
Pharmacy Technician Salary in the US by State
Certified Pharmacy Technicians vs. Pharmacy Technicians
- In the United States, pharmacy technicians who hold certification earn higher average wages than those who are only registered
- Most employers prefer Certified Pharmacy Technicians, who have completed a training program and passed a certification exam
- Most employers prefer Certified Pharmacy Technicians, who have completed a training program and passed a certification exam
- Most employers prefer Certified Pharmacy Technicians, who have completed a training program and passed a certification exam
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Years of Experience
$22
$28
$24
Highest Paying Pharmacy Technician Specializations in the US
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What Are Pharmacy Technician Levels?
When someone becomes a pharmacy technician, they can work at a level I, II, or III. Each different level has different training requirements, scope of practice, and pay.
Level I Pharmacy Technician: Level I technicians are the entry-level professionals in any pharmacy setting, performing essential administrative and organizational duties, such as counting, labeling, and restocking, under the close supervision of a pharmacist. They typically complete a short training program and often sit for the PTCB’s CPhT exam (though certification requirements vary by state).
Level II Pharmacy Technician: With one to two years of experience and national certification (e.g., PTCB or NHA), Level II technicians take on more complex tasks, including sterile and non-sterile compounding, insurance billing, and training Level I staff. They may also handle controlled substances and maintain detailed medication records. Their expanded responsibilities are reflected in higher compensation
Level III Pharmacy Technician: Level III technicians, often called “advanced” technicians, combine at least three years of hands-on experience with multiple specialized credentials (such as chemotherapy or immunization certifications) to oversee department workflows and quality-assurance audits. In addition to all Level I and II duties, they supervise junior staff and may work in specialty areas like chemotherapy compounding.
>>> Learn More: Types & Levels of Pharmacy Technicians
How to Choose Which Type of Pharmacy Technician Role is Right for You?
With so many different options, it can feel overwhelming to choose which type of pharmacy technician role is right for you. Here are some things to consider before you make a choice:
Work environment preference. When looking for a job, consider the type of environment you want to work in. Think about whether you would enjoy working in a retail store or if working in a quiet laboratory sounds more appealing to you. If you can, try to spend some time touring different workplaces before you commit to a training program or a job.
Desire for patient interaction. Some pharmacy technician jobs, like retail pharmacies, require nearly constant patient interaction. Others, like compounding or hospital pharmacy jobs, allow pharmacy technicians to keep to themselves.
Comfort with fast-paced vs. steady work. Some pharmacies require their employees to work steadily for the entire shift, while others have periods of downtime mixed with periods of being busy. Check out different work locations if you can and pay attention to the workflow.
Willingness to work odd hours. Hospital jobs may require their staff to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Some people enjoy working odd hours, and some try to avoid it. Retail pharmacies are more likely to require only normal hours.
Interest in compounding medications. Only more advanced pharmacy technicians are allowed to compound most medications. Think about whether or not that is something you are interested in before you commit to a job or a pharmacy technician training program.
Desire for a more administrative or hands-on role. Read pharmacy technician job descriptions carefully to find out whether or not your organization expects more administrative or hands-on type work. Some pharmacy technicians prefer to handle more tasks like payments and insurance, while others prefer to do more hands-on tasks.
Long-term career goals. Consider your long-term career goals when choosing a pharmacy technician specialty. More advanced roles are better for those who hope to become pharmacists, while level 1 roles are fine for those who hope to become office administrators.
Educational requirements for specialization. While level III pharmacy technicians are paid a higher salary and have a bigger scope of practice, they do have to spend more time and energy on their education. If you need to get working right away, choose training that can be completed more quickly.
Availability of jobs in your area. As you begin pharmacy technician training, search job boards for specific pharmacy technician jobs in your area. Find out whether or not the facilities near you require specialization or advanced training.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
Here are the steps required to become a pharmacy technician:
Obtain your high school diploma or GED. No matter where you live, you will need a high school diploma or GED before you can become a pharmacy technician. If you need to, you can prepare for and pass your GED exam in as little as 3 months.
Get the necessary training & education. Once you have your high school diploma or GED, you can complete a pharmacy technician training program. You can choose an online certification program, a technical college, or a degree program to complete your education. Pharmacy technician training can last anywhere from 4 months to 2 years, depending on the program you choose.
Take your certification exam. Certification exams are available through both PTCB and NHA. Even if your state does not require certification, becoming a certified pharmacy technician might help you get a job or earn a higher salary.
Apply for a license. If your state requires licensure, you will have to apply for a license and pay a fee. This often includes submitting proof of certification and passing a background check.
Look for jobs. Pharmacy technician jobs can be found on websites like Indeed and Monster, through pharmacy and hospital websites, or on bulletin boards at colleges and universities. Some pharmacy technician training programs have counselors available to assist you in your job search.
Start working as a pharmacy technician. Once you start working as a pharmacy technician, make sure you stay up to date on safety standards, new technologies, and updated guidelines to keep your patients safe and protect your license.
Keep up with your continuing education. After you receive your certification and license, make sure you do not let them expire. Check with your State to find out exactly what the continuing education and recertification requirements are, since they are slightly different in each area. For example, pharmacy technicians in New Jersey must pay a $140 fee and complete 3 continuing education credits every 2 years.
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