If you’re thinking of becoming a pharmacy technician, you may be wondering what the entry-level pharmacy technician salary is.
Of course, this will depend on your previous work experience, education and certifications, and location. However, it is good to get an idea of what the average entry-level pharmacy technician in the United States earns each year.
A pharmacy technician with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn an average of $14.11 per hour or $28,220 per year. Pharmacy techs with more certifications and previous healthcare experience or those who live in big cities can expect to earn more.
This guide will go over how much you can expect to earn as an entry-level pharmacy technician, how salary can change based on where you live and work, and how to maximize your earnings.
Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician Salary Overview
The average income for a brand-new pharmacy technician in the United States is $14.11 per hour. The salary range for entry-level pharmacy technicians is between $11.13 and $17.63 per hour.
This wide range of salaries is proof that there are many other factors that determine pay than just years of experience. Pay varies based on the following:
- Type of facility you work in. Hospital pharmacy technicians usually earn more than those who work in retail pharmacies. This is because they have more responsibilities and handle more dangerous medications.
- Location. Salaries vary widely based on the state and city you live in. For example, entry-level pharmacy technicians in California earn about $18 per hour, while those in Kentucky earn closer to $14 per hour.
- Certification. While pharmacy technicians in some states are required to earn their certification, earning extra certifications may help you earn more money. Certified pharmacy technicians often earn more per hour than uncertified technicians, and certifications in advanced skills such as compounding or chemotherapy medication handling can increase your earning potential even more. You can learn more about pharmacy technician certifications here.
- Previous healthcare or customer service experience. Having some previous healthcare experience will make you more valuable to potential employers. Knowing your way around a hospital or having experience working with customers means that your employer will not have to spend as much time and effort on your training.
Pharmacy technicians have many opportunities to increase their salary over time. The median pharmacy technician salary nationwide is $40,300 annually and $19.37 hourly.
They also enjoy great job security and can find work all around the country. Pharmacy technician jobs are expected to grow by 6% over the next decade, which is faster than the national average.
Starting Pharmacy Technician Pay by State
The following table shows the 10th percentile of salaries for pharmacy technicians by state. While these aren’t necessarily entry-level salaries, it’s around what you can expect to make if you’re just starting out:
Starting Pharmacy Technician Pay by City
The following table shows the 10th percentile of salaries for pharmacy technicians in major metropolitan areas. While these aren’t necessarily entry-level salaries, it’s around what you can expect to make if you’re just starting out:
How Quickly Do Entry-Level Pharmacy Technicians Start Making More Money
Pharmacy technicians who do their job well, are reliable, and stay up to date on their requirements can usually expect a small 2% to 3% raise every year.
If you hope to start earning more money faster, there are some things you can do to start moving up the career ladder and earning more money
Volunteering to work less-desirable shifts like nights, weekends, and holidays can earn you a pay raise immediately. Most companies offer shift differentials for working the more undesirable schedules and hours.
In addition, many companies will offer raises as their employees earn more certifications and complete training. For example, pharmacy technicians who progress through programs like Walgreens or CVS can expect a pay raise after earning their certification, usually within 6 weeks of starting.
