How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?
Pharmacy Technicians play a crucial role in healthcare settings. They assist pharmacists with tasks such as preparing medications, managing inventory, and helping customers. The average yearly salary for Pharmacy Technicians is $42,332. This can vary based on experience, location, and type of employer.
Most Pharmacy Technicians earn between $34,820 and $48,140 per year. The bottom 10% earn less than $31,490, while the top 10% earn more than $64,790. These figures show that dedication and experience can lead to better pay. Pharmacy Technicians who advance to supervisory roles or specialize in areas like oncology or nuclear pharmacy often see higher salaries.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacy Technician?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $64,077
In San Francisco, you can find rewarding opportunities in healthcare. Major employers like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente offer a chance to work in cutting-edge facilities. The vibrant city life and high demand for medical services create a dynamic work environment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $59,197
Seattle provides a mix of urban and natural settings for pharmacy workers. Companies such as Fred Hutch and Swedish Medical Center value skilled professionals. The city’s progressive healthcare system and scenic backdrop enhance job satisfaction.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $59,118
Working in Santa Rosa offers a friendly community and reputable employers. Companies like Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente provide stability. The area’s emphasis on health and wellness aligns well with the role of a pharmacy technician.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $58,226
Modesto has a growing healthcare sector with well-known employers like Memorial Medical Center. The city’s supportive community atmosphere makes it a great place to build a career. Opportunities for advancement are plentiful in this expanding market.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $57,983
Sacramento offers diverse opportunities in healthcare with notable employers such as Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health. The capital city’s strategic location provides access to various medical facilities and career growth options.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $55,768
San Jose’s tech-driven economy creates a unique setting for pharmacy work. Companies like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente offer innovative environments. The city’s fast pace and progressive culture make it an exciting place to work.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $54,256
San Diego offers a blend of coastal beauty and robust healthcare options. Major employers include Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente. The city’s focus on wellness and outdoor activities complements a career in pharmacy.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $52,301
Portland’s healthcare sector is thriving with employers like Kaiser Permanente and Providence. The city’s progressive policies and strong community support enhance job satisfaction. The serene environment and focus on health make it a desirable place to work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $51,996
Los Angeles provides numerous opportunities in a bustling healthcare market. Major players such as Cedars-Sinai and Kaiser Permanente offer dynamic work settings. The city’s diverse population and healthcare needs create a constantly evolving job landscape.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $50,933
Vallejo offers a mix of urban and suburban settings with notable employers like Kaiser Permanente. The city’s strong community ties and healthcare focus create a supportive work environment. Opportunities for growth and development are available in this growing area.
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What are the best companies a Pharmacy Technician can work for?

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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $88,209
El Camino Health offers a rewarding career for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate in California, focusing on providing excellent patient care. Pharmacy Technicians here play a key role in medication management, ensuring patient safety.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $85,278
John Muir Health is known for its commitment to quality healthcare. Pharmacy Technicians work in various locations across California. They support pharmacists, ensuring medications are prepared and dispensed correctly.
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Asereth Medical Services
Average Salary: $80,574
Asereth Medical Services provides diverse opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians. They serve clients in multiple states, offering a dynamic work environment. Technicians here assist in the preparation and distribution of medications.
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Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $79,713
At Mount Sinai Health System, Pharmacy Technicians are essential in patient care. Located in New York, they help pharmacists manage medications and ensure patient safety. This role requires attention to detail and strong communication skills.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $79,265
Sutter Health offers a supportive environment for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate in California, focusing on patient-centered care. Technicians support pharmacists, helping with medication preparation and patient education.
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Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $77,632
Seattle Children's provides a unique opportunity for Pharmacy Technicians. They work in Washington, focusing on pediatric care. Technicians assist in preparing and dispensing medications, supporting the healthcare team in providing the best care for children.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $76,762
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers a meaningful career for Pharmacy Technicians. Located in Washington, they focus on cancer treatment and research. Technicians here support the preparation and administration of chemotherapy medications.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $75,637
Stanford Health Care provides excellent opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians. They serve patients in California, focusing on high-quality care. Technicians assist in preparing and dispensing medications, ensuring patient safety and effective treatment.
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NorthBay Health
Average Salary: $74,944
NorthBay Health offers a supportive environment for Pharmacy Technicians. They operate in California, providing quality healthcare services. Technicians help prepare medications and support pharmacists, ensuring accurate and timely medication administration.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $74,882
NYU Langone Health provides diverse opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians. Located in New York, they focus on patient care and research. Technicians assist in preparing and dispensing medications, supporting the healthcare team in providing the best care for patients.
How to earn more as a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy Technicians play a key role in healthcare. They work closely with pharmacists to ensure patients receive the right medications. Those looking to increase their earnings in this field have several options. Boosting income can lead to greater job satisfaction and more opportunities. Understanding these factors can help a Pharmacy Technician advance in their career.
One way to earn more is to gain additional certifications. Certifications from organizations like the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) can make a Technician more valuable to employers. These credentials show a commitment to the profession and can lead to higher pay. Another factor is experience. Working in different pharmacy settings can provide valuable skills and knowledge. Experienced Technicians often command higher salaries. Specialization in areas such as pediatrics or oncology can also lead to better-paying positions. Technicians who learn specific skills in high demand often see higher earnings. Location is another important factor. Salaries can vary greatly based on geographic location. Urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living usually offer higher wages. Finally, continuing education can lead to higher earnings. Advanced degrees or courses in pharmacy management or business can open doors to higher-paying roles.
To maximize earnings, Technicians should consider these factors carefully. They can improve their chances of earning more by gaining certifications, gaining experience, specializing, considering location, and continuing education.
Below are five key factors that can help increase a Pharmacy Technician's income:
- Gain additional certifications.
- Accumulate experience in various pharmacy settings.
- Specialize in high-demand areas such as pediatrics or oncology.
- Consider the impact of geographic location on salary.
- Pursue continuing education and advanced degrees.



