Trade Career Guide
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication, manage inventory, and serve patients in retail and hospital pharmacies.
Median salary
$43,460
per year · BLS May 2024
Typical range
$35,100–$59,450
~10th–90th percentile
Job outlook
+6%
2024–2034 · Faster than average
Time to qualify
A few months to about a year
Step-by-step: becoming a Pharmacy Technician
- 1
Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- 2
Complete on-the-job training or a postsecondary pharmacy-technician program.
- 3
Pass a certification exam (PTCB's PTCE or NHA's ExCPT) where required.
- 4
Register or license with your state board of pharmacy.
- 5
Maintain your certification with continuing education.
Typical entry path: On-the-job or postsecondary training; certification and licensure vary by state.
Ready to pass the PTCB (PTCE) certification exam?
The licensing exam is the gate to this career. Practice free on VoltExam with real exam-style questions and instant explanations — no signup to start.
Explore other trade careers
Salary and job-outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Pharmacy Technicians, SOC 29-2052; OEWS wages May 2024; Occupational Outlook Handbook projections 2024–2034). National medians; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. Verify current figures at bls.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for Pharmacy Technicians is $43,460. Most earn between about $35,100 and $59,450 depending on experience, location, and specialization.
How do you become a Pharmacy Technician?
Earn a high school diploma or GED. Complete on-the-job training or a postsecondary pharmacy-technician program. Pass a certification exam (PTCB's PTCE or NHA's ExCPT) where required. Register or license with your state board of pharmacy. Maintain your certification with continuing education.
What is the job outlook for a Pharmacy Technician?
The BLS projects 6% employment growth for Pharmacy Technicians over 2024–2034 — faster than average for all occupations.
What exam or license does a Pharmacy Technician need?
Most pharmacy technician roles require passing the PTCB (PTCE) certification exam. Typical entry path: On-the-job or postsecondary training; certification and licensure vary by state.