As Walmart continues to grow its Health and Wellness footprint, the company recently announced plans to invest in its thousands of pharmacists and opticians. 

In a May 31 blog post, authors by Kevin Host, senior vice president of Walmart Health & Wellness, pharmacy, and David Reitnauer, VP of Walmart Health & Wellness, optical, shared the company’s plans to increase the pay of approximately 3,700 pharmacists and 4,000 opticians. 

“In many communities, Walmart’s pharmacy and vision center associates are the most accessible healthcare providers for busy families. Whether they are offering prescriptions and immunizations at Every Day Low Prices, providing counsel or helping customers save money so they can live better, these associates are making a difference,” Host and Reitnauer wrote. 

According to the announcement, the average pharmacist’s salary will now reach more than $140,000 per year, not including bonuses and other incentives. This move follows raises given to approximately 36,000 pharmacy technicians with the company last year. 

In line with that, Walmart also will be providing pay increases to more than 4,000 opticians, expected to bring opticians’ average hourly wage to more than $22.50.  

Walmart’s opticians will also benefit from a development program the company says it will be launching soon. The goal is to assist opticians in obtaining nationally recognized certification and licensure from the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners—a move intended to provide Walmart employees with opportunities for career advancement. The training will be offered through the Optical Training Institute and will be 100% paid for by Walmart. 

“We’re proud to make these investments in our current and future associates,” Host and Reitnauer said in their closing remarks. “They’re on the frontline of healthcare in the communities they serve, helping people live better–and healthier.”   

To read the full statement, click here.