Pharmacy Technician Jobs

Pharmacy Technician Overview

Working as a Pharmacy Technician consists of more than simply counting pills under the direction of a pharmacist. These technicians perform a variety of other tasks, including customer service and clerical duties. Although Pharmacy Technicians often do work under the supervision of pharmacists to help them mix, measure and label pills and dosages, there is much more to the job than simply working behind the scenes as an assistant. Pharmacy Technicians are expected to interact with the public by greeting them, answering questions and assisting them with insurance and payment processing.

Pharmacy Technician Education Requirements

The minimum education requirement for Pharmacy Technician jobs is a high school diploma or equivalent. Because Pharmacy Technicians are expected to count and measure pills and operate a cash register, which may require making change, they should have knowledge of basic math and English skills. No experience is required to be a Pharmacy Technician as on-the-job training is typically provided. However, people with certification in pharmaceutical studies at a technical school or some degree of experience in the field might be given more preference for jobs than other candidates.

Pharmacy Technician Job Market

Because people are always in need of medications, the job market for Pharmacy Technicians has a positive outlook. Statistics project that there will be a 20 percent increase in the amount of Pharmacy Technicians employed from 2012 to 2022 as the health care industry expands. Other Pharmacy jobs in a pharmacy include being a Pharmacy Assistant.

Pharmacy Technician Salary

The median annual salary for a Pharmacy Technician is $29,320. Pharmacy Technicians who are employed at general medical and surgical hospitals, federal executive branches, colleges, universities, physicians' offices and outpatient care centers can expect to be on the higher end of the pay scale, earning as much as $40,650 annually. Additionally, those who have obtained certification as a Pharmacy Technician tend to earn more than those who merely possess a high school diploma.