Pharmacy Technician Salary in USA 2025
Average pay, certification premium, and career advancement
BLS Median Annual Salary
How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Earn in 2025?
Pharmacy technicians are healthcare support professionals who assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, processing prescriptions, and providing customer service. They work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and mail-order facilities—anywhere medications are dispensed.
2025 national data shows BLS median salary around $43,460 per year, with typical hourly rates of $18–$22/hour ($20.89 median). However, certification status creates a significant pay gap that every pharmacy tech should understand.
Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) earn significantly more: $22.23–$22.25/hour median vs. non-certified at $18.36/hour—representing roughly a 20%+ premium. Entry-level positions start around $35,100–$36,920, while experienced technicians in high-paying states can reach $59,450–$79,630. This is an accessible healthcare career path that doesn't require a degree—see our guide to high-paying jobs without a degree. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Average Salary: Base Pay and Ranges
Multiple data sources provide a picture of pharmacy technician compensation in 2025:
| Metric (USA 2025) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| BLS median annual salary | $43,460 |
| BLS median hourly wage | $20.89/hour |
| Non-certified average hourly | $18.36/hour |
| Certified (CPhT) average hourly | $19.64–$22.25/hour |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $35,100/year |
| Mid-range (75th percentile) | $48,580/year |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $59,450/year |
For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Pharmacy technicians earn somewhat below average, but the role offers accessible entry into healthcare with clear advancement paths. To convert hourly to annual, use our hourly to salary calculator.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives steady salary increases in pharmacy technology:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–1 year) | $35,100–$36,920 |
| Early career (1–4 years) | $36,920–$43,460 |
| Mid-career (5–9 years) | $43,460–$48,580 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $48,580–$59,450+ |
Advancement Opportunities
Beyond basic experience progression, pharmacy technicians can increase earnings through:
Senior/Lead Technician: Supervising other techs, training new hires, handling complex tasks (+$3,000–$8,000)
Specialty Roles: IV compounding, chemotherapy preparation, nuclear pharmacy (+$5,000–$15,000)
Pharmacy Operations: Inventory specialist, purchasing coordinator, operations supervisor (+$8,000–$15,000)
Pharmacy Technician Salary by State
Geographic location significantly impacts pharmacy technician compensation—with nearly $20,000 difference between highest and lowest paying states.
Highest-Paying States
| State | Median Annual | Top 10% Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $56,140 | $74,370 |
| Oregon | $51,210 | $65,320 |
| Alaska | $50,440 | $64,600 |
| California | $49,640 | $79,630 |
| Minnesota | $48,560 | $59,970 |
| Colorado | $48,070 | $62,760 |
| Arizona | $47,620 | $60,350 |
| North Dakota | $47,600 | $58,990 |
| Montana | $46,980 | $58,470 |
| Nevada | $46,670 | $60,400 |
Lower-Paying States
| State | Median Annual | Top 10% Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $37,370 | $49,270 |
| Arkansas | $37,380 | $47,030 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,560 | $49,770 |
| Alabama | $37,690 | $48,190 |
| Louisiana | $38,700 | $49,100 |
Cost of Living Considerations
Higher-paying states often have higher costs of living. A $56,000 salary in Washington may not provide more purchasing power than $43,000 in a lower-cost state. However, top earners in California can reach $79,630—nearly double the median in low-paying states.
Salary by Work Setting and Employer
Work setting is one of the biggest factors in pharmacy technician compensation—hospital and specialty settings pay dramatically more than retail.
Salary by Industry/Setting
| Work Setting | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Outpatient care centers | $57,100 (highest) |
| Federal government | $48,420 |
| Specialty hospitals | $42,380 |
| General hospitals | $42,380 |
| E-commerce/mail-order pharmacies | $38,950 |
| Retail pharmacies | $35,230 |
| Grocery store pharmacies | $34,300 (lowest) |
Salary by Major Employer
| Employer | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Safeway Pharmacy | $30,140–$54,780 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $27,990–$50,880 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $24,810–$45,110 |
| Walgreens | $23,490–$42,690 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $24,000–$44,000 |
Why Setting Matters So Much
The $22,800 gap between outpatient care centers ($57,100) and grocery stores ($34,300) reflects: complexity of work (hospital IV compounding vs. retail dispensing), certification requirements (hospitals require CPhT), scheduling demands (hospital 24/7 shifts), and employer budgets (health systems vs. grocery margins).
What Pharmacy Technicians Do: Role and Work Environment
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation and career fit.
Core Responsibilities
Pharmacy technicians: receive and process prescription orders, count, measure, and package medications, label prescription bottles accurately, maintain medication inventory and reorder supplies, operate pharmacy software and point-of-sale systems, verify insurance coverage and process claims, assist customers with questions (under pharmacist supervision), and compound medications (in some settings).
Work Settings
Retail pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, grocery stores—highest volume, customer-facing
Hospital pharmacies: Inpatient and outpatient—more complex medications, IV compounding
Outpatient clinics: Specialty clinics, cancer centers—focused patient populations
Mail-order pharmacies: High-volume prescription fulfillment—less customer interaction
Specialty compounding: Custom medications, sterile preparations—highest skill requirements
Work Characteristics
The role typically involves: standing for extended periods, attention to detail and accuracy, fast-paced environment (especially retail), customer service skills, shift work (hospitals operate 24/7), and working under pharmacist supervision.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Pharmacy technician offers stable employment with clear advancement opportunities.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects pharmacy technician employment to grow around 6.4% over the next decade—faster than average for all occupations. Growth drivers include: aging population requiring more prescriptions, increased complexity of medication regimens, expansion of healthcare services, and pharmacist focus shifting to clinical services (requiring more tech support).
Career Progression Paths
Within pharmacy technology: Pharmacy tech → Senior/Lead tech → Pharmacy tech specialist (IV, chemo, compounding) → Pharmacy operations supervisor
Advanced roles: Pharmacy buyer/inventory specialist, pharmacy informatics, pharmacy technician educator
Further education: Pharmacy school (PharmD) for those wanting to become pharmacists—techs with experience have advantages in admissions
Certification and Advancement
CPhT certification is increasingly required for advancement. Specialized certifications in sterile compounding, chemotherapy handling, and nuclear pharmacy open doors to the highest-paying positions in hospital and specialty settings.
How to Increase Your Pharmacy Technician Salary
Several strategies can significantly boost pharmacy technician earnings.
Earn CPhT Certification
The single highest-impact move. CPhT certification adds 20%+ to salary immediately and is required for most hospital positions. Pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam—preparation courses cost $100–$500 and the exam fee is approximately $129.
Pursue Specialized Training
Advanced certifications unlock the highest-paying roles: sterile/IV compounding certification, chemotherapy preparation training, nuclear pharmacy certification, and medication therapy management training. Each specialty can add $5,000–$15,000 to annual salary.
Move to Hospital or Specialty Settings
Outpatient care centers pay $57,100 vs. retail at $35,230—a $22,000 difference. Hospital positions require CPhT certification but offer significantly better compensation and benefits.
Target High-Paying States
Washington ($56,140 median) pays 50% more than Pennsylvania ($37,560). If relocation is feasible, high-paying states offer substantial income increases.
Advance to Lead/Senior Roles
Lead technician and supervisor positions add $5,000–$10,000+ annually. Demonstrate reliability, take on training responsibilities, and express interest in advancement.
Consider Federal Employment
Federal government positions average $48,420 with excellent benefits, job security, and defined pension plans. VA hospitals and military pharmacies are major federal employers.
Negotiate Effectively
Know your market value based on certification, experience, and setting. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average pharmacy technician salary in 2025?
The BLS median pharmacy technician salary is $43,460 annually ($20.89/hour). However, this varies significantly by certification status, setting, and location. Non-certified techs average $38,189, while CPhTs average $40,851–$46,280. Top earners in high-paying states exceed $59,450–$79,630.
How much more do certified pharmacy technicians make?
CPhT certification adds approximately 20%+ to salary. Non-certified pharmacy technicians average $18.36/hour (~$38,189/year), while certified technicians average $19.64–$22.25/hour ($40,851–$46,280/year). The premium increases over time as certified techs access better positions.
What is entry-level pharmacy tech salary?
Entry-level pharmacy technicians typically earn $35,100–$36,920 annually, or $16–$18/hour. Entry pay varies by state (higher in Washington, California) and setting (higher in hospitals than retail). Earning CPhT certification before or during entry-level work increases starting pay.
Which states pay pharmacy technicians the most?
Highest-paying states: Washington ($56,140 median), Oregon ($51,210), Alaska ($50,440), California ($49,640), and Minnesota ($48,560). California top earners reach $79,630. These states pay 30–50% above the national median.
Is pharmacy technician a good career in 2025?
Yes, for those suited to healthcare support work. The field offers: accessible entry (certificate programs, often under 1 year), steady demand (6.4% growth projected), clear advancement paths (certifications lead to higher pay), healthcare industry stability, and pathway to pharmacist career. Trade-offs include standing for long shifts, detail-oriented work pressure, and moderate pay ceiling without additional education.