Are you considering a career as a pharmacy sales assistant at Costco? Working in the pharmacy department at one of the most successful retail chains can be a rewarding and lucrative job. Costco pharmacy sales assistants get to help people every day while earning competitive pay and benefits in a supportive work environment.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll tell you everything you need to know about being a pharmacy sales assistant at Costco, including:
- What pharmacy sales assistants do
- Key requirements and qualifications
- Costco pharmacy sales assistant salary and benefits
- Typical hours and work environment
- How to apply for openings
- Advancement opportunities
- Why it‘s a great job for pharmacology students
By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea if this growing retail career could be a good fit for you. Let‘s dive in!
What Does a Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant Do?
A Costco pharmacy sales assistant works under the supervision of the pharmacist to assist customers, fill prescriptions, and perform various administrative tasks to keep the pharmacy running smoothly. You can think of them as the pharmacist‘s right-hand man or woman.
On a typical shift, a Costco pharmacy sales assistant has a variety of duties and responsibilities, such as:
- Greeting customers and answering their questions
- Retrieving prescription information from customers or physicians
- Entering prescription details into the computer system
- Measuring and packaging medications as directed by the pharmacist
- Labeling prescriptions with dosage, side effects, and other key information
- Checking inventories and ordering supplies as needed
- Processing payments and filing insurance claims
- Answering phone calls from customers and doctors‘ offices
- Maintaining a clean, organized pharmacy area
Excellent customer service skills are a must in this role, as you will be interacting with people all day long. You need to be able to communicate clearly, listen attentively, and handle issues with patience and understanding. Attention to detail is also critical, as even a small error could have serious consequences when dealing with medications.
Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant Requirements
So what does it take to become a pharmacy sales assistant at Costco? The company has certain requirements and preferred qualifications for this position:
- High school diploma or equivalent (required)
- Completion of a formal pharmacy technician training program (preferred)
- Pharmacy technician certification (preferred)
- At least 1 year of experience in retail, healthcare, or customer service (preferred)
- Proficiency with computers and point-of-sale systems
- Knowledge of medical terminology and basic pharmacology
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
While not all of these are strict requirements, the more qualifications and relevant experience you have, the better your chances of landing the job. If you are currently enrolled in a pharmacy technician program, an externship at Costco would be an ideal way to get your foot in the door.
Work Environment and Schedule
Costco pharmacies are typically open from 10:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Friday, and 9:30am to 6:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Pharmacy sales assistants usually work 8-hour shifts, with a 30-minute lunch break.
The work environment is clean, organized, and professional, but also fast-paced and deadline-driven. You will be on your feet most of the day, moving around the pharmacy, stockroom, and store floor. Teamwork and communication are essential, as you will be collaborating closely with the pharmacist, other pharmacy staff, and colleagues around the store.
With over 500 pharmacies nationwide, there are opportunities at Costco locations across the country. Specific schedules and hours may vary slightly depending on the needs of the individual store and pharmacy.
Costco Pharmacy Assistant Salary and Benefits
Costco is known for being a very employee-friendly company, with competitive pay and excellent benefits. So what can you expect to earn as a Costco pharmacy sales assistant?
According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for this role is $26 per hour, with a range of about $23 to $30 per hour depending on location and experience. This equates to an annual salary of around $54,000 for a full-time position. Keep in mind this is just base pay – with bonuses and overtime, your total take-home pay will likely be higher.
In addition to a solid hourly wage, Costco pharmacy sales assistants enjoy the same generous benefits as other Costco employees, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Dependent care assistance program
Full-time and part-time employees are eligible for most of these benefits. Costco also offers advancement opportunities, with many pharmacy assistants going on to become certified technicians or even pharmacists.
How to Apply for Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant Jobs
To search and apply for current openings, visit the Costco careers website. You can search for "pharmacy sales assistant" or "pharmacy technician" positions in your area.
When you find an opening that interests you, click "Apply Now" to create an applicant profile and submit your application. You will need to provide:
- Contact information
- Employment history
- Education and certifications
- References
- Brief questionnaire responses
Be sure to tailor your resume and application to highlight your most relevant skills and experience. If selected for an interview, emphasize your customer service skills, attention to detail, flexibility, and passion for healthcare and helping others.
Costco Pharmacy vs. Other Retail Pharmacies
How does a pharmacy sales assistant job at Costco compare to similar positions at other major retailers? Let‘s take a look:
- Pay: Costco tends to offer higher wages than competitors like Walgreens or CVS. The average Costco pharmacy technician earns about $25/hour, compared to $16/hour at Walgreens and $17/hour at CVS.
- Benefits: Costco is hard to beat in terms of employee benefits. They offer health insurance, 401(k), paid time off and more to both full-time and part-time workers. Other retail chains typically reserve full benefits for full-time staff only.
- Advancement: With higher pay comes more opportunity for growth. Costco pharmacy assistants can work their way up to certified technician, supervisory roles, and even transition to other departments. Career paths tend to be more limited at other retail pharmacies.
- Environment: Costco is known for its positive, teamwork-oriented culture. Many employees appreciate the "promote from within" philosophy and feel supported by management. While you can certainly have a good experience at other retailers, Costco really stands out in terms of employee satisfaction.
Overall, if you are looking for the best pay, benefits, and long-term career potential in a retail pharmacy job, Costco should be at the top of your list. Their commitment to employees at all levels is a major reason why they continue to attract top talent.
Is Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant a Good Job?
So, is being a pharmacy sales assistant at Costco a good job? For the right person, absolutely. This role offers a chance to make a real difference in people‘s lives while earning a great hourly wage with industry-leading benefits.
It can be an especially good fit for pharmacology students or those considering a career as a pharmacy technician. Working as a Costco pharmacy sales assistant gives you hands-on experience in a retail pharmacy environment, allowing you to build your skills, knowledge, and professional network. You can also take advantage of Costco‘s tuition reimbursement program to help pay for your pharmacy education.
Even if you don‘t plan to stay in pharmacy long-term, the customer service, communication, and organizational skills you gain as a Costco pharmacy sales assistant can translate well to a variety of other industries. Plus, with a higher-than-average starting wage, you can save money to help pay off student loans or fund your next career move.
Of course, like any job, there are challenges. Standing on your feet all day can be tiring, and dealing with sick customers isn‘t always easy. Multitasking and meeting deadlines in a busy environment can also be stressful at times. But if you are someone who thrives in a fast-paced, team-based setting and wants to help people feel their best, those challenges are all worth it.
The Bottom Line
A job as a pharmacy sales assistant at Costco offers competitive pay, great benefits, and a chance to make a positive impact on people‘s health and well-being. If you meet the requirements and are looking for a rewarding career in retail pharmacy, we encourage you to apply for openings in your area.
With hard work and dedication, you can build valuable skills and experience to help you advance in the world of pharmacy or any other professional path you choose. Costco‘s supportive culture and growth opportunities make it an ideal place to start or grow your career.
What are you waiting for? Check out current openings and take the first step toward an exciting new chapter as a Costco pharmacy sales assistant today!
