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Despite the low cost of living in Kentucky, pharmacy techs in the state earn a decent wage. The average hourly wage for a pharmacy tech in Kentucky is $15.16, which comes out to $31,560 per year. Pharmacy techs in the top 10% of earners make $19.90 per hour, or $41,376 per year.
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Introduction
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Kentucky was $31,470 in May 2019, which is lower than the national median of $33,750. The top 10 percent earn more than $43,430, and the bottom 10 percent earn less than $22,810.
The Role of a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians are vital members of the healthcare team who work closely with pharmacists to dispense medications. In Kentucky, pharmacy techs earn a median hourly wage of $14.25, or $29,710 per year. Salary varies based on experience, education, and geographic location.
Pharmacy Technician Training
In order to become a pharmacy technician in Kentucky, you will need to complete a training program that has been approved by the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. The Board of Pharmacy has a list of approved training programs on their website. Once you have completed an approved training program, you will need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). After you have passed the PTCE, you will need to register with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician.
Certification and Licensure
In order to work as a pharmacy technician in Kentucky, certification is not required but it is encouraged.
There are two main organizations that offer certification for pharmacy technicians, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Certification from either of these organizations requires passing an exam. The PTCB offers two exams, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the ExCPT Exam. The NHA offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam.
The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy does not currently require licensure for pharmacy technicians, but this may change in the future. Even if licensure is not currently required, it is still a good idea to become certified and to keep up with any changes in the law.
Salary and Job Outlook
In Kentucky, pharmacy technicians earn an average salary of $31,040 per year. Job prospects for pharmacy technicians in the state are expected to be good, with an estimated growth rate of 19% between 2016 and 2026.
Conclusion
In Kentucky, pharmacy technicians make an average salary of $30,880 per year. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
