Who Is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician (or pharm tech) helps pharmacists prepare and give out medicines. They work in many places—such as drugstores, hospitals, clinics, and sometimes online services. Their tasks include counting pills, labeling bottles, dealing with customers, and doing some paperwork. Their work supports both patient care and pharmacy operations.
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National Average Pay—What Do We See?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- The median hourly wage is $20.83, and the median yearly salary is about $43,330.
- The BLS also gives the median annual wage as $43,460 (May 2024).
- The 10th percentile wage is $15.73/hr ($32,720/year), the 25th percentile is $17.45/hr ($36,290/year), the 75th percentile is $22.92/hr ($47,680/year), and the 90th percentile is $27.47/hr ($57,130/year).
Indeed (as of August 2025)
- The average U.S. pay is $20.29 per hour, with a low of $14.17 and a high of $29.05.
- For certified pharmacy technicians, the average is a bit higher—$22.03 per hour, ranging from $14.16 to $34.29.
Glassdoor (August 2025)
- The average salary is $44,338 per year, or about $21 per hour (national average).
- The 25th percentile salary is $38,992, and the 75th percentile is $50,721. Top earners reach up to $57,225/year.
- Some of the top-paying industries include Aerospace & Defense ($50,339/year), Government & Public Administration ($49,196/year), Insurance ($48,383/year), NGO ($45,005/year), and Healthcare ($44,715/year).
ZipRecruiter Percentiles (2025 data)
- $30,000–$31,999: 3% of jobs
- 25th percentile (~$35,000)
- Average salary: $40,074/year
- 75th percentile (~$42,500)
- 90th percentile: $48,000/year (above this are rare roles/outliers).
Stepful (August 2025)
- The average pay is $20.13 per hour, or $41,860 per year.
Why Do Salary Numbers Differ?
A few key reasons:
Data source—Different places use job ads, self-reports, or surveys, so data can vary.
Certifications—Certified technicians often earn more than non-certified ones.
Location—Salaries are higher in expensive areas like California or big cities.
Work setting—Hospital or clinic positions often pay more than retail pharmacies.
Experience & roles – Techs with more experience, senior roles, or specialized tasks earn more.
Industry—Words like “big medical centers,” “government agencies,” or “defense sectors” may offer higher pay.
Higher Pay Regions & Workplaces
- In California, pay tends to be higher than the national average. (Note: exact California numbers from Indeed weren’t included but are generally above average).
- Specialized workplaces such as hospitals or outpatient care centers often pay better (BLS data).
- Industry types like aerospace, government, or insurance offer higher median pay, per Glassdoor.
- Final Thoughts
Pharmacy technicians in the U.S. earn around $20–$21 per hour, or about $43,000 annually. Pay can be higher with certification, more experience, and working in specialized or high-paying sectors like hospitals or government roles. Geographic location also matters—a city in California or a large medical center can raise your salary.
FAQs
What is the typical salary for a pharmacy technician?
- Most pharmacy techs earn roughly $20–$21 per hour, or about $43,000 per year.
Do certified pharmacy techs make more?
- Yes. Certification often leads to slightly higher pay—roughly $22/hr on average vs. ~$20/hr for non-certified.
What is the pay range from low to high?
- Techs in the bottom 10% earn as low as $15.73/hr ($32,700 annually), while those in the top 10% earn up to $27.47/hr ($57,100 annually).
Can pharmacy techs earn more in certain industries?
- Yes. Working in aerospace, government, or hospitals can lead to salaries up to $50,000–$57,000/year.
Does location matter for pay?
- Absolutely. Urban areas or states like California tend to pay more due to higher cost of living and demand.
What affects how much you earn?
- Certification, experience, work setting (retail vs. hospital), industry, and location all play a role in salary differences.
