If you're a pharmacy technician in Missouri looking to increase your salary, there are several strategies you can implement to improve your earning potential. By taking proactive steps and leveraging available resources, you can work towards securing a better salary in the field.

Obtain Certification: Consider obtaining certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification can demonstrate your commitment to excellence and potentially increase your earning potential.

Seek Advanced Training: Pursue additional training or education in specialized areas such as compounding, sterile product preparation, or medication therapy management. Institutions like St. Louis College of Pharmacy offer continuing education programs that can enhance your skills and qualifications.

Gain Experience: Look for opportunities to gain experience in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, or long-term care facilities. The more experience you have, the more valuable you may be to potential employers, potentially leading to a higher salary.

Negotiate with Employers: When seeking a new job or during performance reviews, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research salary data for pharmacy technicians in Missouri to ensure you are being compensated fairly for your skills and experience.

Stay Informed: Stay informed about trends and developments in the pharmacy industry, such as new regulations, technologies, or medications. Continuing education and staying current with industry news can make you a more valuable employee and potentially lead to higher salary offers.

Embarking on a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Missouri is a rewarding decision. It offers ample opportunities for growth. Here's a guide on how to kick-start your journey in this field.

Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The first step towards becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Missouri is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is a basic requirement for admission into any Pharmacy Technician training program. If you don’t currently have your high school diploma, consider enrolling in an adult education program to earn your GED.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program

After securing a high school diploma or GED, aspiring Pharmacy Technicians should enroll in a state-recognized Pharmacy Technician training program. These programs are designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to assist pharmacists in dispensing medication to patients.

Several institutions in Missouri offer these programs. They include the Ozarks Technical Community College and the St. Louis College of Health Careers. Alternatively, online platforms like Stepful offer flexible and affordable certification training.

Obtain Certification and Register with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy

Pharmacy Technicians in Missouri must be registered with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy. To register, you must provide proof of having completed a pharmacy technician training program. In addition, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Once you have passed the PTCE and registered with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy, you will be ready to start your career as a Pharmacy Technician in Missouri.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 7% increase in pharmacy technician employment from 2023 to 2033—surpassing the growth rate for most occupations. This projected demand is expected to lead to around 47,400 new job openings annually, driven largely by retirements and workers transitioning into other fields.

In Missouri, pharmacy technicians serve in a range of healthcare environments, including drugstores, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, approximately 10,110 pharmacy technicians were employed statewide. With an employment concentration of 3.516 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.16, Missouri has a higher-than-average density of pharmacy technician roles compared to the national norm—making it a strong market for those entering the profession.