If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician, one of your first questions is likely about earning potential. Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in healthcare, assisting pharmacists with dispensing medications and serving patients. This article breaks down pharmacy technician salaries, factors that affect pay, and an affordable path to enter this growing field.
Average Pharmacy Technician Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $43,460 as of 2024, which translates to approximately $20.90 per hour [1]. However, this figure varies significantly based on several key factors.
Factors That Influence Pharmacy Technician Salaries
1. Experience Level
- Entry-level: $30,000-$34,000
- Mid-career (5+ years): $37,000-$42,000
- Experienced (10+ years): $42,000-$50,000+
2. Certification Status
Certified pharmacy technicians typically earn 10-15% more than their non-certified counterparts. The Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) are the two primary certification pathways.
3. Work Setting
- Hospital settings: Generally higher pay ($39,000-$45,000)
- Retail pharmacies: Typically $35,000-$40,000
- Mail-order pharmacies: Around $36,000-$41,000
- Long-term care facilities: $37,000-$42,000
4. Geographic Location
Pharmacy technician salaries vary significantly by state and city:
- Highest-paying states: California, Alaska, Washington, and Massachusetts
- Lower-paying regions: Southern and Midwestern states
5. Specialized Skills
Pharmacy technicians with specialized skills in compounding, sterile product preparation, inventory management, or billing expertise can command higher salaries.
Career Outlook
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is exceptionally promising. The BLS projects employment growth of 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations, with numerous job openings each year due to growth and replacement needs.
Education Requirements and Certification
While some pharmacy technicians receive on-the-job training, employers increasingly prefer candidates with formal education and certification. Certification through ExCPT or PTCE demonstrates competency and commitment to the profession.
Affordable Path to Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician
For those looking to enter this stable healthcare career with minimal investment, National Science College offers a fully-online ExCPT preparation program designed to help aspiring pharmacy technicians succeed.
Why Choose National Science College’s Pharmacy Technician Program:
- Affordable tuition: Our program is designed to minimize student debt while maximizing career potential
- Fully online format: Complete coursework on your schedule from anywhere
- Focused ExCPT preparation: Curriculum specifically designed to help you pass the certification exam
- Flexible scheduling: Perfect for working adults or those with family commitments
- Fast completion timeline: Finish your training and enter the workforce quickly
The program covers all essential areas for ExCPT success, including pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and regulations, medication safety, and sterile and non-sterile compounding.
Conclusion
Pharmacy technician careers offer stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement without requiring extensive education. With median earnings of $43,460 per year and strong job growth projections, this field represents an excellent option for those seeking a healthcare career with relatively quick entry.
National Science College’s fully-online ExCPT preparation program provides an affordable, flexible pathway to certification and career success in this growing field. By investing in proper education and certification, you can position yourself for the higher end of the salary range and greater career opportunities in pharmacy settings.
Sources: [1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Pharmacy Technicians. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm