What does a pharmacy technician do? Duties, pay, training and outlook
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers and health professionals. Most need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and requirements such as formal training, an exam or certification depend on your state and your employer.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 29-2052.00 (Pharmacy Technicians) |
| Typical entry-level education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Licensing | Varies by state |
| Median annual wage | $45,750 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 6 percent, 2025 to 2035 (faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 471,200 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 44,700 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a pharmacy technician do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Collect information needed to fill a prescription from patients or health professionals.
- Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions.
- Package and label prescriptions.
- Organize inventory and alert pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies.
- Accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance claims.
- Enter patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system.
- Answer phone calls from customers.
- Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists if customers have questions about medications or health matters.
Work environment
Largest employers by share of jobs: Pharmacies and drug retailers 51 percent; hospitals; state, local, and private 18 percent; general merchandise retailers 9 percent; grocery and specialty food retailers 8 percent; ambulatory healthcare services 5 percent. Most pharmacy technicians work full time, but part-time work is common.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Pharmacy technicians usually need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Postsecondary programs are usually offered by vocational schools or community colleges, and training typically lasts less than one year.
- State rules: States regulate pharmacy technicians in different ways. The OOH lists requirements that may apply, including a high school diploma or equivalent, a formal education or training program, an exam, fees, continuing education, a criminal background check and a minimum age.
- Certification: Some states and employers require pharmacy technicians to be certified. Check your state board of pharmacy and the job posting.
Skills that matter
The OOH names communication skills, customer-service skills, detail orientation, interpersonal skills, math skills and organizational skills. O*NET lists the knowledge, skills and tasks for this occupation in its Pharmacy Technicians summary.
How much do pharmacy technicians make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $45,750 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,020 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $61,040.
Median annual wage by industry, May 2025 (BLS):
| Industry | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $50,760 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | $48,860 |
| General merchandise retailers | $48,150 |
| Grocery and specialty food retailers | $41,430 |
| Pharmacies and drug retailers | $39,240 |
See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for more detail. Our guide on how to research pay explains how to read these numbers.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 44,700 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Check your state's rules first. Find out whether your state board of pharmacy requires training, an exam, a background check or certification before you can work.
- Choose training that fits. Programs at vocational schools or community colleges typically last less than a year. If you have no health care history, see our no experience resume guide.
- Highlight accuracy and service. Detail orientation, math skills and customer service are the qualities the OOH names. Give concrete examples from retail or health settings.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine, search jobs on LiveRec, and set a job alert.
Related occupations
Pharmacists; Dental assistants; Medical assistants; Medical records specialists; Opticians.
Related guides on LiveRec: pharmacists, medical assistants, customer service representatives.
Frequently asked questions
Do pharmacy technicians need certification? Some states and employers require it. Rules vary, so check your state board of pharmacy.
Do you need a degree to be a pharmacy technician? No. The typical entry-level education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
Can pharmacy technicians work part time? Yes. The OOH says most work full time, but part-time work is common.
Is pharmacy technician a growing job? BLS projects 6 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pharmacy Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Pharmacy Technicians: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2052.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.