How much does a pharmacy technician make?

They enter prescriptions and insurance details, then count or measure, package, and label medicine. They answer calls, track supplies, and send medicine questions to a pharmacist, who checks prescriptions.

Did you know? In many U.S. states, trained pharmacy technicians can give vaccines under a pharmacist’s supervision—not just count pills.

After high school or equivalent, people learn on the job or finish a pharmacy-tech program; states may set a minimum age. PTCB certification requires a recognized program or 500 work hours and passing an exam; check state rules.

School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience

Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing

Why does pay differ?

In the United States, experience and certification can help technicians qualify for different roles. Pay also varies by state and workplace—such as a hospital versus a retail pharmacy—and may reflect specialized duties and whether someone works part time or nights and weekends.