How much do pharmacy techs make?
Pharmacy technicians earn a median of about $43,460 per year, or roughly $20.90 per hour, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Pay ranges from under $35,100 for entry-level roles to more than $59,450 for top earners.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th percentile) | Under $35,100 / yr | Roughly $16-$17 per hour; new techs and retail roles. |
| Median (national) | $43,460 / yr | About $20.90 per hour (BLS, May 2024 data). |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $59,450+ / yr | About $28+ per hour; hospital, specialty, and high-pay states. |
| Highest-paying areas | Above national median | Most top-paying locations are in California, plus one in Washington. |
What pharmacy techs earn
Pharmacy technicians earn a median annual wage of about $43,460, which works out to roughly $20.90 per hour according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures. Half of pharmacy techs earn more than this and half earn less.
The spread is meaningful. The lowest-paid 10 percent earn under $35,100 per year, while the highest-paid 10 percent make more than $59,450. Setting, certification, and location explain most of the gap between the low and high ends.
What drives pay differences
Work setting is a major factor. Hospital and specialty pharmacy roles tend to pay more than retail positions because they involve more complex responsibilities. Earning a recognized certification, such as the PTCB CPhT credential, can unlock these higher-paying settings.
Geography also matters a great deal. The top-paying locations in the U.S. are nearly all in California, with one in Washington, reflecting both higher demand and higher costs of living. Experience and shift differentials can further raise pay above the median.
Job outlook and advancement
Demand is steady and growing. The BLS projects employment of pharmacy technicians to grow about 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, as pharmacies handle a rising volume of prescriptions.
Pharmacy tech is an accessible career with relatively short training, but earnings rise fastest for those who certify and move into hospital or specialty roles. Building experience and adding credentials are the clearest paths to the upper end of the pay range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the hourly pay for a pharmacy tech?
- The median is about $20.90 per hour. Entry-level pay runs roughly $16-$17 per hour, while top earners make about $28 or more per hour.
- Do hospital pharmacy techs make more than retail?
- Generally yes. Hospital and specialty pharmacy roles tend to pay above retail because they involve more complex duties, and certification often helps you qualify for them.
- Where do pharmacy techs earn the most?
- The highest-paying locations are concentrated in California, with one in Washington, driven by demand and higher living costs.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.