How to become pharmacy technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$45,750
25th–75th pct. $37,850–$49,990
Top pay (est.)
$79,400
Top 10% $61,040
Pay in 5 years
$53,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$62,400est.
$53,700–$72,500
Outlook score
54/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
45%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+6.4%
45K openings / yr
How to become pharmacy technicians
Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Pharmacy Technicians
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Getting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Important abilities
Near VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionCategory Flexibility
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as pharmacy technicians
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.