Pharmacy technicians
SOC Code: 29-2052Also known as:
Accredited Pharmacy Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician (Chemo Pharmacy Technician), Compounding Pharmacy Tech (Compounding Pharmacy Technician), Compounding Technician
Median Annual Salary
$43,460
+6.4% growth (2024-2034)
49K
Openings/Year
490K
Current Jobs
What Pharmacy technicians Do
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
💰 Salary
$43,460
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
49K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
490,400
Projected Employment (2034)
521,799
Related Careers
Pharmacists
$137,480 •
+4.6% growth
Veterinary technologists and technicians
$45,980 •
+9.1% growth
Medical assistants
$44,200 •
+12.5% growth
Pharmacy aides
$37,000 •
-0.1% growth
Phlebotomists
$43,660 •
+5.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Enter prescription information into computer databases.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
- Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Pharmacy technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a pharmacy technicians:
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
7,541 degrees awarded •
365 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Pharmacy technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become pharmacy technicians.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacy technicians make?
The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $43,460.
What education do pharmacy technicians need?
Most pharmacy technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Pharmacy Technician/Assistant.
Is becoming pharmacy technicians a good career choice?
Pharmacy technicians is projected to see +6.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 49,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for pharmacy technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring pharmacy technicians include
Tulsa Technology Center, Mountainland Technical College, Rasmussen University-Minnesota, Arkansas Tech University, Hacienda La Puente Adult Education.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to pharmacy technicians?
Pharmacy technicians may also be known as: Accredited Pharmacy Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician (Chemo Pharmacy Technician), Compounding Pharmacy Tech (Compounding Pharmacy Technician), Compounding Technician, Drug Coordinator, Hospital Pharmacy Tech (Hospital Pharmacy Technician), Inpatient Pharmacy Tech (Inpatient Pharmacy Technician), OR Pharmacy Tech (Operating Room Pharmacy Tech), Pharmacist Assistant, Pharmacist Technician, Pharmacy Clerk, Pharmacy Laboratory Technician, Pharmacy Technician (Pharm Tech), Pharmacy Technologist, Retail Pharmacy Tech (Retail Pharmacy Technician), RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.