How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?
Pharmacy Technicians play a vital role in healthcare settings. They help pharmacists prepare and distribute medications. This job is both rewarding and stable. The average yearly salary for a Pharmacy Technician is around $41,190. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer.
Pharmacy Technicians can expect to earn different amounts depending on their career stage. Entry-level technicians might start at around $32,000. With more experience, salaries can rise significantly. Here are some common salary ranges:
- 10% earn less than $32,000
- 25% earn between $32,000 and $38,000
- 50% earn between $38,000 and $44,000
- 75% earn between $44,000 and $50,000
- 90% earn less than $56,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacy Technician?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $61,482
San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for those in the healthcare field. With top-tier hospitals and clinics, professionals find ample opportunities. Walgreens and CVS are prominent employers in the area.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $57,174
Seattle provides a vibrant setting for healthcare workers. The city's healthcare sector is robust, with many openings. Fred Meyer and Rite Aid are key employers here.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $55,436
Santa Rosa presents a welcoming atmosphere for healthcare professionals. The city boasts a variety of healthcare facilities. Local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer many positions.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $54,759
San Jose is a bustling city with a strong demand for healthcare services. The area has many pharmacies and clinics. Employers like Walgreens and CVS are always looking for skilled staff.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $53,924
Sacramento offers a stable environment for healthcare workers. The city's healthcare sector is growing, with many job opportunities. Major employers include Walgreens and CVS.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $52,864
Modesto provides a supportive community for healthcare professionals. The city has a variety of healthcare facilities. Local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer many job openings.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $51,332
San Diego offers a vibrant environment for healthcare workers. The city's healthcare sector is thriving, with many opportunities. Walgreens and CVS are key employers in the area.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $50,857
Vallejo presents a welcoming environment for healthcare professionals. The city has a variety of healthcare facilities. Local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are always hiring.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $50,652
Los Angeles offers a diverse environment for healthcare workers. The city's healthcare sector is vast, with many job opportunities. Major employers include Walgreens and CVS.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $50,632
Portland provides a vibrant setting for healthcare professionals. The city's healthcare sector is robust, with many openings. Fred Meyer and Rite Aid are key employers here.
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What are the best companies a Pharmacy Technician can work for?

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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $86,494
El Camino Health offers rewarding Pharmacy Technician jobs in Mountain View and Los Gatos. They focus on providing excellent patient care. Technicians work closely with pharmacists to ensure medications are prepared and dispensed correctly.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $81,146
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center provides Pharmacy Technician jobs in Seattle. Technicians here play a key role in cancer treatment. They work in a supportive environment, helping patients receive the right medications for their care.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $80,338
John Muir Health offers Pharmacy Technician positions in Walnut Creek and Concord. Technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. They work in a community-focused setting, ensuring patients receive the best care.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $78,630
Sutter Health offers Pharmacy Technician jobs across Northern California, including Sacramento and San Francisco. Technicians here support pharmacists in managing medications. They work in a large network, providing diverse experiences.
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Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $78,111
Mount Sinai Health System provides Pharmacy Technician jobs in New York City. Technicians assist in preparing and dispensing medications. They work in a dynamic environment, supporting a wide range of patient care needs.
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NorthBay Health
Average Salary: $75,763
NorthBay Health offers Pharmacy Technician positions in Fairfield and Vacaville. Technicians here support pharmacists in managing medications. They work in a community-focused setting, ensuring patients receive the best care.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $74,786
Stanford Health Care offers Pharmacy Technician jobs in Palo Alto. Technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. They work in a leading medical center, providing high-quality patient care.
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University Of Washington
Average Salary: $74,208
University Of Washington provides Pharmacy Technician jobs in Seattle. Technicians assist in preparing and dispensing medications. They work in an academic setting, supporting research and patient care.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $73,681
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers Pharmacy Technician jobs in New York City. Technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. They work in a large hospital system, providing diverse experiences.
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Children's National Hospital
Average Salary: $73,073
Children's National Hospital provides Pharmacy Technician jobs in Washington, D.C. Technicians assist in preparing and dispensing medications for pediatric patients. They work in a specialized setting, focusing on children's health.
How to earn more as a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy Technicians play a crucial role in healthcare settings. They can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. One important factor is gaining additional certifications. These can include specialized areas like compounding or sterile products. Another way to earn more is to seek out positions in high-demand areas. These can include larger cities or specialized pharmacies. Continuing education also helps. Technicians can take courses to stay updated on new medications and technologies. Networking with other professionals can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Finally, gaining experience in different pharmacy settings can make a Technician more valuable in the job market.
Pharmacy Technicians can also boost their income by improving their skills. This includes mastering software used in pharmacies. Technicians should also work on their customer service skills. Being able to communicate well with patients and doctors can lead to better job performance. Another way to earn more is to take on extra responsibilities. This can include training new staff or managing inventory. Technicians can also look for opportunities to work in multiple shifts. This can increase their hours and earnings. Finally, seeking promotions within a company can lead to higher pay. Technicians should always aim to exceed expectations in their current role.