Pharmacy Technicians
Overview
Introduction
Pharmacy technicians provide technical assistance for pharmacists and work under their direct supervision. They usually work in chain or independent drug stores, hospitals, community ambulatory care centers, home health care agencies, nursing homes, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the pharmaceutical industry. They perform a wide range of technical support functions and tasks related to the pharmacy profession. They maintain patient records; count, package, and label medication doses; prepare and distribute sterile products;...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, pharmacy technicians had median annual earnings of $33,950 in May 2018. The lowest paid 10 percent of technicians earned less than $24,120, while the highest paid 10 percent made $49,130 or more. Pharmacy technicians working for the federal government reported the highest annual mean earnings: $44,920.
Benefits for technicians depend on their em...
Work Environment
Pharmacy technicians work in clean, well-lit, pleasant, professional surroundings that can often become hectic, particularly in hospital and retail settings. They may wear scrubs or other uniforms in hospitals, especially in the IV room. In a retail drugstore, a technician may be allowed to wear casual clothing along with a smock. The job of pharmacy technician, like any other occupation that d...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor projects faster-than-average employment growth for pharmacy technicians through 2028. As the role of the pharmacist shifts to consultation, more technicians will be needed to assemble and dispense medications. Furthermore, new employment avenues and responsibilities will mirror that of the expanding and evolving role of the pharmacist. A strong demand is emerging fo...
