Pharmacy technicians are vital members of the healthcare team, assisting pharmacists and ensuring patients receive the medications they need. If you’re considering this career path, a crucial question is: How Much Does A Pharmacy Tech Make? This guide provides a detailed overview of pharmacy technician salaries, factors that influence earning potential, and tips for maximizing your income.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the United States was $40,300, or $19.37 per hour as of May 2023. However, this figure can vary significantly based on location, experience, certifications, and employer. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Pharmacy Technician Salary: A Detailed Overview
As of May 2023, the median salary for pharmacy technicians across the United States was $40,300 per year, or $19.37 per hour. The lowest 10% earned approximately $32,720 annually, while the highest 10% earned upwards of $57,130 per year.
Several factors contribute to these salary differences:
- Location: States and cities with a higher cost of living or greater demand for pharmacy technicians typically offer higher wages.
- Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role. Entry-level technicians usually earn less than those with several years of experience.
- Certifications: Holding certifications, such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation, can lead to higher pay.
- Employer: Hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other healthcare settings may offer different salary scales.
Alt: A pharmacy technician assisting a customer at a pharmacy counter, showing the customer service aspect of the job.
Pharmacy Technician Salary by State
The following table illustrates the median hourly and annual salaries for pharmacy technicians in each state as of May 2023:
| State | Hourly Median | Annual Median |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $17.40 | $36,190 |
| Alaska | $23.47 | $48,820 |
| Arizona | $21.76 | $45,260 |
| Arkansas | $17.42 | $36,240 |
| California | $23.98 | $49,880 |
| Colorado | $22.52 | $46,840 |
| Connecticut | $18.81 | $39,130 |
| Delaware | $19.01 | $39,530 |
| Washington D.C. | $22.36 | $46,520 |
| Florida | $18.54 | $38,560 |
| Georgia | $18.23 | $37,920 |
| Hawaii | $21.44 | $44,600 |
| Idaho | $21.14 | $43,980 |
| Illinois | $19.20 | $39,940 |
| Indiana | $18.60 | $38,690 |
| Iowa | $18.89 | $39,290 |
| Kansas | $18.25 | $37,960 |
| Kentucky | $17.84 | $37,100 |
| Louisiana | $18.11 | $37,670 |
| Maine | $18.05 | $37,550 |
| Maryland | $18.75 | $38,990 |
| Massachusetts | $21.74 | $45,220 |
| Michigan | $18.85 | $39,210 |
| Minnesota | $22.64 | $47,100 |
| Mississippi | $18.09 | $37,630 |
| Missouri | $17.93 | $37,300 |
| Montana | $20.70 | $43,050 |
| Nebraska | $18.46 | $38,400 |
| Nevada | $21.57 | $44,860 |
| New Hampshire | $18.83 | $39,160 |
| New Jersey | $18.45 | $38,380 |
| New Mexico | $20.20 | $42,010 |
| New York | $20.19 | $42,000 |
| North Carolina | $18.61 | $38,710 |
| North Dakota | $22.86 | $47,540 |
| Ohio | $18.41 | $38,290 |
| Oklahoma | $17.47 | $36,330 |
| Oregon | $23.39 | $48,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $17.75 | $36,910 |
| Rhode Island | $17.54 | $36,480 |
| South Carolina | $18.25 | $37,960 |
| South Dakota | $18.98 | $39,480 |
| Tennessee | $17.97 | $37,380 |
| Texas | $20.19 | $41,990 |
| Utah | $22.12 | $46,010 |
| Vermont | $18.19 | $37,830 |
| Virginia | $19.14 | $39,800 |
| Washington | $25.52 | $53,070 |
| West Virginia | $17.83 | $37,090 |
| Wisconsin | $18.92 | $39,360 |
| Wyoming | $21.39 | $44,490 |
| Guam | $14.49 | $30,130 |
| Puerto Rico | $12.65 | $26,310 |
| Virgin Islands | $20.43 | $42,500 |
As the table indicates, Washington, California, and Alaska are among the highest-paying states for pharmacy technicians.
Pharmacy Technician Salary by City
Here’s a glimpse at pharmacy technician salaries in major metropolitan areas:
| Metro Area | Primary State | Hourly Median | Annual Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | CA | $29.56 | $61,480 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | CA | $29.01 | $60,340 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | WA | $27.56 | $57,320 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | CA | $26.31 | $54,730 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | OR | $24.77 | $51,530 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | CA | $23.64 | $49,180 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | CA | $23.64 | $49,180 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | MN | $23.10 | $48,050 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | CO | $22.77 | $47,360 |
These figures highlight that location significantly impacts earning potential. Cities with a high cost of living and strong demand for healthcare professionals tend to offer the most competitive salaries.
Alt: A pharmacy technician carefully preparing medication in a well-lit pharmacy, demonstrating precision and attention to detail.
Is Pharmacy Tech a Good Salary Compared to Other Entry-Level Healthcare Roles?
For the education and training required, pharmacy technicians can earn a respectable wage. While it may not be as high as some other professions, it is comparable to other entry-level healthcare positions.
For comparison:
- Medical Assistants: Earn around $42,000 per year.
- Nursing Assistants: Earn around $38,130 per year.
- Phlebotomists: Earn around $43,130 per year.
- Dental Assistants: Earn around $47,350 per year.
These roles typically require a high school diploma and either a certificate or on-the-job training, similar to pharmacy technicians.
Furthermore, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is promising, with a growth rate significantly higher than the national average. This suggests that salaries may continue to rise in the future.
How to Increase Your Pharmacy Technician Salary
There are several ways to boost your earning potential as a pharmacy technician:
- Get Certified: While not required in all states, certification (e.g., CPhT) is highly valued by employers and often leads to higher pay.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of industry advancements, new technologies, and pharmacology updates.
- Seek Advancement Opportunities: Express your interest in taking on more responsibilities or moving into management roles.
- Work Flexible Hours: Consider working evening, weekend, or holiday shifts, which often come with a pay differential.
- Gain Experience: Longevity in the role often translates to increased pay.
- Further Your Education: Some pharmacy technicians pursue further education to become pharmacists, which significantly increases earning potential.
By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your salary and career prospects as a pharmacy technician.
Conclusion
The answer to “how much does a pharmacy tech make?” is nuanced and depends on various factors. While the median salary provides a general benchmark, individual earning potential can vary widely based on location, experience, certifications, and employer. By investing in your education, gaining experience, and staying informed about industry trends, you can increase your chances of earning a competitive salary as a pharmacy technician. Consider your career goals and weigh the pros and cons to determine if this rewarding profession is the right fit for you.
