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How much does a pharmacy tech make? This is a question that many people ask when they are thinking about becoming a pharmacy tech. There are many factors that can affect how much a pharmacy tech makes, including experience, location, and the type of pharmacy they work in.
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Introduction
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is very good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics predicts that the number of jobs for pharmacy technicians will grow by 32% between 2010 and 2020. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. As the baby boomer generation ages, they will need more prescription medications to maintain their health. In addition, as more people have access to health insurance, they will use more health care services, including pharmacy services.
How Much Does the Average Pharmacy Tech Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $32,700 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $47,590.
How Much Does a pharmacy tech make in Different Settings?
Different settings may offer different hourly wages for pharmacy technicians. The median hourly wage for a pharmacy technician in a retail setting is $15.10, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For those working in hospitals, the median hourly wage is $17.32. And for those employed by the government, the median hourly wage is $19.18. Keep in mind that these are just median values and actual wages may be higher or lower, depending on experience, location, and other factors.
What Factors Affect a Pharmacy Tech’s Salary?
There are a number of factors that can affect how much a pharmacy technician makes. The type of employer, the size of the facility, the location, and the experience of the technician are just a few of the variables that can impact earnings.
In general, pharmacy technicians working in retail settings tend to make less than those working in hospitals or other health care facilities. This is due to the higher customer volume and complexity of cases found in retail pharmacies. Hospital pharmacy technicians typically have more responsibilities than those working in retail pharmacies and are compensated accordingly.
Location is also a significant factor in earnings. Pharmacy technicians working in rural areas typically earn less than those working in urban areas. This is due to the higher cost of living found in urban areas.
Experience is also a factor that can affect earnings. Generally, pharmacy technicians with more experience tend to earn more than those with less experience. This is due to the fact that experienced technicians are able to handle more complex cases and have a better understanding of the pharmacy’s operations.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a Pharmacy Tech
Earning potential as a pharmacy tech can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, geographical location, and the type of employer. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your earnings in this field:
1. Get certified.While certification is not always required, it can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers a nationally recognized certification exam that you can take to become certified.
2. Consider working in an outpatient setting. Pharmacy techs who work in outpatient settings such as retail pharmacies or clinics typically earn more than those who work in other settings such as hospitals or long-term care facilities.
3. Consider working in a high-paying state.Geographical location can also affect your earnings potential as a pharmacy tech. States such as Alaska, California, and Hawaii typically offer higher salaries than other states.
4. Gain experience.As with most professions, your earnings potential will increase as you gain experience in the field. Many employers offer on-the-job training programs that can give you the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge while earning a paycheck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pharmacy techs can make a very decent wage, particularly when working in high-paying areas or for companies that offer competitive salaries. With the right education and experience, pharmacy techs can easily earn $20 per hour or more. In some cases, they may even be able to negotiate for higher wages.
