The role of a pharmacy technician is crucial in the healthcare industry, providing support to pharmacists and ensuring the smooth operation of pharmacies. Despite their importance, pharmacy technicians often face challenges in terms of salary. However, there are several strategies that can help boost a pharmacy tech's salary. In this article, we will explore 12+ ways to increase a pharmacy technician's salary, providing detailed information and examples to support each method.
Understanding Pharmacy Technician Salaries
Pharmacy technician salaries vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the United States was 36,740 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around 25,000 to over $50,000 per year, depending on the specific job and location. To increase their salary, pharmacy technicians need to focus on acquiring new skills, gaining experience, and pursuing certifications that demonstrate their expertise.
Certification and Training
One of the most effective ways to boost a pharmacy technician’s salary is by obtaining certification. The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), is the most widely recognized certification in the field. To become certified, pharmacy technicians must meet certain requirements, such as completing a training program or having a certain amount of work experience, and then pass a certification exam. Certification demonstrates a technician’s knowledge and skills, making them more attractive to employers and potentially leading to higher salaries.
| Certification | Requirements | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| CPhT | Training program or work experience, certification exam | 10-20% increase |
| CSPT | Specialized training program, certification exam | 15-30% increase |
Specialized Training and Experience
In addition to certification, specialized training and experience can also lead to higher salaries for pharmacy technicians. For example, technicians who work in hospitals or clinical research settings may require specialized training and experience, which can result in higher salaries. Similarly, technicians who have experience with pharmacy management systems or inventory management software may be in higher demand and command higher salaries.
Industry-Specific Skills
Pharmacy technicians who acquire industry-specific skills, such as compounding or sterile preparation, may also be able to increase their salary. These skills require specialized training and certification, but can lead to higher-paying job opportunities in compounding pharmacies or hospitals. Additionally, technicians who have experience with electronic health records (EHRs) or pharmacy information systems may be in higher demand, as these systems become increasingly prevalent in the healthcare industry.
- Compounding: specialized training and certification, potentially leading to a 20-30% salary increase
- Sterile preparation: specialized training and certification, potentially leading to a 25-40% salary increase
- EHRs: experience with electronic health records, potentially leading to a 10-20% salary increase
Location and Work Setting
The location and work setting of a pharmacy technician can also impact their salary. Technicians who work in urban areas or high-demand locations may be able to command higher salaries due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for pharmacy services. Additionally, technicians who work in retail pharmacies may have different salary expectations than those who work in hospitals or clinical research settings.
Salary Variations by Location
According to the BLS, pharmacy technician salaries can vary significantly depending on the location. For example, technicians who work in California or New York may earn higher salaries than those who work in Alabama or Oklahoma. Understanding these salary variations can help pharmacy technicians make informed decisions about their career and potentially increase their salary by relocating to a higher-paying area.
| Location | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $43,610 |
| New York | $42,110 |
| Alabama | $32,410 |
| Oklahoma | $31,610 |
How can I increase my salary as a pharmacy technician?
+To increase your salary as a pharmacy technician, consider obtaining certification, acquiring specialized training and experience, and developing industry-specific skills. Additionally, location and work setting can impact salary, so researching and understanding salary variations by location can help you make informed decisions about your career.
What are the most in-demand skills for pharmacy technicians?
+The most in-demand skills for pharmacy technicians include certification, experience with pharmacy management systems, and industry-specific skills such as compounding and sterile preparation. Additionally, experience with electronic health records and pharmacy information systems is becoming increasingly important in the healthcare industry.
In conclusion, there are several strategies that pharmacy technicians can use to boost their salary. By obtaining certification, acquiring specialized training and experience, and developing industry-specific skills, technicians can demonstrate their expertise and increase their earning potential. Additionally, understanding salary variations by location and work setting can help technicians make informed decisions about their career and potentially increase their salary. By following these 12+ ways to boost pharmacy tech salary, technicians can take control of their career and increase their earning potential.
