How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Make?
.jpg)
Table of Contents
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pharmacy technicians in the United States earn an average hourly wage of $20.83 and an average annual salary of $43,330. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in supporting pharmacists by assisting with medication dispensing, inventory management, and customer service.
Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and specialty pharmacies. Their responsibilities often include measuring medication, entering patient information, and processing insurance claims. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
Highest Paying States for Pharmacy Technicians
The data from the BLS reveals some interesting insights about the highest-paying states for pharmacy technicians. California and Washington stand out as the top two, with average annual salaries over $54,000. This likely reflects the high cost of living in those regions and the importance placed on skilled healthcare workers. Other states like Oregon, Alaska, and Colorado also pay pharmacy technicians well, with average salaries above $47,000.
However, the data also shows significant variation across the country. Many states, particularly in the South and Midwest, pay pharmacy technicians average annual salaries under $40,000. This could make it challenging to attract and retain talent in those areas.
How Do Pharmacy Technicians Salaries Vary Across Different Industries?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable insights into where pharmacy technicians work and how industry salaries can differ. The data shows pharmacy technicians are employed across a variety of settings, with the largest concentrations in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and general merchandise stores.
Of the top industries for Pharmacy Technicians, General Medical and Surgical Hospitals pay the most, offering an average annual wage of $49,810 and an hourly mean wage of $23.95.
Pharmacy Technicians vs. Pharmacists vs. Surgical Technologists
The chart, using BLS data, below highlights how the salaries of pharmacy technicians compare to other health care professions, specifically pharmacists and surgical technologists. Pharmacy technicians earn an average annual salary of $43,330, or $20.83 per hour, which is lower than the $134,790 earned by pharmacists. Surgical technologists earn an annual salary of $62,250, or $29.93 per hour, which is higher than the salaries of pharmacy technicians.
Bottom Line
Pharmacy technicians earn an average annual salary of $43,330, with wages varying significantly based on location and industry. States like California and Washington offer the highest pay, with salaries exceeding $54,000, while other states, particularly in the South and Midwest, pay below $40,000 on average. Pharmacy technicians in hospitals generally earn more compared to those in retail settings. Employment for this role is projected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031, highlighting a steady demand for these professionals as health care needs continue to rise.