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A pharmacy technician’s salary varies based on their experience, geographic location, and the type of employer. Get details on pharmacy tech pay and more.
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Introduction
In order to become a pharmacy technician, one must complete a pharmacy technician training program and pass a national certification exam. Some states also require licensure. Individuals who wish to enter this career can find training programs at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. Programs typically last from six months to two years and include both classroom and laboratory instruction.
Once certified, pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, mail-order pharmacies, and government agencies. They typically work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and perform tasks such as counting pills, measuring medications, labeling bottles, answering customer questions, and maintaining records.
Pharmacy technicians typically earn an hourly wage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for pharmacy technicians was $15.86 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.73, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $24.67.
What Does a Pharmacy Tech Do?
A pharmacy technician is a health care worker who helps licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients. In most states, pharmacy technicians must complete an accredited pharmacy technician program and pass a state-administered exam to become certified. Once they are certified, they can work in a hospital, drug store, or other health care facility.
The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $32,700 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $46,690.
How Much Does a Pharmacy Tech Make?
The average pharmacy technician salary in the United States is $33,950 as of May 2016, and the range is generally between $30,820 and $37,480. How much does a pharmacy tech make in different parts of the country?
-In California, the average pharmacy technician salary is $37,070.
-In Texas, the average pharmacy technician salary is $34,010.
-In Florida, the average pharmacy technician salary is $32,040.
Factors That Affect a Pharmacy Tech’s Salary
There are many factors that affect how much a pharmacy tech makes. The type of employer, the location, the size of the facility, and the number of years of experience are just a few of these factors. In addition, union membership can also impact salary.
The type of employer is perhaps the most important factor affecting pay. For-profit hospitals tend to pay more than non-profit hospitals. Retail pharmacies, such as those found in grocery stores or drug stores, typically pay less than hospitals.
Location is also a major factor in salary. Pharmacy techs in urban areas tend to make more than those in rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living in urban areas and the greater demand for pharmacy services in these areas.
The size of the facility is another important factor affecting pay. Larger facilities tend to pay more than smaller ones because they have a greater need for pharmacy services.
The number of years of experience is also a significant factor in determining salary. More experienced pharmacy techs tend to make more than those who are just starting out. In addition, union membership can also impact salary. Unionized pharmacy techs tend to make more than non-unionized techs because they have negotiate for better wages and benefits.
The Bottom Line
In the United States, the median salary for a pharmacy technician is $32,700 per year. Experienced professionals can expect to earn more, and those in management positions may earn up to $57,000 annually.
