Pharmacy Tech Salary: How Much Can You Expect

As the healthcare industry continues to grow, the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians is on the rise. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in assisting pharmacists with dispensing medication, managing patient records, and performing administrative tasks. If you're considering a career as a pharmacy technician, you're likely wondering about the salary potential. In this article, we'll delve into the world of pharmacy tech salaries, exploring the factors that influence earnings, average salary ranges, and how to increase your earning potential.

Factors Affecting Pharmacy Tech Salaries

Several factors can impact a pharmacy technician's salary, including:

• Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the state, city, or region you work in. Urban areas tend to offer higher salaries than rural areas.
• Employer: Different employers, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics, offer varying salaries.
• Level of experience: More experienced pharmacy technicians can command higher salaries.
• Certification: Obtaining certification, such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, can increase earning potential.
• Education: While a formal education is not always required, having a post-secondary degree or certificate can lead to higher salaries.

Pharmacy Tech Salary Ranges

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the United States was $34,860 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $25,000 to over $50,000 per year, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Here are some average salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in different industries:

• Retail pharmacies: $28,000 - $40,000 per year
• Hospitals: $30,000 - $45,000 per year
• Clinics: $32,000 - $50,000 per year
• Mail-order pharmacies: $35,000 - $55,000 per year

Top-Paying States for Pharmacy Technicians

Some states offer higher salaries for pharmacy technicians than others. According to the BLS, the top-paying states for pharmacy technicians in 2020 were:

• California: $43,610 per year
• Alaska: $42,610 per year
• Washington: $42,350 per year
• New Jersey: $41,910 per year
• New York: $41,810 per year

How to Increase Your Earning Potential

While salaries can vary, there are ways to increase your earning potential as a pharmacy technician:

• Obtain certification: Becoming certified can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession, leading to higher salaries.
• Gain experience: The more experience you have, the higher your salary is likely to be.
• Pursue specialized training: Specializing in a particular area, such as oncology or pediatrics, can lead to higher salaries.
• Consider a degree: While not always required, having a post-secondary degree or certificate can lead to higher salaries.
• Develop strong skills: Developing strong communication, organizational, and technical skills can make you a more valuable employee and increase your earning potential.

Conclusion

As a pharmacy technician, your salary will depend on various factors, including location, employer, experience, and certification. While salaries can vary, there are ways to increase your earning potential. By obtaining certification, gaining experience, and developing strong skills, you can position yourself for higher salaries and a successful career as a pharmacy technician.

What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician in the United States?

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The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the United States was $34,860 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What factors can impact a pharmacy technician's salary?

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Factors that can impact a pharmacy technician's salary include location, employer, level of experience, certification, and education.

How can I increase my earning potential as a pharmacy technician?

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Ways to increase your earning potential as a pharmacy technician include obtaining certification, gaining experience, pursuing specialized training, and developing strong skills.