- tecnotales.com
- September 7, 2025
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Pharmacy Tech Salary in the USA: A Complete Guide
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system, assisting pharmacists, managing prescriptions, and ensuring patients receive the right medications. If you are considering this career, one of the first questions you might ask is: What is the pharmacy tech salary in the USA?
At TecnoTales, we provide only information, and in this detailed guide, we will explore salary ranges, factors influencing pay, regional variations, and comparisons among top employers like CVS and Walgreens. We will also cover how certification impacts salary and the average earnings in states like Texas.
What is the Average Pharmacy Tech Salary in the USA?
On average, pharmacy technicians in the United States earn $37,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on factors like experience, certification, employer, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was around $37,790 in 2023, with the lowest 10% earning less than $29,000 and the highest 10% earning over $50,000.
This salary range makes pharmacy technician roles attractive to individuals seeking entry into the healthcare field without pursuing a lengthy degree.
Factors That Affect a Pharmacy Tech’s Salary
Several elements influence how much a pharmacy tech earns in the USA.
1. Experience Level:
Entry-level pharmacy technicians usually earn closer to the lower range, while experienced technicians, especially those with more than 5–10 years in the field, often earn significantly higher wages.
2. Certification Status:
A certified pharmacy tech salary is typically higher than that of a non-certified technician. Certification proves competency and makes candidates more attractive to employers, often leading to higher pay and better career growth opportunities.
3. Employer Type:
The employer greatly impacts pharmacy technician salaries. Working for retail chains like CVS and Walgreens offers stable pay and benefits, but hospitals and specialty clinics may offer higher wages.
4. Location:
Salaries vary across states. For example, the pharmacy tech salary in Texas may differ from that in California or New York. Factors like cost of living and demand for pharmacy services directly influence wages.
5. Work Setting:
Pharmacy techs employed in hospitals usually earn more compared to those working in retail drugstores due to the complexity and responsibility of the job.
CVS Pharmacy Tech Salary
When exploring pharmacy technician pay in the U.S., CVS Health is one of the most significant employers.
The CVS pharmacy tech salary averages $36,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
Hourly pay ranges from $15 to $21 per hour.
Certified technicians at CVS may receive additional pay incentives.
Beyond salary, CVS provides employee benefits such as healthcare coverage, paid time off, and retirement savings programs, making it a competitive employer for pharmacy techs.
Walgreens Pharmacy Tech Salary
Walgreens is another leading pharmacy chain that employs thousands of pharmacy technicians nationwide.
The Walgreens pharmacy tech salary typically falls between $35,000 and $41,000 per year.
Entry-level hourly pay starts at about $15 per hour, while experienced or certified techs can make up to $22 per hour.
Walgreens also offers career advancement opportunities, including training programs for those aspiring to move into lead technician or pharmacy management roles.
Certified Pharmacy Tech Salary
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) through organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can significantly improve earning potential.
On average, the certified pharmacy tech salary in the U.S. ranges from $38,000 to $47,000 annually.
Certification can also make candidates eligible for specialized roles in hospitals, mail-order pharmacies, or insurance companies, often with higher pay.
Employers value certification because it demonstrates knowledge, skills, and commitment to the profession.
Pharmacy Tech Salary in Texas
Texas is one of the largest states with high demand for healthcare workers, including pharmacy technicians.
The pharmacy tech salary in Texas averages around $36,000 to $42,000 per year, depending on the city and experience.
Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin tend to offer higher wages due to increased demand and higher cost of living.
With its growing population and expanding healthcare system, Texas continues to be a strong market for pharmacy technician careers.
Regional Salary Differences Across the USA
Highest Paying States for Pharmacy Techs
States like California, Alaska, Washington, and Oregon offer higher wages, with average salaries exceeding $45,000 per year.
Lower Paying States for Pharmacy Techs
On the other hand, states in the South and Midwest, such as Mississippi and West Virginia, typically have lower salaries, averaging $32,000 to $35,000 annually.
Can You Live Comfortably on a Pharmacy Tech Salary?
Whether a pharmacy tech salary is livable depends largely on location, lifestyle, and financial responsibilities. In lower-cost-of-living states, a salary of $37,000 to $42,000 can provide a decent standard of living. However, in expensive states like California or New York, pharmacy techs may need supplemental income or career advancement to maintain financial stability.
Many pharmacy techs choose to pursue certification or additional education to improve their earning potential and career outlook.
How to Increase Your Pharmacy Tech Salary
Get Certified :
Certification boosts employability and salary potential.
Gain Experience:
Longevity in the role often comes with incremental raises.
Work in Hospitals or Specialty Clinics:
These settings tend to pay higher salaries compared to retail chains.
Consider Relocation:
Moving to states or cities with higher wages can significantly improve annual earnings.
Future Outlook for Pharmacy Tech Salaries
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians remains strong, with the BLS projecting steady demand due to an aging population and increased need for prescription medications. Salaries are expected to grow moderately, with certification and specialization being the best ways to ensure higher pay in the future.
Final Thoughts
A pharmacy tech salary in the USA is both competitive and rewarding, especially for those seeking an entry-level healthcare career with room for growth. With opportunities at top employers like CVS and Walgreens, higher wages for certified pharmacy techs, and strong prospects in states like Texas, this field offers stability and potential.
At TecnoTales, we provide only information to help you make informed career decisions. If you’re considering becoming a pharmacy technician, focusing on certification, experience, and location can maximize your salary potential and future opportunities.
FAQs
What is the average salary of a pharmacy tech?
The average salary of a pharmacy technician in the USA is around $37,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on factors like location, certification, and experience.
What is the average salary for a pharmacy tech?
The average salary for a pharmacy tech is approximately $18 to $21 per hour, which equates to about $37,000 to $43,000 annually.
What is the salary of a pharmacy tech?
The salary of a pharmacy tech can range from $29,000 at the entry-level to more than $50,000 for highly experienced or certified professionals.
Can you live off a pharmacy tech salary?
Yes, you can live off a pharmacy tech salary, especially in states with a lower cost of living. However, in high-cost states, it may be challenging without additional income or advancement.
How to be a pharmacy tech salary?
To earn a pharmacy tech salary, you must complete the required training, and in many states, certification is highly recommended. Becoming certified can increase your pay and career opportunities.