY), tended to have rates slightly below the national average.

It's also worth noting that regional averages can be influenced by the type of pharmacy. For example, while the average rate in the Newcastle (NE) area was high in our dataset, this was driven by higher-paying hospital shifts rather than community pharmacy rates.

Actionable Tip: Being aware of different rates in different locations can help you make informed choices about where you work.

The Weekend Premium: Understanding Pay Variations

Working unsociable hours often results in higher pay. Our data shows a clear and substantial premium for weekend work compared to a standard weekday.

• Weekday Rate (Mon-Fri): The average is £33.88 per hour.

• Saturday Rate: The average jumps to £38.82 per hour – a nearly 15% increase.

• Sunday Rate: The average increases significantly to £45.00 per hour – a 33% increase over the standard weekday rate.

For locums looking to increase their earnings, being available for Saturday and, especially, Sunday shifts is an effective strategy.

Your hourly rate is only part of the picture; understanding how to manage your finances is also key. Learn more in our tax guide

Sector Showdown: Hospital vs. Community Pharmacy Rates

The setting you work in also plays a crucial role. While the majority of locum work is in community pharmacies, the hospital sector often offers different rates.

• Community Pharmacy Average Rate: £34.29 per hour.

• Hospital Pharmacy Average Rate: £41.25 per hour.

This represents a 20% premium for working in a hospital setting in our dataset. While these positions may require specific clinical experience, they present a different type of opportunity for qualified locums.

Rate Trends Throughout 2025: A Softening Market?

Looking at the data chronologically throughout 2025 reveals a significant trend in pay rates.

• Early 2025 (Jan - May): The year started with very strong average rates, often around £40.00 - £42.00 per hour.

• Mid 2025 (Jun - Aug): As the year has progressed, average rates have softened, falling to around £36.07 per hour during the summer months.

• Forward Bookings for Autumn (Sep - Nov): Shifts that have been pre-booked for the autumn months are averaging around £35.00 per hour.

This data suggests a downward trend from the high rates seen at the beginning of the year. While many factors can influence this, it indicates that the market has become more competitive as 2025 has gone on.

Actionable Tip: Stay informed about current market rates. While historical data is useful, the most recent trend indicates that rates have been softening. It's important to be realistic and informed about the current climate when considering shifts.

Conclusion: A Strategic Approach to Rates

Understanding the locum market is key to a successful career. The data shows that by being aware of the factors that influence pay—such as location, day of the week, booking notice, and pharmacy sector—you can better understand market rates and make informed decisions about the shifts you choose.

Disclaimer: The figures in this guide are based on a specific dataset from 2025 and are intended for informational purposes only. Actual rates can vary and are subject to change based on market conditions.