How to become a pharmacy technician
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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
What pharmacy technicians do
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into computer.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Mathematics
Is pharmacy technician a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 10% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Washington $58,900
- California $55,110
- Oregon $54,900
- Alaska $52,640
- Colorado $49,970
Pharmacy Technicians salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.