Contents
Find out how much a pharmacy tech gets paid in your state.
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Introduction
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a certified pharmacy technician training program. Once you have completed your training, you will be eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Upon passing the PTCE, you will be a certified pharmacy technician and will be eligible to begin working in a pharmacy setting.
The average hourly pay for a pharmacy technician in the United States is $15.76, or $32,760 per year. However, pay can vary greatly depending on your experience, location, and the type of employer you work for. For example, those who work in hospitals tend to earn more than those who work in retail pharmacies. Experience also plays a factor, as those with more experience tend to earn more than entry-level pharmacy technicians.
How Much Does a Pharmacy Tech Make?
Pharmacy technicians make a median wage of $32,700 per year, or $15.75 per hour, as of May 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that half of pharmacy techs earn more than this amount and half earn less. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $45,360 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $24,610.
National Average Salary for Pharmacy Techs
The national average salary for pharmacy technicians is $32,700 per year, or $15.71 per hour. This is lower than the average salary for all occupations, which is $37,690 per year, or $18.12 per hour.
Salary by State
The table below shows the hourly wages for pharmacy technicians in the United States as of May 2019. The states are ranked from highest to lowest salary.
| State | Hourly Wage |
|——-|————-|
| Washington | $24.81 |
| Alaska | $22.68 |
| California | $21.65 |
| Nevada | $21.08 |
| Massachusetts | $20.56 |
| Hawaii | $20.47 |
| Oregon | $19.86 || Colorado || $19.36
How Does Experience Affect Pharmacy Tech Salary?
As a pharmacy technician, you can expect your salary to increase as you gain experience. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pharmacy technician salary for workers with 1 to 4 years of experience is $31,750 per year. For those with 5 to 9 years of experience, the average pharmacy technician salary increases to $36,060 per year. And for those with 10 to 19 years of experience, the average pharmacy technician salary is $41,620 per year.
How Does Certification Affect Pharmacy Tech Salary?
How Does Certification Affect Pharmacy Tech Salary?
In general, pharmacy techs with certification can expect to earn more than those without. In some cases, the difference can be significant. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for certified pharmacy techs in 2016 was $16.17 per hour, while non-certified techs earned a median wage of $13.14. That’s a difference of more than $3 an hour!
There are a few reasons why certification can lead to higher wages. First, it shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job well. Second, it can make you eligible for higher-paying positions. And finally, it can give you a leg up when competing for jobs against other candidates who don’t have certification.
If you’re interested in becoming a certified pharmacy technician, there are a few things you need to do. First, you’ll need to complete an accredited training program. Once you’ve done that, you can take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). You’ll need to pass this exam to earn your certification.
Once you have your certification, you can start applying for jobs! And if you’re looking for an edge over other candidates, consider getting certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). According to the NHA website, “Employers prefer credentialed applicants and may be willing to pay more for candidates with credentials.”
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Techs
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is positive, with an expected 20% growth in employment opportunities between 2018 and 2028. This growth is due to an aging population and an increase in the use of prescription medications. As more people live longer and take more medications, there will be a greater need for pharmacy technicians to compound and dispense medications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pharmacy techs can expect to earn a decent wage for their skills and training. However, there is a lot of variation in pay depending on experience, location, and employer. As with any career, it is important to research the job market in your area and compare salaries to find the best option for you.
