Pharmacy Technician Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?

The average salary for a Pharmacy Technician is $40,534 per year in the US.

Pharmacy Technicians play a vital role in healthcare. They help pharmacists prepare and dispense medications. This job is both rewarding and stable. The average salary for a Pharmacy Technician is around $40,534 per year. This figure can vary based on experience and location.

Pharmacy Technicians can expect to earn more as they gain experience. Entry-level technicians might start at the lower end of the salary range. Experienced technicians can earn more, especially in busy pharmacies or urban areas. Some technicians also earn bonuses or extra pay for working weekends or holidays. This can increase their overall income. Pharmacy Technicians who work in specialized areas, like hospitals or research labs, may also earn higher salaries.

View Pharmacy Technician jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy Technicians can find some of the best pay in California. San Francisco offers the highest average salary at $60,785. San Jose and Seattle also provide strong salaries, with $55,268 and $55,262, respectively. Other cities like Santa Rosa, Sacramento, and Modesto also offer competitive wages. These cities make great options for those seeking both good pay and quality of life.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Pharmacy Technician jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $60,785 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $49,729.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $60,785
    In San Francisco, you can find rewarding work in healthcare. Many pharmacies offer great benefits. Companies like Walgreens and CVS provide opportunities to grow.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $55,268
    San Jose offers a bustling environment for pharmacy professionals. The tech-driven city has many pharmacies. Look for jobs at local chains like Rite Aid.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $55,262
    Seattle's pharmacies are always in need of skilled technicians. The city's healthcare system is strong. Consider working at Fred Meyer or Safeway.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $54,100
    Santa Rosa provides a quieter pace with plenty of opportunities. Local pharmacies offer a supportive work environment. Look for jobs at Walgreens or CVS.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $52,531
    Sacramento offers a mix of urban and small-town feel. Many pharmacies here are looking for dedicated technicians. Consider working at Walgreens or CVS.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in Sacramento, CA


  6. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $51,374
    Modesto has a growing healthcare sector. Pharmacies here offer a friendly work environment. Look for jobs at local chains like Rite Aid or Walgreens.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in Modesto, CA


  7. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $50,729
    Santa Maria offers a close-knit community with plenty of pharmacy jobs. Local pharmacies provide a supportive work environment. Consider working at CVS or Walgreens.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $50,426
    San Diego's vibrant healthcare sector offers many opportunities. Pharmacies here are always in need of skilled technicians. Look for jobs at Walgreens or CVS.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $50,131
    Vallejo provides a mix of urban and suburban opportunities. Pharmacies here offer a supportive work environment. Consider working at Walgreens or CVS.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in Vallejo, CA


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $49,729
    Portland offers a progressive environment for healthcare workers. Pharmacies here value skilled technicians. Look for jobs at Walgreens or CVS.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in Portland, OR

What are the best companies a Pharmacy Technician can work for?

Pharmacy Technicians can find excellent opportunities with top-paying companies. Cedar Park Med leads with an average salary of $113,448. Stanford Medicine Children's Health and El Camino Health also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $85,007 and $84,787, respectively. These positions provide a chance for rewarding careers with strong financial benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Pharmacy Technician jobs, highlighting CEDAR PARK MED with the highest at $113,448 and US Department of Veterans Affairs with the lowest at $72,067.
  1. CEDAR PARK MED
    Average Salary: $113,448
    CEDAR PARK MED offers Pharmacy Technicians a competitive salary. They provide a supportive environment for career growth. This company operates in Cedar Park, Texas.


  2. Stanford Medicine Children's Health
    Average Salary: $85,007
    Stanford Medicine Children's Health values its Pharmacy Technicians. They offer a good salary and a chance to work in a renowned institution. This company operates in Stanford, California.


  3. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $84,787
    El Camino Health provides excellent opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians. They offer a solid salary and a chance to work in a reputable healthcare system. The company operates in Mountain View, California.


  4. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $79,841
    John Muir Health offers Pharmacy Technicians a good salary. They provide a supportive work environment. This company operates in Walnut Creek, California.


  5. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $77,938
    Sutter Health offers Pharmacy Technicians a competitive salary. They provide a chance to work in a large network of hospitals. The company operates in various locations in California.


  6. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Average Salary: $77,468
    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers Pharmacy Technicians a good salary. They provide a chance to work in a leading cancer research institution. This company operates in Seattle, Washington.


  7. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $75,434
    Stanford Health Care offers Pharmacy Technicians a solid salary. They provide a chance to work in a prestigious healthcare system. This company operates in Stanford, California.


  8. University Of Washington
    Average Salary: $73,613
    The University Of Washington offers Pharmacy Technicians a good salary. They provide a chance to work in a renowned academic medical center. This company operates in Seattle, Washington.


  9. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
    Average Salary: $73,276
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers Pharmacy Technicians a good salary. They provide a chance to work in a leading hospital system. This company operates in New York City, New York.


  10. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $72,067
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs offers Pharmacy Technicians a good salary. They provide a chance to work in a respected government healthcare system. This company operates in various locations across the United States.

How to earn more as a Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy Technicians can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on key areas, they can enhance their skills and marketability. This can lead to higher-paying positions and more opportunities for advancement.

Here are five factors to consider:

  1. Certification: Earning a certification can boost a Pharmacy Technician's credentials. The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers a recognized certification. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities.
  2. Experience: Gaining experience in different pharmacy settings can make a Pharmacy Technician more valuable. Working in various environments can help build a strong skill set. This can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  3. Specialization: Specializing in areas like sterile compounding or oncology can increase a Pharmacy Technician's expertise. This can make them more attractive to employers. Specialization often comes with higher pay.
  4. Education: Taking additional courses or degrees can open up new career paths. Advanced education can lead to roles with higher responsibilities and pay. It can also make a Pharmacy Technician more competitive in the job market.
  5. Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities. Attending industry events and joining professional organizations can help. Networking can also provide insights into higher-paying positions.

Currently 11,255 Pharmacy Technician job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Pharmacy Technician in the US?

Learn what a Pharmacy Technician does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Pharmacy Technician today.
Position
Overview
Pharmacy Technician
11,255 Job Openings