Pharmacy Technician Salary in the United States
Based on 472K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$45,424
$21.84/hr
▲ 5.9% vs 2024Salary Range
$37K – $59K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
472K
workers nationwide
The median Pharmacy Technician salary in the United States is $45,424 per year, or approximately $22 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for professionals in this role, with a typical salary range falling between $36,817 and $59,431 annually. This data reflects a significant number of employed individuals across the country, indicating the widespread need for skilled pharmacy technicians.
Several factors can influence the Pharmacy Technician salary in the United States. Location plays a crucial role, with top-paying states offering higher compensation. Experience level, the specific healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, retail pharmacy), and any additional certifications held by the technician can also contribute to variations in earning potential. The sheer volume of over 471,000 employed pharmacy technicians suggests a dynamic job market.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacy Technician
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,817 |
| 25th percentile | $39,587 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,424 |
| 75th percentile | $51,392 |
| 90th percentile | $59,431 |
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 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Industry
How much Pharmacy Technicians earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($63,230 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,230 | +39.2% | 10K |
| 2 | Educational Services | $60,840 | +33.9% | 1K |
| 3 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $55,540 | +22.3% | 30 |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $50,470 | +11.1% | 107K |
| 5 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,440 | +11.0% | — |
| 6 | Transportation and Warehousing | $49,650 | +9.3% | 1K |
| 7 | Information | $49,620 | +9.2% | — |
| 8 | Manufacturing | $47,380 | +4.3% | 2K |
| 9 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $47,280 | +4.1% | 3K |
| 10 | Finance and Insurance | $47,250 | +4.0% | 7K |
| 11 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $45,920 | +1.1% | 1K |
| 12 | Wholesale Trade | $45,790 | +0.8% | 9K |
| 13 | Administrative and Support Services | $45,760 | +0.7% | 3K |
| 14 | Retail Trade | $42,910 | -5.5% | 328K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacy Technician
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $38,744 |
| 2023 | $41,026 |
| 2024 | $42,875 |
| 2025 | $45,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,125 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $39,587 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $45,424 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $51,392 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,431 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Pharmacy Technician salary in the US?
- The median Pharmacy Technician salary in the United States is $45,424 annually, translating to about $22 per hour. The typical salary range for these professionals is between $36,817 and $59,431 per year.
Which state pays Pharmacy Technicians the most?
- Washington is the top-paying state for Pharmacy Technicians, with an average salary of $58,900 per year. This indicates significant earning potential in certain geographic areas compared to the national median of $45,424.
How much does a Pharmacy Technician earn at the lower end of the salary range?
- Pharmacy Technicians at the lower end of the salary spectrum typically earn around $36,817 per year. This is considerably less than the national median of $45,424, suggesting entry-level positions or those in lower-paying regions.
Is the demand for Pharmacy Technicians high?
- Yes, the demand for Pharmacy Technicians appears to be substantial, with a total of 471,680 individuals employed in the role across the United States. This large number suggests a robust job market for this profession.