How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system. They help pharmacists by preparing medications and providing support to patients. It's a job that comes with a good salary. The average yearly salary for a pharmacy technician is $42,192. This means most technicians can expect to earn a decent wage.
The salary for pharmacy technicians can vary based on experience and location. Here’s a look at the salary distribution:
- 10% earn around $32,000
- 20% earn between $35,255 and $38,509
- 25% earn between $38,509 and $41,764
- 20% earn between $41,764 and $45,018
- 10% earn between $45,018 and $48,273
- 5% earn between $48,273 and $51,527
- 2.5% earn between $51,527 and $54,782
- 2% earn between $54,782 and $58,036
- 1.5% earn between $58,036 and $61,291
- 1% earn between $61,291 and $64,545
- 0.5% earn between $64,545 and $67,800
What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacy Technician?
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $63,877
In San Francisco, professionals find rewarding opportunities in bustling health clinics and major pharmacy chains. The cost of living is high, but the salary compensates well. Working with top companies like Walgreens and CVS provides a dynamic environment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $58,947
Seattle offers a mix of vibrant city life and professional growth. It's a place where you can work in well-established pharmacies and enjoy the scenic beauty. Companies like Rite Aid and Safeway are prominent here.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $58,288
Santa Rosa provides a more relaxed pace while still offering solid career prospects. Working in local pharmacies and chains like Walgreens, one can enjoy a good work-life balance.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $57,614
Sacramento presents opportunities in both retail and hospital settings. With major employers like CVS and Walgreens, professionals here enjoy a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $57,478
Modesto offers a friendly community and a more laid-back work environment. Working for companies like Walgreens and CVS, professionals can expect a supportive atmosphere and reasonable living costs.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $55,810
San Jose combines a fast-paced tech environment with ample job opportunities. Working in pharmacies and chains like Walgreens, one can experience rapid career growth and a dynamic professional life.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $53,876
San Diego boasts a pleasant climate and a thriving job market. Professionals can work in well-known pharmacies and enjoy the coastal lifestyle. Major companies like Rite Aid and CVS offer solid career paths.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $52,107
Portland provides a unique blend of urban and natural environments. Working in local pharmacies and chains like CVS, professionals enjoy a balanced lifestyle and a supportive work culture.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $51,736
Los Angeles offers a diverse job market with opportunities in both retail and hospital settings. Working with major employers like CVS and Walgreens, one can experience a dynamic professional environment.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $51,238
Vallejo offers a mix of suburban charm and professional opportunities. Working in local pharmacies and chains like Walgreens, one can enjoy a good work-life balance and a supportive community.
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What are the best companies a Pharmacy Technician can work for?
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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $87,154
El Camino Health offers competitive salaries and a supportive environment for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate hospitals and clinics in Mountain View and Los Gatos, California. Employees enjoy opportunities for growth and professional development.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $83,429
John Muir Health provides a dynamic work environment for Pharmacy Technicians. They have locations in Walnut Creek and Concord, California. Their focus on patient care and team collaboration makes it a great place to work.
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Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $79,927
Mount Sinai Health System offers Pharmacy Technicians an average salary and a chance to work in a large, respected health system. They operate in New York City and surrounding areas. Employees value the system’s commitment to medical excellence.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $79,634
Sutter Health provides a stable career path with a good salary for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate across Northern California, including cities like Sacramento and San Francisco. The organization is known for its dedication to quality patient care.
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Asereth Medical Services
Average Salary: $78,311
Asereth Medical Services offers a competitive salary for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate in the Washington, D.C. area. Employees appreciate the company’s focus on patient-centered care and professional growth.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $77,758
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers rewarding salaries for Pharmacy Technicians. Located in Seattle, Washington, they focus on cancer research and treatment. Employees value the center’s commitment to innovation and patient care.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $75,579
Stanford Health Care provides a stable salary for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate in the San Francisco Bay Area. Employees enjoy a collaborative environment and opportunities for career advancement.
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Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $75,357
Seattle Children's offers competitive salaries for Pharmacy Technicians. They focus on pediatric care in Seattle, Washington. Employees value the organization’s dedication to child health and innovation.
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NorthBay Health
Average Salary: $75,061
NorthBay Health provides a good salary for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate in Fairfield, California. Employees appreciate the company’s focus on community health and professional development.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $74,792
NYU Langone Health offers competitive salaries for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate in New York City and surrounding areas. Employees value the organization’s commitment to medical excellence and research.
How to earn more as a Pharmacy Technician?
Becoming a Pharmacy Technician opens the door to a rewarding career in healthcare. Increasing earnings in this profession often involves expanding your skills and knowledge. Here are some steps to boost your salary as a Pharmacy Technician.
First, consider pursuing certification. Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) often earn more than those who are not certified. Certification shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills to perform your job well. The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the ExCPT exam are two popular certification options.
- Certification: Earning a certification can increase your earning potential.
- Experience: Gaining experience in different pharmacy settings can lead to higher pay.
- Specialization: Specializing in areas like sterile compounding or oncology can command higher salaries.
- Advanced Education: Taking courses in specific areas of pharmacy can make you more valuable.
- Continued Learning: Staying updated with the latest pharmacy practices can improve job prospects and salary.
