Pharmacy Aides
Pharmacy aides support pharmacists by handling the physical and administrative tasks that keep a pharmacy running. They receive and store medications, track inventory levels, operate cash registers, and accept prescription orders from customers. Pharmacy aides work in retail drugstores, hospital pharmacies, and other healthcare settings.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pharmacy aides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A pharmacy aide's week involves receiving shipments of medications and verifying them against orders, organizing stock on shelves and in storage areas, and alerting supervisors when supplies run low. They process customer transactions at the register, answer basic questions about store policies, and accept new prescriptions for the pharmacist to review and fill. Tasks rotate between the front counter and back storage areas throughout each shift.
Who this work suits
Holland code CER. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're likely to succeed in this role if you're detail-oriented and organized, with an interest in following established procedures and maintaining order. You probably enjoy working in a structured environment where tasks are clear and measurable, and you're comfortable with customer-facing duties alongside behind-the-scenes inventory work.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $57,860 | $59,960 | $60,660 | 120 |
| Utah | $38,240 | $51,600 | $52,690 | 250 |
| Hawaii | $43,640 | $46,250 | $50,610 | 110 |
| Washington | $37,890 | $45,110 | $48,830 | 1,990 |
| Arizona | $40,810 | $43,360 | $43,400 | 810 |
| California | $37,390 | $42,200 | $57,820 | 8,440 |
| Oregon | $38,090 | $40,250 | $58,050 | 450 |
| Pennsylvania | $34,520 | $39,470 | $42,640 | 1,210 |
| Nevada | $34,270 | $39,080 | $44,060 | 410 |
| Texas | $36,570 | $38,630 | $42,760 | 2,900 |
| Delaware | $35,840 | $38,500 | $39,850 | 130 |
| Maine | $37,320 | $38,060 | $39,990 | 150 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) — National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
- Registered Medical Assistant — American Phlebotomy Association
- Sterile Products (IV) Certification — National Pharmacy Technician Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pharmacy aides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-9095.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.