Pharmacy Technician Salary Information
How Much do Pharmacy Technicians Make?
The salary of a pharmacy technician can vary depending on a number of factors such as location, experience, certification, and type of employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in the United States was $35,100 as of May 2020.
The lowest 10 percent of pharmacy technicians earned less than $26,450 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $50,530 per year. Pharmacy technicians who worked in outpatient care centers and hospitals tended to earn more than those who worked in retail pharmacies.
Experience also plays a role in determining a pharmacy technician’s salary. Entry-level pharmacy technicians typically earn less than those with several years of experience. Additionally, pharmacy technicians who hold certifications, such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, may be able to command higher salaries than those who are not certified.
Pharmacy Technician Salary Information by State
| State | Hourly Average Wage | Average Annual Income | Highest Annual Income (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Pharmacy Technician Salary | $15.13 | $30,130 | 38,830 |
| Alaska Pharmacy Technician Salary | $22.40 | $44,140 | 59,280 |
| Arizona Pharmacy Technician Salary | $18.15 | $36,140 | 47,150 |
| Arkansas Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.14 | $29,770 | 45,470 |
| California Pharmacy Technician Salary | $21.51 | $44,000 | 74,910 |
| Colorado Pharmacy Technician Salary | $19.16 | $38,300 | 47,790 |
| Connecticut Pharmacy Technician Salary | $18.48 | $36,800 | 47,790 |
| Delaware Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.67 | $36,160 | 46,890 |
| District of Columbia Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.64 | $41,450 | 59,630 |
| Florida Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.64 | $32,520 | 46,330 |
| Georgia Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.34 | $33,790 | 46,190 |
| Hawaii Pharmacy Technician Salary | $19.20 | $38,610 | 58,540 |
| Idaho Pharmacy Technician Salary | $18.50 | $35,710 | 47,120 |
| Illinois Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.96 | $35,980 | 46,790 |
| Indiana Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.57 | $34,430 | 46,150 |
| Iowa Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.14 | $35,810 | 46,210 |
| Kansas Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.75 | $33,960 | 46,470 |
| Kentucky Pharmacy Technician Salary | $15.80 | $32,870 | 45,620 |
| Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Salary | $15.57 | $31,340 | 45,850 |
| Maine Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.35 | $34,860 | 46,250 |
| Maryland Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.82 | $38,800 | 47,790 |
| Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician Salary | $18.33 | $38,490 | 55,850 |
| Michigan Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.31 | $34,880 | 46,860 |
| Minnesota Pharmacy Technician Salary | $18.34 | $40,210 | 58,250 |
| Mississippi Pharmacy Technician Salary | $14.84 | $28,770 | 45,640 |
| Missouri Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.29 | $32,320 | 46,170 |
| Montana Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.62 | $35,590 | 47,150 |
| Nebraska Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.67 | $35,740 | 46,700 |
| Nevada Pharmacy Technician Salary | $19.00 | $38,300 | 47,130 |
| New Hampshire Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.69 | $36,150 | 47,160 |
| New Jersey Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.82 | $39,640 | 46,920 |
| New Mexico Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.44 | $34,540 | 47,830 |
| New York Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.90 | $37,760 | 56,850 |
| North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.45 | $33,950 | 46,470 |
| North Dakota Pharmacy Technician Salary | $18.45 | $38,340 | 51,080 |
| Ohio Medical Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.53 | $33,820 | 46,460 |
| Oklahoma Medical Pharmacy Technician Salary | $15.64 | $30,930 | 46,620 |
| Oregon Pharmacy Technician Salary | $19.02 | $42,880 | 59,390 |
| Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician Salary | $15.94 | $33,320 | 46,470 |
| Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.45 | $38,180 | 47,110 |
| South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Salary | $15.94 | $31,820 | 46,450 |
| South Dakota Pharmacy Technician Salary | $15.48 | $34,020 | 46,190 |
| Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Salary | $15.87 | $31,720 | 46,010 |
| Texas Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.88 | $35,420 | 47,150 |
| Utah Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.74 | $37,710 | 47,460 |
| Vermont Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.36 | $36,030 | 46,470 |
| Virginia Pharmacy Technician Salary | $16.85 | $35,890 | 47,030 |
| Washington Pharmacy Technician Salary | $19.80 | $44,220 | 59,540 |
| West Virginia Pharmacy Technician Salary | $14.97 | $30,740 | 45,550 |
| Wisconsin Pharmacy Technician Salary | $17.62 | $36,080 | 47,000 |
| Wyoming Pharmacy Technician Salary | $19.25 | $35,430 | 47,790 |
What are the Salaries of Different Types of Pharmacy Technicians?
Pharmacy technicians can specialize in different areas of pharmacy practice, which can impact their salaries. Here are some examples of different types of pharmacy technicians and their potential salaries.
Retail pharmacy technicians
Retail pharmacy technicians work in settings such as drugstores, grocery stores, and other retail outlets that have a pharmacy. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a retail pharmacy technician is $13.32 per hour, with a salary range of $9.22 to $18.80 per hour.
Hospital pharmacy technicians
Hospital pharmacy technicians work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They may have more responsibilities than retail pharmacy technicians, such as preparing intravenous medications and managing inventory. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a hospital pharmacy technician is $15.68 per hour, with a salary range of $11.17 to $22.43 per hour.
Compounding Pharmacy Technicians
Compounding pharmacy technicians work in compounding pharmacies, which specialize in creating customized medications for patients. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a compounding pharmacy technician is $16.29 per hour, with a salary range of $12.09 to $22.41 per hour.
Long-term care pharmacy technicians
Long-term care pharmacy technicians work in settings such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They may be responsible for managing medication regimens for patients who require ongoing care. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a long-term care pharmacy technician is $15.41 per hour, with a salary range of $11.98 to $21.45 per hour.
Certified pharmacy technicians
Certified pharmacy technicians have obtained certification through a professional organization such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Certification can help pharmacy technicians advance their careers and increase their earning potential. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a certified pharmacy technician is $15.62 per hour, with a salary range of $11.70 to $23.05 per hour.
What Type of Pharmacy Technicians Make the Most Money?
The salary of a pharmacy technician can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pharmacy technicians who work in the following industries tend to make the highest salaries:
Scientific Research and Development Services
Pharmacy technicians in this industry earn an average salary of $49,290 per year.
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
Pharmacy technicians in this industry earn an average salary of $39,670 per year.
Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
Pharmacy technicians who work for the federal government earn an average salary of $39,060 per year.
Outpatient Care Centers
Pharmacy technicians who work in outpatient care centers earn an average salary of $38,090 per year.
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Pharmacy technicians who work in hospitals earn an average salary of $36,780 per year.
What Are the Highest Paying States for Pharmacy Technicians?
| State | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 17,360 | $ 22.75 | $ 47,320 |
| District of Columbia | 1,960 | $ 22.45 | $ 46,690 |
| Alaska | 1,700 | $ 22.30 | $ 46,390 |
| California | 97,640 | $ 21.53 | $ 44,780 |
| Massachusetts | 13,730 | $ 21.25 | $ 44,200 |
What Are the Top Paying Industries for Pharmacy Technicians?
| Industry | Median Annual Income |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $38,270 |
| Food and beverage stores | 36,090 |
| Pharmacies and drug stores | 35,940 |
How Can I Increase my Salary As a Pharmacy Technician?
Obtain Certification
Obtaining certification through a professional organization such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) can demonstrate your competence and commitment to the profession. This can help you advance your career and potentially earn a higher salary.
Pursue Additional Education
Pursuing additional education, such as a degree or specialized training in a particular area of pharmacy practice, can help you develop specialized skills and knowledge that can make you more valuable to employers.
Gain Experience
Gaining experience in different areas of pharmacy practice, such as hospital or compounding pharmacy, can make you a more versatile and desirable candidate. This can lead to increased job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.
When starting a new job or negotiating a salary increase, it’s important to be confident and well-prepared. Research the salaries for pharmacy technicians in your area and be prepared to demonstrate your value to your employer.
Look for Opportunities for Advancement
Many pharmacy technicians start out in entry-level positions and work their way up to positions with more responsibility and higher salaries. Look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and demonstrate your leadership skills.
Consider working in a high-demand area
Pharmacy technicians who work in high-demand areas, such as oncology or sterile compounding, may be able to command higher salaries due to their specialized skills and knowledge.
How Much More Do Pharmacy Technicians Make If They Have a Certification?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians with a certification typically earn more than those without one. The exact difference in salary varies depending on the certification and the employer, but in general, certified pharmacy technicians can earn up to 20% more than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, holding a certification may also improve job prospects and increase opportunities for career advancement in the field.
What Are the Highest Paying Pharmacy Technician Jobs?
Compounding pharmacy technicians
Compounding pharmacy technicians work in compounding pharmacies, which specialize in creating customized medications for patients. These technicians must have specialized knowledge and skills in order to prepare medications to precise specifications. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a compounding pharmacy technician is $16.29 per hour, with a salary range of $12.09 to $22.41 per hour.
Nuclear pharmacy technician
Nuclear pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies that specialize in preparing and dispensing radioactive medications for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These technicians must have specialized knowledge and training in handling and preparing radioactive materials. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a nuclear pharmacy technician is $25.15 per hour, with a salary range of $18.64 to $33.97 per hour.
Infusion pharmacy technicians
Infusion pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies that specialize in preparing and dispensing medications for infusion therapy, which involves administering medications intravenously or through other routes. These technicians must have specialized knowledge and training in preparing and administering medications for infusion therapy. According to payscale.com, the average salary for an infusion pharmacy technician is $19.15 per hour, with a salary range of $13.43 to $26.83 per hour.
Long-term care pharmacy technicians
Long-term care pharmacy technicians work in settings such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where they may be responsible for managing medication regimens for patients who require ongoing care. These technicians may be responsible for handling complex medication regimens and coordinating with other healthcare providers. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a long-term care pharmacy technician is $15.41 per hour, with a salary range of $11.98 to $21.45 per hour.
Certified pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technicians who have obtained certification through a professional organization such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) may be able to command higher salaries due to their demonstrated competence and commitment to the profession. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a certified pharmacy technician is $15.62 per hour, with a salary range of $11.70 to $23.05 per hour.
How Much More Do Pharmacy Technicians Earn Over Time?
Pharmacy technicians can expect to earn more over time as they gain experience and develop their skills. Experienced pharmacy technicians may be eligible for promotions, pay raises, or other career advancement opportunities within their workplace. Additionally, obtaining certification or continuing education in specialized areas of pharmacy practice can also lead to higher earning potential.
| Years of Experience | Hourly wage |
| 1-4 | $14.15 |
| 5-9 | $16.35 |
| 10-19 | $17.78 |
| 20+ | $19.09 |
Additional Monetary Benefits of a Pharmacy Technician
Health insurance: Many employers offer health insurance benefits to their employees, including pharmacy technicians. This may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and may be partially or fully paid for by the employer.
Retirement plans
Employers may offer retirement plans such as 401(k) plans or pension plans, which can help pharmacy technicians save for retirement.
Paid time off
Pharmacy technicians may be eligible for paid time off for vacation, sick leave, or personal days, depending on their employer’s policies.
Bonuses
Some employers offer performance-based bonuses to pharmacy technicians who meet or exceed certain goals or metrics.
Continuing education reimbursement
Pharmacy technicians may be eligible for reimbursement for continuing education courses, which can help them stay current on the latest developments in the field and advance their careers.
Shift Differentials
Pharmacy technicians who work evening, overnight, or weekend shifts may be eligible for shift differentials, which provide additional pay to compensate for working outside of regular business hours.
Overtime pay
Pharmacy technicians who work more than 40 hours per week may be eligible for overtime pay, which typically pays time and a half for hours worked beyond 40.