Pharmacy technicians in the United States make an average hourly wage of about $19.90, which translates to a median annual salary around $40,300 to $43,460 depending on the source and year of data
. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 data, the median annual salary is approximately $43,460, with the top 10% earning more than $59,450 annually
. Salaries vary by work setting and location:
- Hospital pharmacy technicians tend to earn more, with an average annual salary around $49,810
- Those working in food and beverage stores or retail pharmacies earn less, around $38,730 annually
- Geographic location significantly affects pay, with states like California, Washington, and Alaska offering higher median salaries (e.g., California around $49,640 and Washington $56,140)
- The highest hourly wages reported for pharmacy technicians are around $45 per hour in exceptional cases, though typical caps are lower
Experience, certification, and the type of employer (hospital, retail chain, mail-order pharmacy) also influence earnings. Pharmacy techs with more education, certifications, and experience generally command higher wages
. In summary, pharmacy technicians typically earn between $38,000 and $50,000 annually, with potential to exceed $59,000 in top-tier positions and locations. Hourly wages average around $19.90, with high-end roles reaching up to $45 per hour
