Pharmacy Technician Salary 2025: $45,750 Median Pay & Career Outlook
The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the U.S. is $45,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly wage works out to about $22, with the typical range spanning $36,020 (10th percentile) to $61,040 (90th percentile). These figures make pharmacy tech a stable middle-income career path without a four-year degree requirement.
Currently, there are 471,680 pharmacy technicians employed nationwide. The field is expected to grow faster than average through 2034, creating roughly 49,000 job openings each year.
How much Pharmacy Technicians earn
The BLS reports the national mean annual wage for pharmacy technicians at $46,620, with a mean hourly rate of $22.41. The lower 10% earn around $36,020, while top earners at the 90th percentile make $61,040. Experience, certification, and location significantly affect pay.
- Median annual wage: $45,750
- Mean annual wage: $46,620
- Mean hourly wage: $22.41
- 10th percentile: $36,020
- 90th percentile: $61,040
Pay by state
Washington pays pharmacy technicians the most, with an average salary of $58,900. California follows at $55,110, then Oregon ($54,900), Alaska ($52,640), and Colorado ($49,970). At the lower end, Alabama averages $39,030, Arkansas $38,680, and West Virginia $38,210. Geographic differences reflect cost of living and local demand.
How to become Pharmacy Technician
Most pharmacy technicians enter the field after completing a postsecondary education program, typically a certificate or associate’s degree lasting six months to two years. These programs cover pharmacy law, medication handling, and customer service. Many states require certification, most commonly through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Some states also require registration or licensure. On-the-job training is common, but formal education and certification improve job prospects and pay.
- Complete an accredited pharmacy technician program (certificate or associate’s degree).
- Pass a national certification exam (PTCB or NHA).
- Apply for state registration or licensure, if required.
- Seek on-the-job training to gain experience.
Job outlook
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 49,000 job openings annually over the decade, largely due to the expanding role of pharmacies in healthcare, an aging population, and increased prescription drug use. Retail pharmacies, hospitals, and mail-order pharmacies are the top employers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a pharmacy technician?
Entry-level pharmacy technicians earn around $36,020 per year, the 10th percentile reported by BLS.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
Certificate programs take about 6 to 12 months; associate’s degrees take two years. After that, passing a certification exam is typical.
Is pharmacy technician a growing career?
Yes, the BLS projects 6.4% growth from 2024 to 2034, adding tens of thousands of jobs each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Pharmacy Technicians data.