Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Pharmacy technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn their duties through on-the-job training, or they may complete a postsecondary education program in pharmacy technology. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which is a process that may require passing an exam or completing a formal education or training program. PayThe median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $45,750 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 44,700 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pharmacy technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pharmacy technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about pharmacy technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $45,750 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 44,700 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pharmacy technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pharmacy technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about pharmacy technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 44,700 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pharmacy technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pharmacy technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about pharmacy technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients or health professionals.
Work Environment
Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, including those found in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores, as well as hospitals. Most work full time, but part-time work is common.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn their duties through on-the-job training, or they may complete a postsecondary education program in pharmacy technology. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which is a process that may require passing an exam or completing a formal education or training program.
Pay
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $45,750 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 44,700 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pharmacy technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pharmacy technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about pharmacy technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, including those found in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores, as well as hospitals. Most work full time, but part-time work is common.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn their duties through on-the-job training, or they may complete a postsecondary education program in pharmacy technology. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which is a process that may require passing an exam or completing a formal education or training program.
Pay
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $45,750 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 44,700 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pharmacy technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pharmacy technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about pharmacy technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pharmacy technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pharmacy technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about pharmacy technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about pharmacy technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.