Looking at the top five paying states for Pharmacy Technicians, it becomes clear that Pharmacy Tech salaries are similar across the nation. There is only a 3% spread between the average salary for a Pharmacy Technician in Alaska, with its high cost of living, and the District of Columbia on the other side of the country.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment opportunities are excellent for Pharmacy Technicians through 2018. Before the passage of the new health care bill, employment was expected to show a 31 percent increase over a ten year period. With millions of people who are not currently covered but will likely be obtaining drug coverage in the coming years. the employment growth rate for Pharmacy Techs could go even higher.
This chart displays annual mean salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in the U.S. The data was collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics OES - May 2008.
The factors most influencing Pharmacy Technician pay include the level of education and the years of experience. Some states require certification by a recognized certification agency before employment, but even in states where not required certification can improve employment prospects. When looking for a job, another consideration besides the annual mean wage is the number of positions in the state.
Though there is only a difference of $140 between the mean wages of Alaska and California, the employment figures tell a different story. As of 2008 there were 570 Pharmacy Technicians employed in Alaska and 27,470 employed in California. Some Pharmacy Technicians seek employment as Pharmacy Aides while completing their education and to gain a foothold in obtaining a job as a Pharmacy Technician in a desired location.
Related Charts for Pharmacy Technician Salaries:
Pharmacy Technician Pay Scale - All U.S. States
Pharmacy Technician Salaries - Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
Pharmacy Technician Salary Ranges - Top Paying Industries
The bar graph above shows the states paying the highest Pharmacy Tech salary. The data is shown below in table format:
| State |
Annual Mean Wage |
|---|
| Alaska |
36,240 |
| California |
36,100 |
| Washington |
35,960 |
| Hawaii |
35,370 |
| District of Columbia |
35,170 |
State salaries are often dependent on overall population needs and the cost of living. Since these are average (mean) salary ranges, you can gain a higher salary with more education and skills. Your exact background will play a role in your income.
