Pharmacy technician Salary Guide
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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
$25.65/hour
The average salary for a Pharmacy technician is $25.65 per hour. This is 59% lower than the practicing US average of $40.77.
Last updated on November 20, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Salaries for Pharmacy technician compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages
$25.65/hour
59% lower than the practicing US average.
$40.77/hour
United States
Where do Pharmacy technicians get paid the most?
State | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
---|---|---|
Virginia | $53 | $69 |
Oregon | $48 | $68 |
Delaware | $47 | $61 |
North Carolina | $40 | $47 |
Missouri | $39 | $51 |
Pennsylvania | $39 | $53 |
Texas | $37 | $52 |
Florida | $37 | $46 |
Georgia | $33 | $38 |
Massachusetts | $28 | $38 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Pharmacy technician jobs?
Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
---|---|---|
Seattle Children's | $33 | $34 |
Atrium Health Charlotte | $29 | $29 |
ChristianaCare | $26 | $26 |
BJC HealthCare | $25 | $29 |
PennState Health | $24 | $24 |
Children's Health (Dallas) | $23 | $23 |
Memorial Healthcare System | $23 | $28 |
Cook Children’s Health Care System | $23 | $23 |
Mass General Brigham | $22 | $22 |
Detroit Medical Center | $20 | $20 |
Last updated on November 20, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
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.
Go to the guideTop Pharmacy technician Jobs
Level I - Float Pharmacy Technician
- Cook Children’s Health Care System
- Fort Worth, TX
Level II - Pharmacy Technician
- Cook Children’s Health Care System
- Prosper, TX
Pharmacy Technician
- Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)
- Revere, MA
- 5x8 hrs
Pharmacy Technician
- Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
- Boston, MA
- 5x8 hrs, Evenings
Level II - Float Pharmacy Technician
- Cook Children’s Health Care System
- Fort Worth, TX
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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.