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You’re probably wondering how much a pharmacy tech makes. Well, the answer depends on a few factors, including experience and location.
But on average, pharmacy techs earn around $32,000 per year. So if you’re considering a career in pharmacy technology, that’s a pretty good starting salary!
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Introduction
P pharmacy technicians play an important role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for assisting pharmacists in dispensing medication and providing customer service. Pharmacy technicians typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. The national average salary for pharmacy technicians is $14.60 per hour, or $30,920 per year.
What is a pharmacy technician?
A pharmacy technician is a professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to help dispense prescription medication to patients. Pharmacy technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. They may also be involved in insurance claims processing, customer service, and inventory control.
While most pharmacy technicians receive on-the-job training, some states require certification or registration. In order to become certified, candidates must pass an exam administered by the pharmacy technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Certified pharmacy technicians may use the designation “CPhT” after their names.
How much does a pharmacy technician make? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $32,700 in May 2016.1 The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,780 that year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $47,490. The largest employers of pharmacy technicians were as follows:
Hospitals; state, local, and private: 43%
Pharmacies and drug stores: 27%
Grocery stores: 4%
Most pharmacy technicians work full time. Some work evenings or weekends, and about 1 in 5 worked part time in 2016.2
What are the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician?
A pharmacy technician is responsible for various tasks in a pharmacy, such as receiving and processing prescriptions, measuring and compounding medications, and maintaining patient records. They may also be responsible for providing customer service, answering phones, and stocking shelves.
The exact duties of a pharmacy technician will vary depending on the specific type of pharmacy in which they work. For example, in a retail setting, pharmacy technicians may be responsible for tasks such as cashiering and helping customers find the medications they need. In a hospital setting, their duties may be more focused on preparing and dispensing medications.
The salary of a pharmacy technician will also vary depending on the specific type of pharmacy in which they work. Retail pharmacies tend to pay slightly less than hospital pharmacies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a pharmacy technician in 2017 was $32,700 per year.
What are the education requirements for a pharmacy technician?
Most pharmacy technician programs will last between six to twelve months, although there are some longer programs out there as well. The first step is usually to complete a certificate or diploma program at a community college, vocational school, or technical institute. Once you have completed the program, you will then need to pass a national certification exam in order to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Some states also have their own certification exams that you will need to pass in order to work as a pharmacy technician.
What are the certification requirements for a pharmacy technician?
Most employers prefer to hire pharmacy technicians who have completed a formal training program and obtained certification. Although certification is not required in all states, it may be required to work in some retail pharmacies. Certification demonstrates that a pharmacy technician has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job.
There are two primary certifying organizations for pharmacy technicians: the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Both organizations offer a national certification exam. In order to sit for the exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a training program, and pass a criminal background check.
Once certified, pharmacy technicians must keep their certification current by completing continuing education requirements. These requirements vary by state but generally involve completing specified courses or attending conferences or workshops on topics related to pharmacy practice.
What are the job outlook and salary for a pharmacy technician?
As a pharmacy technician, you can expect to earn a median annual salary of $32,700. Job growth for pharmacy technicians is projected to be 4% from 2018 to 2028, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Conclusion
The average pharmacy technician salary in the united states is $32,700 per year or $15.78 per hour. Entry level positions start at $25,430 per year while most experienced workers make up to $41,530 per year.
