How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?

The average salary for a Pharmacy Technician is $43,203 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 43853 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Pharmacy Technician employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Pharmacy Technician in United States is $49,811 per year.

The lowest salary for a Pharmacy Technician in United States is $37,623 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Pharmacy Technician or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Pharmacy Technician.

Pharmacy technician salaries are expected to rise over the next decade as the aging American population and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses drive demand for prescription medications. Technicians who work for hospitals or ambulatory healthcare providers typically earn slightly higher pay than technicians who work for drug stores. Candidates who wish to further increase their pay can leverage their experience and return to school to become a licensed pharmacist.

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About 60% of pharmacy technicians say they're satisfied with their salaries in this career. You can increase your earnings by about $2,151.75 with opportunities for bonuses, profit-sharing programs, and higher wages for night, weekend, and overtime shifts.

Total compensation increases from about $33,240.80 for entry-level positions to $56,602.30 after earning experience and showing your value as a pharmacy technician. You can increase your salary and additional wages above the average of $43,199.13 by choosing a pharmacy technician job in a hospital or health clinic rather than a position in a large grocery, retail, or pharmacy chain.

You can increase your pharmacy technician salary by taking steps to qualify for a role as a senior or lead pharmacy tech. For example, you can take management classes and ask for additional responsibilities at work. Certifications can also help you command a higher salary as a pharmacy tech. You earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential by passing an exam given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. The board also offers certifications in high-paying specialty areas like hazardous drug management, supply chain management, and sterile preparation. In place of certifications, you can continue your education to become a pharmacist.

When looking for a job as a pharmacy tech, prepare to negotiate your salary by understanding how much others in your city make in this position. You can increase the amount you plan to ask for above the average if you have several years of pharmacy tech experience or special training and certifications. Emphasize these relevant items to justify a higher salary when you have an offer on the table for a new job or you're negotiating a raise at your current position. You should also call attention to instances when you've taken on leadership duties at the workplace or improved process efficiency.