Pharmacy technician Salary Guide

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in patient care, as they’re heavily involved in ensuring the pharmacy fills customers’ prescriptions correctly. As baby boomers grow older, the demand for prescription medications will only increase, creating more opportunities for skilled pharmacy technicians to grow their careers.

Although a college degree isn’t necessary, this allied health job requires specialized knowledge and training. Whether you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician or looking to switch jobs after gaining a few years of experience, it’s essential to know how much you can expect to get paid. Review this guide to pharmacy technician salary averages before you make any decisions.

Professional Requirements Vary by State

Certification may be necessary since each state has different requirements for pharmacy technicians. A limited number of states don’t require any certification, while others require you to be registered or licensed. Many states require national certification and registration or licensing. States with strict standards require pharmacy technicians to complete an approved training program or undergo on-the-job training. Check with your state’s professional licensing body to learn what you must do to work legally as a pharmacy technician.

Average Pharmacy technician Salary

$26.65/hour

The average salary for a Pharmacy technician is $26.65 per hour. This is 56% lower than the practicing US average of $41.53.

Last updated on April 18, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Salaries for Pharmacy technician compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages

$26.65/hour

56% lower than the practicing US average.

$41.53/hour

United States

Where do Pharmacy technicians get paid the most?
StateAverage Hourly SalaryMax Hourly Salary
California$63$91
New York$59$78
Virginia$50$72
Colorado$44$55
Texas$40$52
Georgia$38$45
District of Columbia$37$100
Illinois$35$51
Florida$33$45
North Carolina$32$45
Maryland$30$100
Pennsylvania$26$100
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Pharmacy technician jobs?

Last updated on April 18, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

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Pharmacy technician Career Guide

Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.

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How to Increase Your Pay as a Pharmacy Technician

One of the best ways to increase your pay as a pharmacy technician is to obtain the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. This certification helps you demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers, making it possible to command a higher starting salary. To qualify for the CPhT, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a resident of the United States or one of its territories

  • Provide full disclosure of any criminal convictions or state board actions taken against your license

  • Complete an approved pharmacy technician training program or an equivalent amount of work experience

  • Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

You have two options for meeting the education and training requirements. The first is to complete one of the more than 1,400 programs approved by the Pharmacy Technician
Certification Board. You must complete the program before registering for the CPhT test or within 60 days of registration. The second option is to gain at least 500 hours of work experience as a pharmacy technician. You may complete the experience requirement in a hospital or retail pharmacy, or another appropriate setting.

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