By Unitedstatess 
The salary of a pharmaceutical technician (often called a pharmacy technician) varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of pharmacy or healthcare facility. Here’s an overview of what you can expect in terms of pay.
1. Average Annual Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in 2023 is approximately $37,000.
- Median hourly wage: About $17.10 per hour.
2. Salary Range by Experience
a. Entry-Level Pharmacy Technicians
- Annual Salary: Around $28,000 to $32,000.
- Entry-level pharmacy techs typically earn less as they are just starting in the field. However, with additional training and experience, salaries increase over time.
b. Experienced Pharmacy Technicians
- Annual Salary: Experienced pharmacy technicians, especially those who work in hospital settings or specialize in certain areas, can earn $40,000 to $50,000+ annually.
3. Factors That Influence Pay
a. Location
Location plays a major role in determining how much a pharmacy tech can earn. In states with a higher cost of living or higher demand for healthcare workers, salaries tend to be higher.
- Top-paying states for pharmacy technicians include:
- California: Average of $47,000 annually.
- Washington: Average of $46,000 annually.
- Alaska: Average of $45,000 annually.
Metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries than rural areas due to the higher cost of living and demand.
b. Type of Employer
- Retail Pharmacies: Pharmacy techs working in retail chains (like CVS, Walgreens, etc.) typically earn on the lower end of the scale, with wages between $30,000 and $38,000 annually.
- Hospitals: Techs working in hospitals or specialized healthcare facilities often earn more, ranging from $40,000 to $50,000+, due to the more complex nature of the job.
c. Certification
- Certified pharmacy technicians (CPhT) generally earn more than non-certified techs.
- Certification through PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or NHA (National Healthcareer Association) can boost annual salaries by 10-20%.
4. Additional Income Opportunities
Some pharmacy technicians earn additional income through:
- Overtime: Working overtime in pharmacies, especially in hospitals or 24-hour facilities, can significantly boost annual earnings.
- Specializations: Pharmacy techs who specialize in areas like sterile compounding, oncology, or nuclear pharmacy can earn higher salaries due to the advanced skills required.
Conclusion
- Average Salary: Around $37,000 annually.
- Entry-Level Pharmacy Technicians: About $28,000 to $32,000.
- Experienced Techs: Up to $50,000 or more, particularly in high-demand locations or hospital settings.
Salaries for pharmacy technicians can vary based on location, certifications, and the type of pharmacy where they work. Investing in certification and gaining experience are key to higher earning potential.