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Ever wanted to be a part of the pharmaceutical industry, without the hassle of spending years and thousands on tuition?

Yes? Then becoming a pharmacy technician might be the best career choice for you.

Pharmacy technicians are professionals who work closely with pharmacists. Their main job duties are dispensing appropriate doses of medications and supporting patients with their medication needs.

Pharmacy techs usually work in environments such as retail pharmacies, sales in pharmaceutical companies, and so on.

So, you’re probably wondering, how much do pharmacy techs make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage of Pharmacy Technicians is around $36,740 per year.

However, these figures are not fixed, and many factors decide the salary of a Pharmacy Technician. Factors that may influence the salary of a Pharmacy Technician include:

Experience: Pharmacy Technicians with more experience and specialized skills may command higher salaries as compared to freshers or pharmacy techs who are starting their careers.

Certification: Obtaining certification through organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National HealthCareer Association (NHA) can lead to higher earning potential.

Location: Wages can differ based on the regional cost of living and demand for pharmacy technicians in a particular area. Generally, metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.

Type of employer or pharmacy: Pharmacy technicians may work in various settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order pharmacies, or specialty pharmacies. Compensation can vary based on the type of employer they are associated with.

(Related: Where can Pharmacy Technicians Work)

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Pharmacy Technician Salary: Overview

Let’s take a deeper dive into the salary figures for pharmacy techs. In the following sections, we’ll look at the average salary depending on where you work and where you live

For example, according to data available on BLS as of May 2021, the median annual wage for Pharmacy Technicians in the top industries in which they worked was as follows:

  • Hospitals; state, local, and private- $38,270
  • Food and beverage stores- $36,090
  • Pharmacies and drug stores- $35,940

As you can see, in a hospital setting, your salary is higher. However, we recommend gaining experience working in retail and local drug stores before you make the switch to a hospital setting.

Pharmacy Technician Salaries by State

The highest-paying states for Pharmacy Technicians are:

  • California- $52,090 per year or $25.04 per hour
  • Washington- $49,530 per year or $23.81 per hour
  • Alaska- $48,210 per year or $23.18 per hour
  • Oregon- $46,770 per year or $22.49 per hour
  • District of Columbia- $45,240 per year or $21.75 per hour

Here’s the average wage for pharmacy techs in different states (From the highest median wage to the lowest):-

State Annual mean wage
California $52,090
Washington $49,530
Alaska $48,210
Oregon $46,770
Massachusetts $43,830
Colorado $43,630
Minnesota $43,420
North Dakota $43,150
Arizona $42,360
Utah $42,290
Hawaii $42,210
Nevada $41,760
Wyoming $41,730
Rhode Island $41,070
Illinois $40,910
New York $40,860
Texas $40,620
Maryland $40,550
Idaho $40,510
Montana $40,380
New Mexico $39,950
Connecticut $39,810
New Jersey $39,250
New Hampshire $39,070
Wisconsin $38,970
Vermont $38,900
Virginia $38,690
Delaware $38,620
Iowa $38,370
Florida $38,270
Indiana $38,050
Kansas $38,040
Michigan $37,890
South Dakota $37,840
Maine $37,690
Nebraska $37,610
North Carolina $37,590
Louisiana $37,300
Ohio $37,290
Georgia $37,000
Pennsylvania $36,890
South Carolina $36,870
Tennessee $36,790
Missouri $36,280
Oklahoma $35,420
Kentucky $35,340
West Virginia $35,210
Mississippi $34,910
Alabama $34,720

https://youtu.be/ChWNHD1Z4tw?si=wcWWonip-bLUYqGE

Pharmacy Technician Salaries by City

Here are the top 5 highest paying cities for pharmacy techs:-

  • San Francisco- Oakland- Hayward: $62,140 annually or $29.87 hourly
  • San Jose- Sunnyvale- Santa Clara: $61570 annually or $29.60 hourly
  • Napa: $59,540 annually or $28.62 hourly
  • Vallejo-Fairfield: $57,840 annually or $27.81 hourly
  • Santa Rosa: $57,620 annually or $27.70 hourly

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Pharmacy Technician Roles and Responsibilities

A Pharmacy Technician plays a crucial role in supporting pharmacists and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a pharmacy. Let’s discuss a few roles and responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician:

  • Medication Dispensing: When it comes to medication dispensing, a Pharmacy Technician helps a pharmacist in dispensing prescription medications appropriately by avoiding any errors. They may receive electronic prescriptions, interpret and understand written prescriptions, and count or measure medications according to the prescribed dosage.
  • Prescription Processing: Collecting and entering the prescription information into the pharmacy’s computer system, ensuring accuracy and completeness, is a major task of a Certified Pharmacy Technician. They may also verify insurance information and keep the patients updated regarding claim procedures, obtain necessary authorizations, and maintain patient profiles.
  • Inventory Management: A pharmacy that goes out of stock hampers the overall functioning.
    Pharmacy technicians help manage the pharmacy’s inventory of medications and supplies. This includes monitoring stock levels within the pharmacy, ordering medications, checking expiration dates, and organizing storage areas.

Conclusion

The salary of Pharmacy Technicians can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and industry. While the salary may not be as high as some other healthcare professions, it’s essential to consider the rewarding nature of the work and the opportunities for career growth.

Aspiring Pharmacy Technicians should explore additional certifications, gain experience, and stay informed about regional salary trends to make informed decisions about their careers.

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About the Author
Grant founded OnlineDegree.com with a purpose-driven mission: make college accessible and affordable for everyone. After graduating college with an overwhelming amount of debt, he was determined to change how students embark on their education. He's a frequent speaker and author in higher education, and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader's Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.