Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians prepare medications under a pharmacist's direction, measuring, mixing, counting, and labeling drugs according to prescriptions. They work primarily in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinical settings, maintaining records and ensuring accuracy in medication dispensing. The role requires attention to detail and understanding of pharmaceutical procedures.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pharmacy technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves receiving prescription orders, measuring and mixing medications, counting pills into containers, and applying labels with dosage instructions. Technicians manage inventory, update patient records, process insurance claims, and assist customers at the pharmacy counter. Tasks are performed under pharmacist supervision, with frequent verification steps to ensure accuracy and safety throughout the workday.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRS. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
Pharmacy technicians thrive when they prefer structured, rule-based work and hands-on tasks with concrete results. If you're detail-oriented, comfortable following established procedures, and interested in how things work systematically, this role suits you. People who do well here take satisfaction in accuracy and supporting direct patient care.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Pharmacy Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Hines, Illinois · $61592–$80007
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient) · Veterans Health Administration · Hines, Illinois · $61592–$80007
- Pharmacy Technician (Compound Sterile Products) · Veterans Health Administration · Hines, Illinois · $68156–$88599
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient/Outpatient) · Veterans Health Administration · Iron Mountain, Michigan · $54098–$70329
- Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient-Controlled Substances) · Veterans Health Administration · Hines, Illinois · $68156–$88599
- Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) · Veterans Health Administration · Hines, Illinois · $61592–$80007
- Pharmacy Technician · CVS Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $39,312–$60,112
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $50,400 | $58,900 | $67,630 | 8,150 |
| California | $46,430 | $55,110 | $65,590 | 39,860 |
| Oregon | $48,190 | $54,900 | $62,560 | 4,320 |
| Alaska | $47,140 | $52,640 | $59,350 | 800 |
| Colorado | $46,300 | $49,970 | $58,300 | 6,010 |
| Montana | $45,920 | $49,400 | $55,690 | 1,340 |
| Minnesota | $43,490 | $48,300 | $54,440 | 7,340 |
| Wyoming | $42,890 | $48,260 | $53,540 | 600 |
| Utah | $41,750 | $48,140 | $52,570 | 5,030 |
| Nevada | $39,600 | $47,980 | $52,090 | 4,070 |
| Vermont | $38,890 | $47,940 | $53,040 | 760 |
| Arizona | $45,890 | $47,640 | $54,060 | 12,970 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) — Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) — National Healthcareer Association
- Pharmacy Technician Online National Certification (CPhT) — American Allied Health
- Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) — National Pharmacy Technician Association
- Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) — Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
- Certified Pharmacy Technician Educator (CPTEd) — Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pharmacy technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2052.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.