Healthcare Support
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians are careful, organized, and helpful people who enjoy supporting healthcare and working with medication details. This role suits responsible individuals who are good at following instructions, paying attention to accuracy, and helping customers or patients. No college degree is needed. It offers stable work in a growing healthcare field with steady hours and meaningful daily impact.
Median wage
$22/hr
Physical demands
low
Drug test
Yes
National wages & job outlook
National figures for Pharmacy Technicians, shown as published by the source below.
Entry (10th–25th pct)
$17.32–$18.2/hr
Median
$22/hr
Experienced (75th–90th pct)
$24.04–$29.35/hr
Projected openings / year
49,000
+6% growth, 2024–2034
Wage data: 2025. National figures; local pay varies.
Source: CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Starting requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Strong attention to detail and math skills
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Clean background check and drug screening
- Willingness to get certified and learn pharmacy laws
Training structure
Training is usually short and practical. Most complete a 6 to 12-month certificate program at a trade school or community college. Programs cover medication knowledge, safety, and pharmacy operations. Many include hands-on practice and prepare you for national certification exams. Some employers provide on-the-job training.
Top credentials
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- PTCB Certification
- Sterile Compounding (IV) Certification
- BLS / CPR
Licenses & certifications
Licenses are state-specific and certifications vary by specialty. Look up the exact ones for this path in your state.
Open the license & certification finderAdvancement path
Entry: Pharmacy technician after certification
Mid-Level: Senior or lead technician, specialized roles (hospital or compounding)
Advanced: Pharmacy supervisor, trainer, or move into related healthcare or management positions
Additional certifications help you advance faster with better pay and stability.
Typical employers
Retail pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order and specialty pharmacies
A day in the life
You start by filling prescriptions, counting medications, and preparing labels. You assist pharmacists, help customers at the counter, manage inventory, and handle insurance questions. The work mixes technical tasks with customer service in a clean, team-focused setting. You leave knowing you helped people get the medicines they need safely.