The role of a pharmacy technician has become one of the fastest-growing in healthcare. With increasing demand for prescription medications and expanded responsibilities, pharmacy tech salary is higher than ever.
In 2025, the average pharmacy tech salary in the U.S. is around $42,000 per year (or about $20 per hour), though this varies widely by state, employer, and experience level.
Factors Affecting Pharmacy Tech Salary
Several elements influence how much a pharmacy tech earns:
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Experience: Entry-level techs often start at minimum pay but can earn significantly more after 5–10 years.
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Certification: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) typically earn $2–$4 more per hour than uncertified peers.
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Work setting: Hospital pharmacy techs often earn more than retail pharmacy techs.
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Location: States with higher living costs—like California or New York—pay higher salaries.
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Shift differentials: Evening, night, or weekend shifts may come with extra pay.
Highest Paying States for Pharmacy Techs
Some states consistently offer higher wages due to demand and cost of living:
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California – $25.50/hr ($53,000/year)
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Washington – $24.80/hr ($51,000/year)
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Oregon – $24.50/hr ($50,800/year)
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Alaska – $24.00/hr ($50,000/year)
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Massachusetts – $23.80/hr ($49,800/year)
By contrast, states in the South and Midwest may offer salaries closer to $34,000–$38,000 annually.
How Certification Impacts Salary
Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) often increases pay potential. Many employers require certification for promotions.
Certified techs can also take on advanced roles such as:
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Pharmacy Technician Specialist
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Sterile Compounding Tech
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Medication History Technician
These roles can push salaries above $60,000 with experience.
Future Salary Trends for Pharmacy Techs
With healthcare expanding, demand for pharmacy techs is projected to grow 5–6% by 2030. Key drivers include:
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An aging population requiring more prescriptions.
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Expanded roles in immunizations and patient care.
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Growth of specialty and mail-order pharmacies.
This means salaries are likely to continue rising, especially in hospitals and specialty care.
Career Growth Beyond Pharmacy Tech Salary
Pharmacy technicians often use their role as a stepping stone to other healthcare careers:
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Pharmacist (requires PharmD degree) – median salary around $130,000.
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Pharmacy Supervisor or Manager – higher salary with leadership responsibilities.
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Pharmaceutical Sales Rep – often $80,000+ with bonuses.
Those who stay as pharmacy techs can still increase their income by specializing or moving into supervisory roles.
Conclusion
The pharmacy tech salary in 2025 offers strong earning potential, especially for certified technicians and those working in hospitals or specialized settings. While entry-level pay may seem modest, experience and advanced training can lead to impressive income growth.
As healthcare continues to expand and evolve, pharmacy technicians are positioned to remain vital players in patient care—earning competitive salaries while opening doors to even greater opportunities.