As with most careers, pharmacy technician salaries vary depending on factors such as experience, location or work type. In this article, we will take a look at pharmacy technician salaries in the U.S. and explore some of the factors that influence wage levels.
Pharmacy technicians are an important part of the pharmacy profession. They play a crucial role in helping pharmacists provide medication and other pharmacy services to patients. Have you ever considered working as one? Join our read!
Who Is a Pharmacy Technician?
The first thing to understand is what pharmacy technicians do. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining drugstore records, and providing customer service. In many cases, pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Technician Salary
So, how much do pharmacy technicians make in the United States? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $35,100 in 2020. However, another source shows that the annual pay for 2022 is $36,731. This means that half of all pharmacy technicians earned more than this amount and half earned less. It’s also worth noting that salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of employer.
Salaries by States for Pharmacy Technicians
In general, pharmacy technician salaries tend to be highest in urban areas and in states where the cost of living is high. For example, pharmacy technicians in California earn an average salary of $40,940, while those in New York earn an average of $42,060. In comparison, pharmacy technicians in South Dakota earn an average salary of just $36,540.
There are also significant variations in wages across different parts of the country. Take a look at some pharmacy technician salaries in some of the highest paying cities in the United States. Pharmacy techs in San Francisco earn an average salary of $50,410, while those in New York City earn an average of $48,780. In comparison, techs in Omaha earn an average salary of just $31,540.
Median Annual Salary Based on Experience
One important thing to keep in mind is that pharmacy technician salaries can vary significantly depending on years of experience. The BLS reports that drugstore technicians with less than one year of experience earned a median salary of just around $28,000. However, those with five or more years of experience earned a median salary of ca. $39,000.
Comparing Careers
Finally, it’s worth noting that pharmacy technician salaries tend to be lower than those of other similar occupations, such as registered nurses and medical assistants. If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, be sure to research salaries in your area so that you have a realistic expectation of what you can earn. And keep in mind that pharmacy technician salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of work.
Where Do Pharmacy Technicians Make More?
While technicians in hospitals do earn more money, those in retail pharmacies have more opportunities for advancement. Many pharmacy techs start their careers in retail settings and then move into hospital positions after gaining experience. Some technicians also become certified pharmacy technicians, which can lead to higher earnings. Reliable sources report that drugstore aides working in hospitals earn an average of $18.73 per hour, while those in retail pharmacies earn an average of $17.92 per hour.
Pharmacy Tech Salary. Walgreens vs. Walmart
Walgreens pays more per hour and offers more hours. They also offer health insurance and other benefits. Walmart does not offer as many benefits, but they do pay a bit more per hour than most other retail pharmacies. So, it really depends on what you are looking for in a job as to where you will earn the most money. If you want better pay and fewer hours, Walgreens is the place to work. If you want more hours and less pay, Walmart is the place to work. Either way, you will be earning more money than if you worked at a grocery store or another type of retail establishment.
Pharmacy Tech Wages vs. Cost of Living
Unfortunately, in comparison to the cost of living in the United States, pharmacy technician wages do not always reflect the importance of the role. In some parts of the country, the cost of living is much higher than the average wage for pharmacy technicians. For example, in California, the cost of living is much higher than in other states, but the average wage for pharmacy techs is only $18.00/hour. In contrast, in Alabama, where the cost of living is much lower than in California, the average wage for pharmacy technicians is only much lower. This disparity means that pharmacy assistants in some parts of the country are not being paid a fair wage for the important role they play.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for pharmacy techs is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of pharmacy technicians will grow by 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due largely to an aging population and an increase in the number of prescriptions being filled.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re interested in a career as a pharmacy aide, now is the time to pursue it! The job outlook is good, and the earning potential is excellent. And don’t forget, training can be completed in just a few months. Start your career today!
