Specialty Pharmacy Hiring Trends to Watch in the Second Half of 2025

As we head into this second half of 2025, the specialty pharmacy landscape is evolving rapidly. From workforce pressures to tech investments and shifting business models, hiring strategies must adapt. Here’s what to watch for in your hiring playbook.

1. Surging Hiring Demand Across All Roles

• Pharmacists and techs: Job postings for pharmacists rose 11% year-over-year through May 2025; pharmacy technician postings were up 5%, marking 80% and 190% increases respectively compared to 2015 levels.
• Specialty roles in high demand: Roles such as specialty care pharmacists, who manage complex conditions like oncology and autoimmune diseases, offer salaries around $138k/year and show strong upward hiring trends.

2. Rise of Clinical, Value-Based Practice

Pharmacist roles are expanding:

• 77% of specialty pharmacists expect to take on primary and chronic care roles as gaps in traditional primary care widen.
• Nearly 70% of specialty pharmacies now offer medication therapy management (MTM), and nearly 50% offer chronic-care services.
• Hiring implication: Seek pharmacists with clinical certifications (e.g., MTM, chronic disease management) and offer training to upskill traditional roles.

3. Technology, AI & Automation Driving Hiring Needs

• 70% of specialty pharmacies rank tech/AI integration as a top growth priority.
• AMCP reports 92% expect AI to overhaul prior-authorization processes.
• AI applications like cloud-based workflows, claims automation, and analytics are becoming essential
• Hiring implication: Staff with digital fluency, knowledge of pharmacy informatics, data systems, and AI tools will be assets.

4. Operational & Reimbursement Complexities

• 39% of specialty pharmacies are billing under the medical benefit, increasing complexity.
• Low reimbursement rates (<49%) and poly-benefit fragmentation are stretching administrative staffing.
• Hiring implication: Consider hiring revenue-cycle management specialists and billing experts who can navigate dual-channel reimbursement models.

5. Workforce Challenges: Shortages & Burnout

• Staffing shortfalls hit 70% of pharmacies in 2025
• Mass closures (2,700 over two years) are limiting access and placing extra strain on existing teams.
• Hiring implication: Prioritize employee well-being. Offer flexible schedules, remote/telepharmacy options, and mental health support.

6. Strategic Role Expansion = Revenue Growth

• Pharmacies diversifying into clinical services and specialty therapies saw 38% report moderate to strong revenue gains.
• Growth areas include hepatitis C, infertility, immune deficiency, and digital therapeutics.
• Hiring implication: Build dedicated roles around new service lines: infertility care, digital therapeutics support, concierge-style patient education.

Helpful Resources to Share & Explore

• PSG’s 2025 Trends in Specialty Drug Benefits Report – deep dives into payer strategies around specialty drugs (XiFin, Inc., ShiftPosts.com, Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG))
• Actalent: Pharmacy Workforce Outlook 2025 – analysis of job posting growth and staffing projections (actalentservices.com)
• XIFIN’s 2025 Specialty Pharmacy Transformation Outlook – survey-driven insights into clinical expansion and tech adoption (XiFin, Inc.)
• AMCP Foundation Emerging Trends Report – details on AI in prior authorization and drug shortages (AMCP)
• Definitive Healthcare June 2025 Specialty Pharmacy Trends – data on market growth and tech disruption

Final Takeaway

The second half of 2025 is bringing big shifts to specialty pharmacy hiring. Organizations that embrace digital tools, prioritize clinical expertise, and invest in workforce support will be best positioned to stay competitive. The Remedy Group is here to help you stay ahead. Whether that means refining your hiring strategy, navigating market changes, or building a pipeline of top-tier talent.