Are you a pharmacy technician looking to increase your salary in Hawaii? Here are some tips to help you achieve that goal:

Further Your Education: Consider pursuing additional certifications or degrees related to pharmacy technology, such as becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This can lead to higher paying job opportunities.

Gain Experience: Look for opportunities to gain more experience in the field, whether through internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions. The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to potential employers, which can translate to a higher salary.

Network: Attend local pharmacy technician events, join professional organizations like the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, and connect with other professionals in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities that offer better pay.

Consider Specialty Areas: Explore different specialty areas within pharmacy technology, such as compounding pharmacies, nuclear pharmacies, or long-term care facilities. These specialized areas often pay higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge required.

Negotiate Your Salary: When interviewing for a new position or during performance reviews, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research the average pharmacy technician salary in Hawaii and come prepared with data to support your request for a higher salary.

As you consider your future career path, becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Hawaii presents an opportunity to contribute significantly to the healthcare industry. This professional journey in the Aloha State is both fulfilling and rewarding. Here are some essential steps to kickstart this exciting career.

High School Diploma or GED
The journey to becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Hawaii begins with obtaining a high school diploma or a GED. This qualification is a fundamental requirement for most Pharmacy Technician programs and is often a prerequisite for many employers. If you're still in high school or haven't completed your education, consider pursuing a GED program. This step will equip you with the base knowledge required to thrive in any Pharmacy Technician program.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program
The subsequent step is enrollment in a Pharmacy Technician program. Hawaii offers an array of these programs both in-person and online. For instance, the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy provides a Pharmacy Technician program geared towards preparing you for your career.

For those faced with financial or time limitations, online certification training is a viable alternative. With Stepful, you can access an affordable Pharmacy Technician training that aligns with your schedule and budget.

>> Read More: How Much Do Pharmacy Technician School & Certification Cost?

Obtain Certification
Upon completion of your education, the next phase is certification. In Hawaii, Pharmacy Technicians are mandated to acquire certification through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

>> Read More: Pharmacy Technician Certification Options (PTCB, NHA, CPhT, & More)

This stage involves passing an exam that assesses your proficiency and skills in the pharmacy field. It's crucial to note that while some states don't mandate certification, Hawaii does, making this step essential for employment within the state.

Remember, launching your career as a Pharmacy Technician in Hawaii necessitates the right education, certification, and a dedication to continual learning in this rapidly evolving field.

Pharmacy technicians can expect a positive employment outlook nationwide in the years ahead. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in pharmacy technician roles from 2023 to 2033—faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to an estimated 47,400 job openings each year, largely due to retirements and professionals transitioning into new fields.

In Hawaii, pharmacy technicians are an integral part of healthcare teams, working in environments such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, approximately 1,530 pharmacy technicians were employed across the state. Hawaii reports an employment concentration of 2.487 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 0.82—slightly below the national average, but still indicating consistent demand for the role.

Thanks to strong national trends and stable local opportunities, Hawaii presents a solid career path for those interested in becoming pharmacy technicians.