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How much does a pharmacy tech make in a hospital? The average salary for a pharmacy tech in a hospital is $31,824 per year, according to Payscale.com. However, salaries can range from $24,480 to $39,920 per year, depending on experience and location.
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Introduction
A pharmacy technician is a vital part of the hospital pharmacy team. They are responsible for filling prescriptions, preparing IV medications, and providing customer service. The average salary for a pharmacy technician in a hospital is $21 per hour.
The Role of a Pharmacy Tech
A pharmacy technician is a vital member of the healthcare team, working closely with pharmacists to dispense medication and provide information to patients. Although the specific duties of a pharmacy tech may vary depending on the type of healthcare facility, most technicians are responsible for counting and measuring medications, preparing prescription labels, answering phone calls, and inputting patient information into computer databases.
With the aging population and the rising cost of healthcare, there is an increasing demand for qualified pharmacy technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Hospital pharmacies are one setting where pharmacy technicians can find employment, and the pay for these positions can be quite competitive.
According to PayScale.com, as of September 2019, the average hourly wage for a hospital pharmacy technician was $16.08. Keep in mind that wages will vary based on experience, education, geographical location, and other factors. For example, PayScale reports that entry-level hospital pharmacy technicians make an average hourly wage of $12.40, while those with 5-10 years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $17.31.
The Training Required to Become a Pharmacy Tech
In order to become a pharmacy tech, you will need to complete an accredited training program. Many community colleges offer these programs, which typically last between six and eight weeks. During your training, you will learn about the different types of drugs, how to dispense them, and how to handle customer questions and concerns. You will also be required to take a national certification exam. Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will be eligible to work as a pharmacy tech in a hospital setting.
The Salary of a Hospital Pharmacy Tech
An entry-level hospital pharmacy technician usually earns around $30,000 a year, but the salary can range from $28,000 to $32,000. A hospital pharmacy technician with 1 to 4 years of experience can expect to earn an average of $33,000 a year. Those with 5 to 9 years of experience can expect to earn an average of $37,000 a year. Experienced hospital pharmacy technicians with 10 to 19 years of experience can expect to earn an average of $41,000 a year. The highest earners in this field make more than $44,000 a year.
The Hours Worked by a Hospital Pharmacy Tech
Hospital pharmacy techs typically work full time, and their schedules may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Many hospital pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, which means that pharmacy techs may have to work shifts that include overnight hours. In addition to being available during traditional business hours, hospital pharmacy techs may also be required to work on-call shifts, which means they will need to be available to work at a moment’s notice.
The Benefits of Being a Hospital Pharmacy Tech
Hospital pharmacy technicians play an important role in the daily operations of a hospital. They are responsible for filling prescriptions, stocking shelves, and keeping the pharmacy organized. They may also be responsible for handling customer inquiries and questions.
As a pharmacy technician, you can expect to earn a competitive salary. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment that offers a great deal of job satisfaction. You will also have the chance to work with a team of professionals who are dedicated to providing quality patient care.
The Job Outlook for Hospital Pharmacy Techs
The job outlook for hospital pharmacy techs is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in this field will grow by 12 percent through 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The growing demand for healthcare services and the aging population will lead to an increased need for pharmaceuticals and therefore more jobs for pharmacy techs in hospitals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pharmacy techs in hospitals can make a relatively good wage. However, this will vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, education, and location. In general, those with more experience and/or higher levels of education will earn more. Keep in mind that wages also tend to be higher in larger metropolitan areas.
