Being a pharmacy technician can be a fulfilling career, especially for those interested in the healthcare field. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in ensuring patients receive the correct medications, working under the supervision of a pharmacist. They are involved in various tasks, from dispensing prescriptions to managing inventory and communicating with patients and healthcare providers. If you’re considering this career path, a key question you likely have is: how much do pharmacy technicians make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in May 2023 was $40,300. This translates to an hourly wage of $19.37. However, it’s important to understand that this figure is just the median, and actual earnings can vary significantly based on several factors.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the salary expectations for pharmacy technicians, exploring the different elements that can influence their pay. We will break down the average pharmacy technician salary by state and major cities, discuss how experience and certifications play a role, and offer insights into how you can potentially increase your earning potential in this growing healthcare profession.
Pharmacy Technician Salary Overview
The median salary provides a central point, but the salary range for pharmacy technicians is quite broad. In May 2023, the BLS data indicates that the lowest 10% of pharmacy technicians earned approximately $32,720 per year, while the highest 10% could earn upwards of $57,130 annually. This demonstrates that there’s potential for salary growth within this occupation.
Several key factors contribute to these salary variations:
- Experience: Like most professions, experience plays a significant role. Entry-level technicians typically start at lower pay rates, while those with years of experience and a proven track record command higher salaries.
- Certifications: While not mandatory in every state, obtaining professional certifications can significantly boost earning potential. Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) are often preferred by employers and may receive higher compensation.
- Location: Geographic location is a major determinant of salary. States and cities with a higher cost of living or greater demand for healthcare professionals generally offer higher wages.
- Work Setting: The type of employer can also influence pay. Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals or specialized healthcare settings may earn more than those in retail pharmacies.
- Education and Training: While a high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement, additional education or specialized training programs can enhance job prospects and potentially lead to higher starting salaries.
Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone looking to enter or advance in the pharmacy technician field and maximize their earning potential.
Pharmacy Technician Salary by State
One of the most significant factors influencing a pharmacy technician’s salary is their geographic location. The cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and state-specific regulations all contribute to variations in pay across different states.
The following table provides a state-by-state breakdown of the median hourly and annual salaries for pharmacy technicians, based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This information can be valuable for those considering relocation or comparing salary expectations in different regions.
| 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 you can see from the table, there is a considerable range in pharmacy technician salaries across the United States. States like Washington, California, and Alaska offer some of the highest median salaries, while states in the Southeast and Puerto Rico tend to have lower medians.
Pharmacy Technician Salary by City
Salaries can also vary significantly within a state, often depending on the specific city or metropolitan area. Larger cities with higher living costs and greater healthcare infrastructure may offer more competitive wages for pharmacy technicians.
The following table highlights median hourly and annual salaries in various metropolitan areas across the country. This city-level data provides a more granular view of salary expectations and can be particularly useful for those considering job opportunities in specific urban centers.
| Metro Area | Primary State | Hourly Median | Annual Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | AL | $17.40 | $36,180 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | AZ | $22.11 | $45,980 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | CA | $23.64 | $49,180 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | CA | $23.10 | $48,050 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | CA | $26.31 | $54,730 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | CA | $23.64 | $49,180 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | CA | $29.56 | $61,480 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | CA | $29.01 | $60,340 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | CO | $22.77 | $47,360 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | DC | $21.46 | $44,650 |
| Jacksonville, FL | FL | $18.94 | $39,400 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | FL | $19.67 | $40,910 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | FL | $18.20 | $37,850 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | FL | $18.15 | $37,740 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | GA | $18.75 | $39,000 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | IL | $20.81 | $43,280 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | IN | $18.59 | $38,660 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | KY | $18.85 | $39,200 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | MA | $22.05 | $45,870 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | MD | $18.25 | $37,950 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | MI | $18.65 | $38,790 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | MN | $23.10 | $48,050 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | MO | $20.06 | $41,720 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | MO | $18.48 | $38,450 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | NC | $19.16 | $39,840 |
| Raleigh, NC | NC | $18.85 | $39,200 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | NV | $20.97 | $43,620 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | NY | $20.31 | $42,240 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | OH | $18.60 | $38,680 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | OH | $19.26 | $40,060 |
| Columbus, OH | OH | $19.03 | $39,570 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | OR | $24.77 | $51,530 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | PA | $18.46 | $38,390 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | PA | $18.30 | $38,070 |
| San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR | PR | $12.94 | $26,910 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | TN | $18.71 | $38,920 |
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | TN | $18.70 | $38,900 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | TX | $22.01 | $45,780 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | TX | $20.96 | $43,590 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | TX | $20.96 | $43,590 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | TX | $21.50 | $44,720 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | UT | $22.50 | $46,800 |
| Richmond, VA | VA | $19.61 | $40,790 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | VA | $18.92 | $39,350 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | WA | $27.56 | $57,320 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | WI | $20.22 | $42,050 |
Cities like San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento in California, as well as Seattle, Washington, demonstrate significantly higher median salaries compared to the national average. These metropolitan areas often have a higher demand for specialized healthcare services and a greater concentration of hospitals and pharmacies, driving up wages.
Is Pharmacy Technician a Well-Paying Job?
When evaluating the financial attractiveness of a career, it’s helpful to consider the required education and training relative to the earning potential. For pharmacy technicians, the typical entry requirement is a high school diploma, and many enter the field after completing a relatively short certificate program or through on-the-job training.
Considering the educational investment, pharmacy technician salaries can be considered competitive, especially when compared to other entry-level healthcare roles. While the median pharmacy technician salary may be lower than the national average for all occupations, it aligns closely with or even exceeds the pay for similar roles that require comparable levels of training.
For instance, when we look at related healthcare support occupations, we see the following median annual salaries:
- Medical Assistants: $42,000 per year
- Nursing Assistants: $38,130 per year
- Phlebotomists: $43,130 per year
- Dental Assistants: $47,350 per year
These figures illustrate that pharmacy technician salaries are within the same range as other accessible healthcare positions. Furthermore, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow at a rate much faster than the average for all occupations, indicating strong demand and potential for future salary increases. This positive job outlook adds to the appeal of pharmacy technology as a stable and viable career path.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Better Pharmacy Technician Salary
While location and experience are significant factors, there are proactive steps you can take to enhance your earning potential as a pharmacy technician. Investing in your professional development and strategically seeking opportunities can lead to a higher salary trajectory.
Here are some effective strategies to increase your pharmacy technician salary:
Get More Certifications
While state requirements vary, becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is almost universally recognized as a valuable credential. Certification demonstrates a standardized level of knowledge and competency, making you a more attractive candidate to employers. Many employers will offer higher pay rates or salary increases to certified technicians.
In addition to the primary CPhT certification, consider pursuing specialized certifications in areas like:
- Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
- Compounding
- Hazardous Drug Handling
- Vaccine Administration
These specialized certifications can broaden your skill set, increase your value to employers, and potentially qualify you for higher-paying roles or responsibilities.
Stay on Top of the Industry & Learn About New Technologies
The field of pharmacy is constantly evolving with new medications, technologies, and regulations. Proactively staying informed about industry trends and advancements can make you a more valuable asset to your pharmacy team.
This includes:
- Continuing Education: Participate in continuing education programs and workshops to update your knowledge and skills.
- Technology Proficiency: Become proficient in using pharmacy software systems, automated dispensing technologies, and other relevant technologies.
- Pharmacology Updates: Stay current on new drug approvals, changes in medication guidelines, and emerging therapeutic areas.
By demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and adapting to industry changes, you can position yourself for career advancement and salary increases.
Ask Your Manager About Opportunities for Advancement
Expressing your interest in career growth and seeking out advancement opportunities within your workplace is a proactive way to increase your salary. Many pharmacies offer career ladders that allow pharmacy technicians to progress into roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.
Potential advancement paths may include:
- Lead Pharmacy Technician: Supervising other technicians and taking on leadership responsibilities.
- Pharmacy Supervisor or Manager: Overseeing pharmacy operations and staff.
- Specialized Technician Roles: Focusing on areas like inventory management, purchasing, or specific patient populations.
Initiate conversations with your manager to understand the available advancement opportunities within your organization and the steps required to achieve them.
Work the Odd Hours
Flexibility in your work schedule can sometimes translate to higher pay. Pharmacies that operate outside of regular business hours, such as 24-hour pharmacies or those open on weekends and holidays, often offer shift differentials or premium pay for working less conventional hours.
Volunteering for evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts can be a way to boost your earnings, particularly early in your career.
Stick with Your Job
Longevity and experience within a specific role or organization often lead to salary increases over time. As you gain experience and become more proficient in your responsibilities, your value to your employer grows.
Staying with a company for several years can result in:
- Annual Raises: Many employers offer annual salary increases based on performance and tenure.
- Promotions: Long-term employees are often considered first for promotions to higher-paying positions.
- Increased Earning Potential: Experience is a highly valued asset in the job market, and experienced pharmacy technicians are generally able to command higher salaries when seeking new opportunities.
Advance Your Education
For those seeking significant salary growth in the long term, advancing your education is a powerful strategy. Many pharmacy technicians use their experience as a stepping stone to becoming pharmacists.
While becoming a pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, a substantial investment of time and education, the earning potential is significantly higher. Pharmacists earn a median annual salary considerably greater than that of pharmacy technicians.
If you are passionate about pharmacy and aspire to a higher level of responsibility and income, pursuing a PharmD degree may be a worthwhile long-term career goal.
>> Read More: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Conclusion
The question “How Much Does A Pharmacy Technician Make?” has a multifaceted answer. While the median salary provides a benchmark, actual earnings are influenced by a range of factors, including location, experience, certifications, and work setting.
Pharmacy technician salaries are generally competitive for roles with similar educational requirements, and the profession offers a positive job outlook with potential for growth. By proactively pursuing certifications, staying updated in the field, seeking advancement opportunities, and gaining experience, pharmacy technicians can enhance their earning potential and build a rewarding and financially stable career in healthcare.
