Pharmacy Technician Salary in Iowa
Based on 5K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$44,860
$21.57/hr
vs National Average
$45,424
-1.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $52K
5K employed in Iowa
The median pharmacy technician salary in Iowa is $44,860 per year, which is approximately 1% below the national average. Across the state, roughly 4,630 pharmacy technicians are employed, with salaries ranging from $36,140 to $52,150 annually. This compensation reflects the typical earnings for this essential healthcare support role in Iowa's job market.
Several factors influence pharmacy technician salary in Iowa, including years of experience, specific certifications, and the type of employer. Technicians working in hospital settings or specialty pharmacies may earn differently than those in retail environments. Geographic location within Iowa, employer size, and individual performance can also affect compensation levels within this range.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacy Technician in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,140 |
| 25th percentile | $37,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,860 |
| 75th percentile | $48,670 |
| 90th percentile | $52,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pharmacy Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pharmacy Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pharmacy Technicians in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,230 | 10K |
| Educational Services | $60,840 | 1K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $55,540 | 30 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $50,470 | 107K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,440 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacy Technician in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $37,070 |
| 2023 | $39,290 |
| 2024 | $41,380 |
| 2025 | $44,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,552 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $37,070 | $38,744 |
| 2023 | $39,290 | $41,026 |
| 2024 | $41,380 | $42,875 |
| 2025 | $44,860 | $45,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,552 | $48,149 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $48,670 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $52,150 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacy Technician Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Pharmacy Technician ($44,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacy Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +856.4% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +803.3% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +725.7% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +693.6% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +558.2% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +531.0% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +508.7% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +491.2% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +485.0% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +304.6% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +209.5% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +200.6% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Iowa?
- Pharmacy technicians in Iowa earn a median salary of $44,860 per year, or $22 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 1.2%, making it a competitive position in the state's healthcare industry.
What is the salary range for pharmacy technicians in Iowa?
- Pharmacy technician salaries in Iowa range from $36,140 at the lower end to $52,150 at the higher end. This $16,010 salary spread reflects differences in experience, certifications, and employer type across the state.
Is pharmacy technician pay in Iowa lower than the national average?
- Yes, Iowa pharmacy technicians earn 1.2% less than the national average salary for the position. Despite this slight difference, the median salary of $44,860 annually remains a solid earning potential for the role in Iowa.
How many pharmacy technicians are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 4,630 pharmacy technicians employed throughout Iowa. This represents a stable job market for individuals seeking pharmacy technician positions in the state.