If you are a pharmacy technician in Illinois looking to increase your salary, there are several strategies you can implement to achieve this goal.

Obtain Certification through PTCB or ExCPT: Getting certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) can lead to higher paying job opportunities. Many employers in Illinois prefer hiring certified pharmacy technicians due to their advanced knowledge and skills.

Pursue Further Education or Training: Consider enrolling in advanced pharmacy technician training programs or continuing education courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. Local institutions such as the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP) may offer relevant courses and workshops.

Gain Experience in Specialized Areas: Specializing in a specific area of pharmacy practice, such as oncology, compounding, or sterile products, can make you more valuable to employers and lead to a higher salary. Look for opportunities to gain experience in these specialized areas through internships or on-the-job training.

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

Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Keep yourself informed about the latest trends and developments in the pharmacy industry. By staying current on industry news and advancements, you can position yourself as a knowledgeable and valuable pharmacy technician, which can lead to better salary opportunities.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois is an excellent choice for those who are interested in healthcare and want to help others. This career path offers a good balance between patient interaction and scientific application.

There are a few steps you will need to take to begin your journey.

Education and Training

Before you can become a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois, you must first have a high school diploma or equivalent. After completing your education, you will need to complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program.

This program can be completed at a local community college such as Malcolm X College in Chicago, or online through a program like Stepful. Stepful offers a more affordable option than traditional college and can be completed at your own pace.

The program provides both theoretical and practical training, giving you the knowledge and skills needed to perform your job efficiently.

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

Certification

In the state of Illinois, Pharmacy Technicians are required to be certified. After completing your training, you will need to take and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

This exam is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once you have passed the PTCE, you will be a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

Being certified not only fulfills the state requirement, but it also makes you more appealing to employers.

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

Gain Experience and Apply for a Job

Once you're certified, you'll want to gain experience. Many Pharmacy Technicians start their careers in retail pharmacies. This allows you to gain hands-on experience and become comfortable with the job.

You can also consider internships or volunteering to get a feel for the job before you start applying. After gaining some experience, you can start applying for jobs as a Pharmacy Technician.

In Illinois, there are many opportunities in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and even online pharmacies. Remember to highlight your certification and any experience you have on your resume.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 47,400 job openings each year, primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

In Illinois, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 22,950 pharmacy technicians employed in the state. Illinois's employment concentration for this occupation is 3.818 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 1.26, indicating a higher concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.