Starting a career as a pharmacy technician (pharmacy tech) comes with a lot of questions, particularly around salary. How much can you make? What influences your earning potential? If you’re aiming to begin this rewarding career, this guide will provide detailed insights on a typical pharmacy tech salary, the factors that affect this salary, and, most importantly, how you can stand out as an entry-level technician and command a higher wage.
Here, we’ll cover:
- The average salary for pharmacy technicians
- Factors that affect your salary
- Ways to stand out and boost your earning potential
- Additional resources for starting your pharmacy tech career
Let’s dive in.
Pharmacy Tech Salary Overview
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in the United States is approximately $42,260 per year, or around $19.35 per hour. This is a median wage, meaning that half of the workers in this occupation earn more and half earn less. However, the top 10% of pharmacy techs can earn upwards of $50,000 per year.
Entry-Level Salary
For entry-level pharmacy technicians, the starting salary typically ranges between $30,000 and $35,000 annually. As with many careers, salary tends to increase with experience. If you’re new to the field, you might start at the lower end of this range, but there’s significant room for growth as you gain skills and expertise.
Experienced Pharmacy Tech Salary
Pharmacy technicians with more experience can expect higher wages. For instance, those with around 10 years of experience can earn over $52,000 annually, according to Indeed.com. Staying in the profession and developing your expertise can lead to substantial salary increases over time.
Factors That Affect Pharmacy Tech Salary
Several factors can influence how much you can earn as a pharmacy technician. Here are the top three:
1. Experience
Experience is a significant factor in determining salary. Just as in most professions, the more years you spend working as a pharmacy tech, the more you can expect to make. As noted earlier, entry-level technicians may start at around $30,000 to $35,000 per year, but experienced pharmacy techs with a decade or more in the field can make upwards of $50,000 or even $52,000. The longer you stay in the profession, the better your earning potential becomes.
2. Where You Live
Your geographical location plays a major role in how much you can make. Pharmacy technician salaries vary significantly from state to state and even city to city. For example, the median annual wage for pharmacy techs in California is $52,900, while in Alabama, it’s $34,712. Why the difference?
The cost of living and demand for pharmacy technicians in a given area heavily influence salaries. While you might make more money in high-paying states like California, consider the higher cost of living there. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of relocating based on salary alone.
3. Type of Healthcare Setting
Pharmacy techs work in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, grocery stores, and national pharmacy chains. Where you work can also impact your salary.
For example:
- Hospital settings typically pay more, with a median wage of around $46,490 per year. However, the workload in hospital pharmacies can be more demanding compared to retail settings.
- National pharmacy chains like Walgreens or CVS tend to offer lower salaries, with a median wage of approximately $37,680 annually.
When deciding where you want to work, consider not just the salary but also factors such as workload, shift availability, and career growth opportunities.
How to Stand Out as an Entry-Level Pharmacy Tech
If you’re just starting, you might wonder how you can stand out from the competition and command a higher starting salary. Here are some key tips:
1. Obtain a Pharmacy Tech Training University Certificate
In healthcare, education and credentials matter. Having a pharmacy tech certificate can set you apart from other candidates. A certificate from a reputable institution builds trust with employers, showing that you’ve received quality education and training.
2. Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Many employers prefer or even require pharmacy technicians to be certified. By obtaining the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), you instantly make yourself a more attractive candidate.
Pharmacy Technician certification demonstrates your commitment to the field and proves that you meet national standards. More and more facilities encourage their pharmacy technicians to get certified, so if you want to boost your salary and job prospects, becoming a certified pharmacy tech is a smart move.
3. Gain Hands-On Experience Through an Externship
Real-world experience is invaluable when you’re just starting your career. One of the best ways to gain hands-on experience is by completing an externship. Whether it’s through your pharmacy tech training program or by volunteering, having some practical experience in a pharmacy setting makes you more competitive in the job market.
Externships provide you with insight into daily tasks and help build confidence. Plus, they’re a great way to make connections with potential employers.
You May Also Like:
– Self-Study for CPhT Certification in 2024
– Online Pharmacy Technician Course – See This Before Enrolling
– Pharmacy Tech Degree – Do You Need It?
Conclusion
Starting your career as a pharmacy technician offers a promising future, both in terms of job stability and earning potential. While the average salary for pharmacy techs is around $42,260 per year, several factors—such as your experience, location, and work setting—can influence how much you make. By obtaining the right pharmacy tech certification, gaining practical experience, and choosing the right work environment, you can boost your earning potential even as an entry-level pharmacy tech.
Preppy’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Program
If you’re ready to jump into a pharmacy technician course but are unsure where to start, there’s a program that ticks all the right boxes.
Program Overview
Preppy offers a 100% online pharmacy technician program in partnership with Auburn, an accredited university. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from this university, which boosts your resume and makes you stand out to employers.
Key Features of Preppy’s Program:
- Self-Paced and 100% Online: Study anywhere, anytime, without being tied to a schedule.
- Prepares You for the PTCB Exam: Preppy’s course provides all the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the CPhT exam and become a certified pharmacy technician.
- Complete in as Little as Two Months: You can complete the entire program in just two months, although you’ll have access to the course for a full year if needed.
- Hands-On Externship Opportunities: Gain real-world experience by participating in an externship at a hospital or pharmacy.
- Affordable: Preppy offers one of the most competitively priced programs, and right now, they’re even offering a free laptop upon enrollment!
Also read: What Does a Pharmacy Tech Do?
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you education in a few months through immersive online training.
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We look forward to speaking with you. You may also call 800-729-1317.
