How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Prepare and dispense medications under a pharmacist's direction in retail and hospital pharmacies. It typically requires a postsecondary certificate, with a median salary of $45,750 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$45,750/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
49,000
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Prescription Processing
- Dosage Calculation
- Inventory
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
Helpful certifications
- CPhT (PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
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- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?
The median pay for a Pharmacy Technician is $45,750 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Pharmacy Technician?
The usual entry point is a postsecondary certificate. Common majors are Pharmacy Technology and Health Sciences.
Is Pharmacy Technician a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 49,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Pharmacy Technician use most?
Common skills for this role are Prescription Processing, Dosage Calculation, Inventory, Attention to Detail, and Customer Service.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.