The average salary for a pharmacy technician in the United States is $37,790 per year or about $18.17 per hour. Salaries vary based on location, certification, and experience. Pharmacy technicians in hospitals or government facilities tend to earn more than those in retail settings.
What Is the Average Pharmacy Technician Salary?
Pharmacy technicians earn an average of $43,460 annually or $20.90 per hour in the United States, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure reflects the median salary, meaning half of technicians earn more and half earn less.
Many factors affect pay, including location, type of employer, certifications, and job experience. For instance, certified pharmacy technicians with specialized training in compounding or oncology typically earn higher wages than entry-level techs in retail pharmacies.
Pharmacy Technician Salary Overview
| State | Median Annual Salary | Hourly Wage (Median) | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National (US) | $43,460 | $20.90 | $35,100 | $59,450 |
| Washington | $56,140 | $21.82 | $45,550 | $74,370 |
| California | $49,640 | $19.01 | $38,850 | $79,630 |
| Alaska | $50,440 | $20.75 | $38,650 | $64,600 |
| Oregon | $51,210 | $20.37 | $42,940 | $65,320 |
| New York | $40,840 | $21.08 | $35,390 | $62,250 |
| Texas | $43,920 | $17.95 | $35,200 | $55,350 |
| Florida | $39,640 | $14.40 | $35,460 | $50,620 |
| Alabama | $37,690 | $17.46 | $30,830 | $48,190 |
| Lowest State (WV) | $31,024 | $14.92 | $29,890 | $49,270 |
How Location Affects Pharmacy Technician Pay
Technicians in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and California earn some of the highest median salaries. In contrast, states like West Virginia and Alabama pay significantly less.
Higher-paying states often have a higher cost of living. Location strongly impacts pharmacy technician salaries, and choosing where to work can affect long-term earnings.
- Washington: $56,140/year
- Oregon: $51,210/year
- West Virginia: $31,024/year (lowest)
Pharmacy technicians in urban hospitals or academic medical centers often earn more than those in rural pharmacies due to increased demand and workload.
Hospital vs Retail: Who Pays More?
Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals generally earn more than those in retail pharmacies. Hospital settings require more complex tasks like sterile compounding, managing inpatient medications, and assisting pharmacists in fast-paced environments.
Retail pharmacy roles, often in chains like CVS or Walgreens, focus on customer-facing tasks, prescription entry, and refills. These jobs often pay less and involve more shift work.
| Work Setting | Average Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Hospital | $20–$30 per hour |
| Retail Pharmacy | $15–$22 per hour |
| Government/Military | $25–$35 per hour |
Some hospital technicians receive bonuses for certifications or taking on specialized roles. These environments also provide more opportunities for career advancement.
How Experience Impacts Pharmacy Technician Salary
Technicians with more experience earn higher wages, especially those who gain experience in hospitals or specialized pharmacy services.
- Entry-level (0–2 years): $15–$18/hour
- Mid-career (3–5 years): $19–$23/hour
- Senior technicians (6+ years): $24–$30/hour
Employers value on-the-job training, knowledge of pharmacy law, and strong organizational skills. Technicians who complete additional responsibilities, such as inventory management or supervising other technicians, also receive higher pay.
Certification Increases Earning Potential
Certified pharmacy technicians earn more than non-certified peers. Most states require or prefer certification through exams like the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
Certification proves knowledge in pharmacy law, patient safety, and drug interactions. Passing the certification exam increases job options and starting pay.
- Certified pharmacy technician (CPhT): $2–$5/hour more than uncertified peers
- Required in most states for hospital jobs
- Preferred by employers across the U.S.
Completing a certificate course from a community college or online program helps applicants gain experience and meet education requirements. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement to become a pharmacy technician in most states.
Specialized Roles Mean Higher Pay
Pharmacy technicians working in oncology, IV compounding, or nuclear pharmacy earn the highest salaries due to the complexity and risk of their roles.
These jobs often require additional certifications or in-house training. Tasks include preparing chemotherapy medications, managing sterile environments, or handling radioactive drugs.
- IV Compounding Technician: $25–$35/hour
- Oncology Technician: $28–$38/hour
- Nuclear Pharmacy Technician: $30–$40/hour
Pharmacies and hospitals pay more for these technicians because of the precision, safety, and regulation required.
Typical Questions
Below are common questions but rarely answered about this topic.
Can pharmacy technicians negotiate their starting salary, or is it always fixed?
Yes, some pharmacy technicians can negotiate their salary. While large hospital systems often have fixed pay scales, independent pharmacies or regions with high demand may offer flexibility. Certification, prior experience, or bilingual skills help strengthen your case.
How does working the night shift or weekends affect pharmacy technician pay?
Night and weekend shifts often come with extra pay. Many hospitals and 24-hour pharmacies offer shift differentials that add $1–$5 per hour for evening, weekend, or holiday work. This additional pay is usually not shown in base salary data.
Do pharmacy technicians earn more in specialty settings like compounding or oncology?
Yes, specialty roles offer significantly higher wages. Pharmacy technicians working in compounding, oncology, or nuclear pharmacy must complete extra training or certifications. These jobs often pay $5–$15 more per hour compared to standard retail pharmacy jobs.
Final Tips to Maximize Your Pharmacy Technician Salary
- Get Certified: Pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam to increase your base pay.
- Choose Your Setting Wisely: Hospitals and specialty pharmacies offer higher wages.
- Work High-Demand Shifts: Nights, weekends, and holidays can increase your hourly pay.
- Gain Experience: Technicians with 3+ years of experience earn significantly more.
- Advance Your Education: A certificate or associate degree helps qualify for higher-paying jobs.
Pharmacy technicians are essential healthcare workers supporting pharmacists and patients. Technicians who complete certifications, choose high-paying locations, and work in hospital settings often earn the highest salaries. With growing demand in pharmacy services, certified pharmacy technicians are in a strong position for steady employment and career growth in 2025 and beyond.
