What is a pharmacy technician?
A pharmacy technician works with a pharmacist. They help prepare and give out medicines, count pills, label them, and keep the pharmacy clean. They also help check that prescriptions are correct and help answer simple questions from patients.
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How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Make?
In the United States
- The median (middle) salary in the U.S. is around $43,460 per year, or about $20.90 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Another source says the mean (average) annual wage is about $43,330, which is around $20.83 per hour.
- Lower-paid technicians earn about $32,720 per year (the lowest 10%), while top earners make around $57,130 per year (top 10%).
That means most techs earn between $32,700 and $57,100 each year, depending on where they work and how long they’ve been on the job.
In Canada
- In Canada, the average is about C$46,800 per year, or C$18.50 per hour.
- Entry-level techs make around C$29,200, and experienced ones can earn over C$70,000.
Hourly wages across Canada range from C$16 to C$33 per hour.
What Affects the Salary?
Several factors change how much pharmacy techs earn:
Workplace Type
- Working in a hospital gives more pay, about $49,810 per year.
- Working at a drugstore or grocery pharmacy usually pays less—around $38,730 to $40,170 per year.
Certification and Training
- Certified techs (for example, those with a PTCB certificate) can earn more, sometimes up to $47,480 per year.
- Some techs with more skills, such as hospital compounding or specialist roles, earn even more.
Experience
- Entry-level techs often earn around $28,740 per year.
- Pay rises with experience:
- 1–4 years: around $29,460
- 5–9 years: about $36,740
- 10–19 years: around $45,850
- Over 20 years: about $47,580
Location
- Salaries vary by state and city. For example, California tends to pay more.
- In Canada, provinces like Alberta and British Columbia often offer higher wages.
Why This Job Matters
- There is steady job growth for pharmacy technicians. The field is expected to grow by about 7.2% through 2033, which is faster than many other jobs.
- With more training, techs can move into better roles and earn more.
How to Earn More as a Pharmacy Technician
- Get Certified: Certification often leads to better pay.
- Gain Experience: Stay longer in the field and earn promotions.
- Work in Hospitals: These jobs generally pay more.
- Specialize: Try roles in compounding or assist pharmacists with special tasks.
- Move to High‑Paying Areas: Some states and cities offer higher wages.
Simple Salary Snapshot
LevelU.S. Annual SalaryCanada Annual SalaryEntry-level$28,700C $29,200 Median $43,460 C $46,800 Top 10% $57,130 (over C$70,000) Hospital roles average $49,810—
Conclusion
A career as a pharmacy technician offers a stable income with room to grow. With certification, more experience, and working in hospital settings, you can increase your pay significantly. The field pays better than many other entry-level healthcare jobs, and there are clear ways to advance your salary and career.
FAQs
What is the lowest pay for a pharmacy technician?
In the U.S., the bottom 10% earn about $32,720 per year (~$15.73 per hour). In Canada, low-end wages are about C$16/hour.
Do certified techs earn more?
Yes. For example, certified pharmacy techs earn around $47,480/year, higher than the overall average.
Is hospital work better paid?
Yes. Hospital techs in the U.S. typically make around $49,810/year, which is more than retail pharmacy jobs.
What about job growth?
The job outlook is strong. Growth is expected to be about 7.2% through 2033—faster than average.
How much do techs make in Canada?
Usually around C$46,800/year, with entry-level at C$29,200 and experienced ones over C$70,000.