Career Information

Profession

Advances in pharmaceuticals that support modern medical practices have produced a healthier, more active population that is living longer. Pharmacy technicians play an integral role in the distribution of those medicines. Technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to measure medications and ensure prescription accuracy. They also perform calculations, assist with investigational drug studies, maintain patient records, package medications and manage pharmacy inventory.

Career Opportunities

As the nation’s population ages, pharmacies are expanding their patient care services. As a result, the role of and demand for pharmacy technicians is increasing. With advanced training and experience, pharmacy technicians can obtain supervisory positions, seek specialization (e.g. oncology, nuclear pharmacy) and/or become a pharmacy specialist or a pharmacist. Technicians may also choose to pursue further studies in sterile products admixture, pharmacy automation and health information systems.

Salary Information

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean average wage for pharmacy technicians was $17.66 hourly in 2021. During the same year, the top 10 percent of earners brought in at least $24.40 hourly, and the bottom 10 percent earned up to $14.37 hourly. The industries that paid the highest annual mean wage to pharmacy technicians in 2020 were: general and surgical hospitals, merchant wholesalers, scientific research and development, and outpatient care centers. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).