Pharmacy Technicians

Pay and outlook

Median annual wage, May 2025

$45,750

Half earn more, half earn less

Middle half earn

$37,850 – $49,990

25th to 75th percentile

People employed, May 2025

471,680

Wage and salary jobs (OEWS)

Projected change, 2025–35

+6.4%

At or above the all-jobs rate (3.5% to under 7%)

Openings a year (projected)

44,700

New jobs plus replacing people who leave

Typical education to enter

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

• All figures are for the United States as a whole. Pay varies a lot by state and city.
• Wages are for everyone working in the occupation in May 2025, at every career stage. They are not starting salaries or figures for new graduates.
• Growth and openings are BLS projections for 2025–35. They are estimates, not promises. Openings include jobs that open up when people retire or change occupation, not just new jobs.

What the work involves

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

Main tasks

• Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
• Enter prescription information into computer databases.
• Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
• Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
• Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
• Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
• Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
• Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.

Description and tasks from the O*NET® 31.0 Database.

Getting in

Typical education to enter (BLS)

High school diploma or equivalent

Training once hired: moderate-term on-the-job training

O*NET Job Zone 3

Medium preparation

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Fields of study that lead here

From the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk, which links 1 programme to this occupation. A link means the programme prepares people for this kind of work. It doesn't mean the programme is required, or that it's the only route.

Related careers

Related occupations from the O*NET database, in its order.

• Pharmacists

  $140,910 median · +5.2% projected

• Medical Assistants

  $45,690 median · +12.9% projected

• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

  $47,380 median · +9.4% projected

• Phlebotomists

  $45,230 median · +6.8% projected

• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

  $64,400 median · +3% projected

• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

  $62,930 median · +2.7% projected