Pharmacy Technician Salary in the United States
Based on 472K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$45,424
$21.838/hr
▲ 5.9% vs 2024Salary Range
$47K – $79K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
472K
workers nationwide
# Pharmacy Technician Salary in the United States
Pharmacy Technicians in the United States earn a median salary of $42,875 per year, with the field employing approximately 487,870 workers nationwide. This represents a stable healthcare career path for those interested in pharmaceutical operations and patient care support. Understanding current compensation trends can help both job seekers and employers make informed decisions about this profession.
Several factors influence pharmacy technician salary in the United States, including geographic location, employer type, years of experience, and professional certifications. Technicians working in urban areas or specialized pharmacy settings typically earn toward the higher end of the salary range, which spans from $45,550 to $74,370 annually. Additional credentials and advancement into supervisory roles can also significantly impact earning potential within this field.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacy Technician
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,270 |
| 25th percentile | $50,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,424 |
| 75th percentile | $67,630 |
| 90th percentile | $79,090 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Pharmacy Technician
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $58,900 | +29.7% | 8K |
| 2 | California | $55,110 | +21.3% | 40K |
| 3 | Oregon | $54,900 | +20.9% | 4K |
| 4 | Alaska | $52,640 | +15.9% | 800 |
| 5 | Colorado | $49,970 | +10.0% | 6K |
| 6 | Montana | $49,400 | +8.8% | 1K |
| 7 | Minnesota | $48,300 | +6.3% | 7K |
| 8 | Wyoming | $48,260 | +6.2% | 600 |
| 9 | Utah | $48,140 | +6.0% | 5K |
| 10 | Nevada | $47,980 | +5.6% | 4K |
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacy Technician
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $38,744 |
| 2023 | $41,026 |
| 2024 | $42,875 |
| 2025 | $45,424 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacy technicians make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly wage for pharmacy technicians in the United States is $21/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $42,875, though hourly rates can vary based on location and experience level.
What is the salary range for pharmacy technicians?
- Pharmacy technician salaries in the United States range from $45,550 to $74,370 per year. This range reflects differences in experience, location, employer type, and individual qualifications.
Which city pays pharmacy technicians the most?
- Washington offers the highest pay for pharmacy technicians at $56,140 per year, significantly above the national median of $42,875. This makes it one of the most attractive locations for this profession.
How many pharmacy technicians are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 487,870 pharmacy technicians employed across the United States, making it a substantial profession within the healthcare industry.