In 2024 the pharmaceutical industry experienced a period of transition, marked by a focus on innovation through AI and advanced technologies, increasing mergers and acquisitions, a push towards personalized medicine, and a need to manage cost pressures while navigating patent expirations and potential drug pricing caps. At the same time biopharma was facing challenges from the economic climate and supply chain concerns. Biopharma sales recruitment key trends for 2025 include a rise in patient-centric care, digital manufacturing, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible sourcing.
BioPharma Sales Recruitment Trends in 2024
Salary Trends
Average salaries for full-time employees grew at a rate of 2% from 2023 to 2024, the slowest YoY growth in the past five years. Among respondents who were employed full time, 65% indicated that they had received a salary increase compared to the previous year, though typical increases were smaller than what has been reported in previous years. According to a BioSpace Report only 11% indicated that they received their salary increase due to a change in employers, compared to 18% last year, with more indicating that their raise was merit-based, due to performance (65% in 2024, compared to 58% last year).
Compared to last year, more of this year’s respondents indicated that they would need less compensation incentive to consider other positions. In addition, 68% think they would need to change employers to get a raise they would be happy with. Employers should take note when considering employee retention, particularly if teams have gotten leaner and remaining employees are shouldering more responsibilities.
AI and Machine Learning
With the release of ChatGPT, AI quickly became a hot topic with more people seeking ways to integrate it into both their work and daily lives. AI has a wide array of applications – including predicting the taste of beer, analyzing the “unhealthiness” of restaurant menus or assisting radiologists with breast cancer screening.
In the pharmaceutical industry, AI and machine learning (ML) have the potential to make waves across the entire drug development pipeline, from the initial formulation of lead compounds right the way through to optimizing the design of clinical trials, supporting pharmacovigilance and marketing insights.
Market Access
The pharmaceutical industry and its drug market access strategies are continuing to evolve driven by mounting pricing pressures, aggressive regulatory shifts, and heightened payer demands. For pharma companies, refining market access strategies is no longer optional—it’s essential to securing rapid market entry and sustained patient access in an increasingly challenging environment.
Weight Loss Drug Craze
The market for weight-loss treatments is expected to see sixteen new drugs vying for a slice of the lucrative business currently dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly according to estimates from analysts at Morningstar and Pitchbook.
Analysts estimated the market for obesity treatments could expand to $200 billion by 2031. The sixteen drugs could launch by 2029, with roughly $70 billion of the GLP-1 market coming from these new challengers.
2024 Election Results
The 2024 election results will create significant tailwinds for Republican legislative and regulatory priorities in the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and state houses across the country. They will consider the outlook for pharmacy regulation under the second incoming Trump administration and a unified Republican Congress, as well as state-level pharmacy policies that may advance as Republican public policy momentum builds.
BioPharma Sales Recruitment Trends for 2025 in a Report by IQVIA
Continued Use of AI and Automation
The integration of digital health and AI is continuing to revolutionize the consumer health sector. From digital therapeutics to AI-driven consumer insights, these technologies are transforming product development, marketing strategies, and consumer engagement. The ability to harness data and leverage AI for personalized health solutions will be a critical differentiator in the market.
E-commerce and Omni-channel Experiences
E-commerce continues to be a growth engine, with a noticeable shift towards quality over quantity. Consumers are increasingly seeking seamless omni-channel experiences that blend online and offline touchpoints. This trend underscores the need for companies to invest in robust e-commerce platforms and deliver personalized, convenient shopping experiences.
Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions
While there has been a slowdown in large-scale mergers and acquisitions, tactical acquisitions focused on single brands with robust growth potential are on the rise. This strategic shift allows companies to enhance their market presence and drive value creation without the complexities of large-scale integrations.
Increased Consumer Empowerment
U.S. patients have more choice than ever before when it comes to how, where, and from whom they receive care. With access to provider performance scores, consumer reviews, and doctors’ digital personas, patients are increasingly empowered with the information they need to make care decisions that best suit their preferences.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of American Marketing found that nearly three in four patients use online reviews to find providers. An earlier study showed that even consumer-sourced drug reviews can be useful for helping patients find medications that work for them.
Some biopharma companies are recognizing this shift toward self-driven, personalized care as an opportunity to engage with consumers, providing tools and resources that support self-management of chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, migraines, and anxiety through direct sales platforms.
BioPharma Sales Recruitment Still Ranked Top Paying
According to current projections, 2025 pharma sales salaries are expected to see a moderate increase, with most companies planning to raise compensation budgets by around 3-3.5%. This reflects a continued strong demand for pharmaceutical sales professionals despite potential economic uncertainties. This increase may be slightly higher for top performers and those with specialized knowledge in emerging therapeutic areas.