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Pharmacy Tech Schools & Programs
Pharmacy technicians earn a median salary of $39,680 per year, with approximately 47,600 job openings annually across the country. Training programs can prepare you for national certification in as little as six months, leading to a career that combines pharmaceutical knowledge with patient service. Pharmacy techs work under pharmacist supervision in retail pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order facilities, and specialty settings, playing a critical role in medication safety and healthcare delivery.
Pharmacy Tech Salary Snapshot
U.S.49,000 openings/yr
What Is a Pharmacy Tech Program?
A pharmacy technician program prepares students to work alongside licensed pharmacists in retail, hospital, mail-order, and long-term care pharmacy settings. Coursework covers medication dispensing, inventory management, insurance billing, and federal and state pharmacy regulations. Most programs are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) in partnership with ACPE, which is increasingly required for certification eligibility. Graduates leave the program ready to sit for national certification exams and begin contributing in a pharmacy environment from day one.
What You’ll Learn
- Prescription processing and medication dispensing workflows
- Pharmacy law and regulations (HIPAA, DEA controlled substance schedules)
- Pharmaceutical calculations (dosage, dilutions, concentrations)
- Drug classifications, generic and brand name identification, and common interactions
- Compounding and IV admixture preparation (sterile and non-sterile)
- Pharmacy inventory management and purchasing
- Insurance billing, prior authorizations, and third-party adjudication
- Patient communication and medication safety practices
- Pharmacy software and automation systems operation
- Vaccine administration procedures (where permitted by state law)
How Long Does Training Take?
Certificate programs typically take 6 to 12 months of full-time study and represent the fastest path to certification and employment. Associate degree programs take approximately 2 years and offer broader coursework in pharmacology and general education, which can be beneficial for advancement into pharmacy management or PharmD programs. Most programs include an externship of 100 to 200 hours at a retail or hospital pharmacy. Tuition for certificate programs generally ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 at community colleges, while private vocational schools may charge $10,000 to $20,000. ASHP-accredited programs are required for PTCB certification eligibility starting in 2027, making accreditation an important factor in program selection.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Background check and drug screening required (pharmacy access to controlled substances)
- Strong math skills needed for pharmaceutical calculations
- Some programs require immunization records for externship placements
- Typing and basic computer proficiency (pharmacy software systems are heavily used)
- Minimum age of 18 in most states for handling controlled substances
Licensing & Certification
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, which is the most widely recognized national certification. The Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), offered by NHA, is accepted in many states as an alternative. Most states require pharmacy technicians to register with the state board of pharmacy, and a growing number require national certification as a condition of employment. Continuing education (typically 20 hours every 2 years) is required for PTCB recertification. Starting in 2027, PTCB will require completion of an ASHP/ACPE-accredited program for exam eligibility.
Career Outlook & Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% employment growth for pharmacy technicians from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the average for all occupations. This steady growth produces approximately 47,600 annual job openings driven by retirements, turnover, and expanding pharmacy services. The median annual wage is $39,680, with the top 10% earning more than $59,520. Mean annual wages reach $43,648 across all pharmacy settings. Hospital pharmacy technicians and those with IV compounding or specialty pharmacy experience tend to earn higher wages than their retail counterparts. Certification and ASHP-accredited training also correlate with improved starting salaries (BLS, OEWS, May 2024).
Where You’ll Work
Pharmacy technicians are employed in a variety of settings. Retail chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies remain the largest employers, but hospital pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and specialty pharmacies also offer strong employment opportunities. Nuclear pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and pharmaceutical wholesalers represent niche settings with potentially higher pay. Most retail positions involve standing for extended periods and may include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, while hospital pharmacy roles often follow rotating shift schedules.
Online vs In-Person Options
Pharmacy tech programs are well-suited to hybrid and online delivery for much of the didactic coursework. Pharmacy law, pharmaceutical calculations, drug classification, and insurance processing can be taught effectively online. However, compounding labs (especially sterile IV preparation) and externship hours must be completed in person at an approved pharmacy. Some fully online programs partner with local pharmacies for the practical components. When evaluating online options, confirm that the program holds ASHP/ACPE accreditation, as this will be required for PTCB exam eligibility starting in 2027.
Browse by Location
- View all locations: Pharmacy Tech by state
Pharmacy Tech Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $37,690 | $48,190 |
| Alaska | $50,440 | $64,600 |
| Arizona | $47,620 | $60,350 |
| Arkansas | $37,380 | $47,030 |
| California | $49,640 | $79,630 |
| Colorado | $48,070 | $62,760 |
| Connecticut | $44,190 | $61,060 |
| Delaware | $43,470 | $52,140 |
| District of Columbia | $45,670 | $71,890 |
| Florida | $39,640 | $50,620 |
| Georgia | $38,390 | $51,150 |
| Hawaii | $45,380 | $59,950 |
| Idaho | $45,210 | $58,570 |
| Illinois | $44,610 | $55,410 |
| Indiana | $40,020 | $49,720 |
| Iowa | $41,380 | $52,530 |
| Kansas | $39,210 | $51,390 |
| Kentucky | $37,630 | $50,060 |
| Louisiana | $38,700 | $49,100 |
| Maine | $40,950 | $52,500 |
| Maryland | $43,100 | $59,480 |
| Massachusetts | $44,640 | $63,010 |
| Michigan | $40,040 | $51,180 |
| Minnesota | $48,560 | $59,970 |
| Mississippi | $38,210 | $47,220 |
| Missouri | $37,990 | $51,160 |
| Montana | $46,980 | $58,470 |
| Nebraska | $41,400 | $49,570 |
| Nevada | $46,670 | $60,400 |
| New Hampshire | $45,300 | $57,090 |
| New Jersey | $38,890 | $57,010 |
| New Mexico | $44,970 | $55,950 |
| New York | $40,840 | $62,250 |
| North Carolina | $39,870 | $51,940 |
| North Dakota | $47,600 | $58,990 |
| Ohio | $37,860 | $52,130 |
| Oklahoma | $38,200 | $48,990 |
| Oregon | $51,210 | $65,320 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,560 | $49,770 |
| Rhode Island | $37,730 | $54,070 |
| South Carolina | $38,960 | $49,800 |
| South Dakota | $43,760 | $51,930 |
| Tennessee | $38,130 | $49,410 |
| Texas | $43,920 | $55,350 |
| Utah | $46,760 | $60,250 |
| Vermont | $46,050 | $56,800 |
| Virginia | $42,490 | $57,530 |
| Washington | $56,140 | $74,370 |
| West Virginia | $37,370 | $49,270 |
| Wisconsin | $43,620 | $55,200 |
| Wyoming | $46,490 | $60,600 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Pharmacy technology offers multiple advancement pathways beyond the entry-level technician role. With experience and additional credentials, pharmacy techs can move into specialized areas such as chemotherapy compounding, nuclear pharmacy, or pharmacy informatics. Understanding the full career landscape, from certification requirements to salary negotiation and continuing education, helps you maximize both your earning potential and job satisfaction in this field.
Career Guide: Pharmacy Technician →
FAQs
What is the difference between PTCB and ExCPT certification?
Both are nationally recognized pharmacy technician certifications. The PTCB (CPhT) exam is the more widely accepted credential and is required by many employers and states. The ExCPT (offered by NHA) is accepted in most states as an equivalent. Starting in 2027, PTCB will require completion of an ASHP-accredited program for exam eligibility, making program choice more important than before.
Can pharmacy techs give immunizations?
In many states, certified pharmacy technicians can now administer vaccines under pharmacist supervision after completing additional training. State laws on this have expanded significantly since 2020, but requirements for the additional training and permitted vaccine types vary by state. Check your state board of pharmacy for current rules.
Is pharmacy tech a good career if I want to become a pharmacist later?
Yes. Many pharmacy technicians use their work experience as a foundation while completing prerequisite coursework for Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. The hands-on knowledge of drug names, dosage forms, insurance processing, and pharmacy workflow gives you a practical advantage in pharmacy school. Some employers also offer tuition assistance for techs pursuing advanced pharmacy education.
How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician?
Total costs depend on your training path. Certificate programs at community colleges range from $3,000 to $15,000, while private schools may charge $10,000 to $20,000. Additional expenses include textbooks, the PTCB exam fee (approximately $129), state registration fees, background check costs, and scrubs or uniforms. Some large pharmacy chains offer employer-sponsored training programs that reduce or eliminate tuition costs in exchange for a work commitment.
What is the difference between retail and hospital pharmacy technicians?
Retail pharmacy technicians primarily fill prescriptions, manage inventory, process insurance claims, and interact directly with patients at the counter. Hospital pharmacy technicians work in a clinical environment, preparing IV medications, compounding sterile products, managing automated dispensing cabinets, and supporting pharmacists on patient care teams. Hospital roles typically require additional training in sterile compounding and may offer higher pay and more predictable scheduling compared to retail positions.
Do pharmacy technicians work with controlled substances?
Yes, pharmacy technicians regularly handle controlled substances including opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants under pharmacist supervision. Strict protocols govern the counting, dispensing, and inventory management of these medications. Background checks and drug screenings are standard requirements for all pharmacy technician positions due to access to controlled substances. Technicians must understand DEA schedules and documentation requirements.
Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024 where available, supplemented by industry salary surveys. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.
Browse Pharmacy Tech Schools by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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