Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing prescription medications to customers or healthcare professionals. Their job description typically includes tasks like: - Receiving and verifying prescriptions - Counting, pouring, measuring, and weighing medications - Preparing prescription labels - Maintaining patient records - Managing inventory and ordering supplies - Processing insurance claims - Providing customer service - Compounding medications under the pharmacist's supervision
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $29,910.00 |
25th percentile | $34,970.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $38,060.00 |
75th percentile | $41,180.00 |
90th percentile | $45,530.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $14.38 |
25th percentile | $16.81 |
median (50th percentile) | $18.30 |
75th percentile | $19.80 |
90th percentile | $21.89 |
Pharmacy Technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the field, with some employers requiring further education such as a certificate or associate degree. While no formal education beyond high school is strictly mandated in all cases, completion of a post-secondary pharmacy technician program enhances job prospects and provides comprehensive training. These programs cover topics like pharmacy laws, ethics, medications, calculations, recordkeeping, and techniques for dispensing medications. Additionally, hands-on experience through internships or externships in pharmacies is often required to develop practical skills in medication handling, inventory management, and customer service. Continuing education and certification may also be necessary to maintain licensure in some states.