Salary of a Pharmacy Technician
Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in the USA
Consider becoming a pharmacy technician, or find out if you're paid fairly.
This blog will show you exactly what pharmacy technicians earn in 2025. We'll break down salaries by experience, location, and skills. You'll learn how much money you can make starting out and how to grow your pay over time.
We'll also answer common questions like whether these numbers include taxes and bonuses. Knowing your career worth in 2025 is important for making smart job choices. Let's dive into the real numbers that matter for your future.
What's the Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in the USA?
$40,750 per year (Average)
We got this number by checking data from three sources:
Indeed: $20.15 per hour
Glassdoor: $44,379 per year
Stepful: $20 per hour or $41,600 per year.
ZipRecruiter lists an hourly rate of $19.27. Other sources report monthly earnings of about $3,160.
Pharmacy technician salaries remain steady compared to last year. The average annual salary is $37,970, according to some sources. The small increase shows steady demand for healthcare workers. It also includes cost-of-living adjustments in many states.
Pharmacy Technician Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $40,750 a year, according to major job sites.
Salary range: $14.42 to $26.20 per hour ($29,994 to $54,496 per year). Entry-level jobs pay about $30,000. Experienced technicians can make over $50,000 a year.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level (0-1 years): $28,740 per year
Early career (1-4 years): $29,460 per year
Mid-career (5-9 years): $36,740 per year
Experienced (10-19 years): $45,850 per year
Senior level (20+ years): $47,580 per year
At the 75th percentile, senior professionals with 5-8 years earn about $40,913. Those with more than 8 years make an average of $41,060.
According to Payscale, certified pharmacy technicians (CPTs) make $15.26 an hour at the entry level. Those with 20 or more years of experience can earn up to $21.31 an hour. Analysis of 175,029 recent job postings shows the current market average at $20 per hour.
Pharmacy Technician Regional Comparison
Location plays a huge role in how much you'll earn as a pharmacy technician. The cost of living, local demand, and state regulations all affect your pay. California has the highest monthly average at $4,170. In contrast, West Virginia has the lowest at $2,690.
Here's how salaries compare across different regions:
Washington is the top-paying state for pharmacy technicians. In contrast, Florida usually has lower wages.
We recommend considering both salary and cost of living when choosing where to work. States like Texas and North Carolina pay well. Plus, their living costs are lower than in California or New York.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a Pharmacy Technician
1. Get Certified: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPHT) earn more than non-certified workers. Hourly rates vary from $15.26 to $21.31, depending on experience. Getting your PTCB or ExCPT certification can boost your pay by 15% to 20%.
2. Gain Specialized Skills: Payscale says specialized skills can boost your earning potential a lot. Learn IV preparation, chemotherapy handling, or compounding to qualify for higher-paying positions.
3. Work in Hospital Settings: Hospital pharmacy technicians typically earn more than retail pharmacy workers. The median salary is over $43,000 a year. Hospitals often pay more for specialized skills and shift work.
4. Move to High-Paying States: Think about moving to states like California ($50,040 a year) or Washington ($48,500). Pharmacy technicians here earn well above the national average.
5. Build Experience Steadily: Salary grows with experience. For those with 10-19 years of experience, the average salary is $45,850. In contrast, entry-level positions earn about $28,740. Stay committed to the field for long-term financial growth.
6. Pursue Additional Training: Take courses in pharmacy law, medication safety, or insurance billing. Skills and training can lead to better salary opportunities, based on industry analysis.
FAQs About Pharmacy Technician Salary
Is the average salary of a Pharmacy Technician before or after tax?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. Consider federal, state, and local taxes. They usually cut take-home pay by 20-30%.
Does the average salary of a Pharmacy Technician include bonuses?
No, these base salary figures don't include bonuses, overtime pay, or benefits. Many employers offer additional compensation through performance bonuses, shift differentials, and health benefits.
What is the starting salary for a Pharmacy Technician with no experience?
Starting-level pharmacy technicians typically earn $28,740 per year. This can vary by location and whether you have certification when you start.
How much do certified Pharmacy Technicians make compared to non-certified?
Certified pharmacy technicians earn about $38,500 each year. This is usually $3,000 to $5,000 more than non-certified technicians in similar jobs.
What factors affect a Pharmacy Technician's salary the most?
Experience, location, and your role are the main factors that affect pharmacy tech pay. Certification, workplace setting, and specialized skills also play important roles.
Do Pharmacy Technicians get paid more in hospitals or retail pharmacies?
Hospital pharmacy technicians usually earn more. This is due to their specialized duties, shift work, and the need for higher skills. The median salary is over $43,000 a year. Hospitals often pay higher rates.
How often do Pharmacy Technician salaries increase?
Salaries rise as experience grows. Here are some key milestones:
1-4 years: $29,460
5-9 years: $36,740
With more experience, salaries keep increasing. Annual cost-of-living adjustments are also common.
What is the highest salary a Pharmacy Technician can earn?
The top end of the salary range reaches $26.20 per hour or about $54,496 per year. Senior technicians with 20+ years of experience can earn $47,580 or more in specialized roles.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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