So you want to be a pharmacy technician, huh? Can’t say I blame you. It’s a solid career choice, with decent job prospects and a respectable salary. But before you enrol in pharmacy tech school, you probably want to know – how much does a pharmacy tech make? Well, friend, you’ve come to the right place. Pull up a chair, and let’s get down to brass tacks.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for pharmacy techs as of 2021 was $36,450. But that number doesn’t tell the whole story. Pharmacy technician pay can vary pretty wildly depending on these factors:
So, while the median salary is in the mid-$30,000s, pharmacy tech pay ranges from around $25,000 on the low end up to $45,000+ for the top earners. Not too shabby!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that pharmacy tech jobs will grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This will translate into about 22,400 new openings over that period.
The increased demand is driven by:
Retail chains like CVS, grocery stores, hospitals, and mail-order pharmacies will see the biggest need for new pharmacy technicians.
So, job security looks pretty good if you enter this field.
If you want to maximize your earning potential as a pharmacy technician, here are some tips:
Put in the effort, and a six-figure salary isn’t out of reach for experienced pharmacy techs in the right setting.
Besides a decent salary, pharmacy techs enjoy some nice perks:
The ability to help people in a healthcare setting also provides intangible rewards for many pharmacy technicians.
So, while pharmacy techs may not get rich, solid pay, good benefits, and meaningful work make it an appealing career option worth considering. Just be sure to get the facts on salary and job outlook in your area first. Then, start perfecting your dosage calculations!
Most pharmacy technicians are paid an hourly wage. Their schedules may vary from part-time to full-time.
Experience, certification, specialized skills, work setting, location, and willingness to work odd hours all contribute to higher pay.
Typical benefits include medical/dental insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee discounts, and tuition reimbursement.
Pharmacy technicians have a lot going for them career-wise. The salary prospects are decent, job growth is solid, and the work provides a sense of purpose. If you’re willing to put in the time to get certified and gain experience, you can reach the higher end of the pharmacy tech pay scale. Just be strategic about the work setting and location you choose. Pharmacy technician is a job where effort, dedication and intelligent decisions will be rewarded.
So, if helping people and working in healthcare appeals to you, don’t hesitate to pursue this career. The financial and personal rewards will make it worthwhile.
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can’t wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.