Q: How much is a pharmacy technician paid in the USA?
A: According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from May 2023, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in the United States was $40,300, which equates to a median hourly wage of $19.38. Wages can vary significantly based on location, work setting, experience, and specialization.
Q: What is the typical salary range?
A: National percentiles show a wide range:
- Bottom 10% (Entry-Level): Earned less than $30,490 per year.
- Median (50th Percentile): Earned $40,300 per year.
- Top 10% (Experienced/Specialized): Earned more than $53,850 per year.
Q: Which work settings pay the most?
A: Pay varies dramatically by employer type. The highest-paying settings are typically:
- Government: Often includes VA hospitals and federal facilities. Average Annual Wage: ~$49,260.
- Hospitals (State, Local, and Private): Average Annual Wage: ~$46,320.
- Outpatient Care Centers: Average Annual Wage: ~$41,950.
- Pharmacies and Drug Stores (Retail): The largest employer, but often at the lower end of the scale. Average Annual Wage: ~$37,970.
Q: Which states pay the highest average wages?
A: Geographic location is one of the strongest factors. The top-paying states (annual mean wage) are:
- Washington: $54,340
- California: $53,850
- Alaska: $49,300
- Oregon: $48,660
- District of Columbia: $47,790
Q: What is the single biggest factor for increasing pay beyond location?
A: Specialization and Certification. Technicians with the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential and additional specialized certifications earn more. Specializing in areas like:
- Nuclear Pharmacy
- IV Sterile Compounding
- Chemotherapy/Oncology
- Pharmacy Informatics
can push earnings into the higher percentiles, especially when combined with experience in a hospital or government setting.
Q: What is the projected job growth?
A: The BLS projects employment for pharmacy technicians to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This strong demand supports wage growth and job stability.
For resources on professional certification paths and career advancement strategies that can influence earning potential, you can explore certilyst.com.