Technician Programs

Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the health and well being of the nation's senior population. They also are in a hot job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for pharmaceutical services and jobs will increase through 2012.

Pharmacy Technician Salary Range
Pharmacy technician salaries range from $20,476 to $27,873, nationally, according to Salary.com. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in 2002 the median hourly pharmacy technician wage was $10.70. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.44, while the highest 10 percent made more than $15.82. The current median pharmacy technician salary, nationally, is $23,141, according to Salary.com.

Starting Pharmacy Technician Salaries
The average starting pharmacy technician salary, nationally, is $19,000, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).

Certification and Pharmacy Technician Salaries
Certification with the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (NPTCB) can increase your pharmacy technician salary. Salary levels also will vary depending on the work setting. For instance, the BLS reports that those who work in general medical or surgical hospitals will earn an average of $12.32 per hour, while those working in a department store pharmacy will make an average of $9.69 per hour.

Career Description
Pharmacy technicians work alongside and under the supervision of qualified pharmacists in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacy outlets, hospitals, and clinics. They assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing prescribed medication for patients.

In addition, pharmacy technicians ensure that drugs, chemicals, and ingredients are stored and labeled according to the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. They also assist patients who are dropping off and picking up prescriptions.

Educational Requirements
High-school coursework in biology, chemistry, health, and mathematics is recommended for those pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician. Most pharmacy technician jobs require a diploma, certificate, or associate degree from a community or technical college, or one of many online schools.

Formal education consists of both classroom and laboratory work. Areas of study include: medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Though not required, certification is offered through the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Use our technician salary calculator to review pharmacy technician salaries in your region.