Pharmacy Technicians
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Common Job Titles
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician (Chemo Pharmacy Technician)
- OR Pharmacy Tech (Operating Room Pharmacy Tech)
- RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform medication measurement, mixing, and compounding procedures using precision equipment such as graduated cylinders and balances, following pharmacist-verified prescription orders.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate prescription orders for completeness and accuracy in retail and hospital pharmacy settings, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply pharmaceutical calculations and mathematical principles when determining dosages, preparing compound formulations, and verifying medication quantities.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply pharmacy management software and electronic health record systems to document medication preparation, process insurance claims, and maintain accurate inventory records.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess medication inventory levels and supply chain requirements to prevent stock shortages and ensure medication availability.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient safety protocols with efficient workflow practices when managing multiple prescriptions in high-volume pharmacy environments.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate automated dispensing systems and tablet counting machines to prepare accurate medication dosages under pharmacist supervision.Developing
- MindsetEngage with patients to collect prescription information and answer basic medication questions, demonstrating service orientation while maintaining professional boundaries.Developing
- Hands-onExecute sterile compounding techniques for intravenous medications within laminar flow hoods, adhering to USP standards and aseptic protocols.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain pharmacy laws, regulations, and insurance requirements to patients and healthcare team members, facilitating informed decision-making.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Pharmacy Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
487,920
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,100. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,920. 50th percentile: U.S. $43,460. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,580. 90th percentile: U.S. $59,450. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,100 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $59,450 |
| Workers on average earn | $44,800 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.9/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Computers and Electronics3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Apple Safari
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Mozilla Firefox
Technology Skills
- Billing and reimbursement software
- Compounder software
- Database software
- Drug compatibility software
- Inventory management software
- Label-making software
- Medical condition coding software
- Patient record maintenance software
Tools & Equipment
- Agar slides
- Autoclaves
- Automatic bottle filling machines
- Automatic unit dose strip packaging machines
- Benchtop colloid mills
- Blending/agitating machines
- Bunsen burners
- Cash registers