How Much Does a Hospital Pharmacy Technician Make?

A hospital pharmacy technician’s salary can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors. Get a better idea of how much this career path can earn you.

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Introduction

In order to become a hospital pharmacy technician, one must complete a pharmacy technician training program and earn a certification. Hospital pharmacy technicians make a median wage of $16.01 per hour, or $33,370 per year, as of May 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is a Hospital Pharmacy Technician?

A hospital pharmacy technician is a person who works in a hospital setting and is responsible for tasks such as Dispensing medications
Maintaining inventory
Preparing IV medications
Entering patient information into the computer
Answering phones
Reordering medications

A hospital pharmacy technician typically works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. In some states, a hospital pharmacy technician may be required to have a certified license.

The Duties of a Hospital Pharmacy Technician

As a hospital pharmacy technician, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks. You will be responsible for filling prescriptions, preparing medications, and keeping track of inventory. You will also be responsible for providing customer service and answering any questions that patients or their families may have. In addition, you may also be responsible for data entry and maintaining patient records.

The Training and Education Required to Become a Hospital Pharmacy Technician

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount a hospital pharmacy technician makes can vary depending on a number of factors, including their level of experience, education, and the specific hospital or health system they work for. However, we can provide some general guidance on the training and education required to become a hospital pharmacy technician, as well as the average salary range for this profession.

To become a hospital pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a formal education and training program. These programs are typically offered at the certificate or associate degree level, and they take between one and two years to complete. Once you have completed your formal education and training, you will need to obtain certification from a nationally recognized organization such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). After you have obtained certification, you will be eligible to apply for jobs at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

The average salary for a hospital pharmacy technician ranges from $30,000 to $40,000 per year. However, experienced pharmacy technicians who work in larger hospitals or health systems may earn salaries closer to $50,000 per year.

The Certification Required to Become a Hospital Pharmacy Technician

In order to become a certified pharmacy technician, you must first complete a pharmacy technician training program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and online. Once you have completed a pharmacy technician program, you must then pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

The Salary of a Hospital Pharmacy Technician

The salary of a hospital pharmacy technician can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, location, and the size and type of facility. In general, however, hospital pharmacy technicians can expect to earn a salary that is comparable to other types of pharmacy technicians.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $31,750 in May 2018. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $45,610, while the bottom 10 percent made less than $22,290.

Hospital pharmacy technicians tend to earn slightly more than other types of pharmacy technicians because they often have more responsibility and may be required to work more hours. Experience is also a factor in determining salary, and those with more experience can expect to earn higher wages.

Location also plays a role in salary, and those who work in larger cities or in hospitals that are part of larger healthcare systems may be paid more than those who work in smaller facilities. states like California, Alaska, and Hawaii tend to have the highest wages for pharmacy technicians.

The Job Outlook for Hospital Pharmacy Technicians

The job outlook for hospital pharmacy technicians is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 20% increase in jobs for pharmacy technicians between 2016 and 2026.1 This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations, so now is a great time to enter the field.

Hospital pharmacy technicians typically make slightly less than retail pharmacy technicians. The median annual salary for hospital pharmacy technicians was $31,750 in 2017, compared to $33,950 for retail pharmacy technicians.2 However, hospital pharmacy technician salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and type of facility. For example, hospital pharmacy technicians who work in large metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those who work in smaller towns or rural areas. And those who work in high-volume hospitals or specialty hospitals (like cancer centers) may earn more than those who work at smaller community hospitals.

If you’re interested in becoming a hospital pharmacy technician, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal training program. Some states also require certification from a nationally recognized organization like the National Healthcare Association (NHA) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once you’re certified, you can start looking for jobs at hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Hospital Pharmacy Technician

There are many different types of pharmacy technicians, and each has its own set of pros and cons. Hospital pharmacy technicians may find themselves working long hours, but they also have the opportunity to help save lives. If you’re considering a career as a hospital pharmacy technician, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros:
-Can Help Save Lives: Hospital pharmacy technicians play an important role in the healthcare industry. They dispense medications that can help save lives, and they often have the opportunity to work with other medical professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
-Competitive Salaries: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for pharmacy technicians was $32,700 in May 2018. This means that half of all pharmacy technicians earned more than this amount, and half earned less. salaries for hospital pharmacy technicians may be higher than this due to the specialized nature of their work.
-Good Job Outlook: The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for pharmacy technicians will grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Cons:
-Long Hours: Hospital pharmacy technicians often work long hours. They may be required to work nights, weekends, or holidays to ensure that patients have access to medications 24 hours a day.
-Stressful Work Environment: Hospitals can be chaotic and stressful places to work. Pharmacy technicians must be able to stay calm under pressure and handle multiple tasks at once.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hospital pharmacy technicians make a good wage. With the right experience and education, they can make a comfortable living. The job outlook for this career is good, so those interested in becoming a hospital pharmacy technician should have no trouble finding work.