Pharmacy Technician Jobs: Benefits, Remote Roles & Salaries

Pharmacy technician jobs are set to grow 7% by 2033, adding 33,300 new spots! If you’ve ever thought about helping folks with their meds while working in a lively pharmacy, this is your chance. I’ll walk you through what pharmacy technician job responsibilities look like, how to snag part-time pharmacy technician jobs or even work from home pharmacy technician jobs, and what the pay’s like. Stick with me, we’re going on a healthcare adventure!

What’s a Pharmacy Technician’s Day Like?

Pharmacy technicians are the unsung heroes of the pharmacy world, teaming up with pharmacists to keep everything humming. They’re the ones you see behind the counter, making sure meds get to the right hands.

What You’ll Do: From Meds to Smiles

Every day’s a mix of tasks that keep things moving. Here’s what you might tackle:

• Fill prescriptions by measuring and labeling meds with care.
• Chat with customers, answer questions, or pass them to the pharmacist.
• Check inventory, order supplies, and toss out old drugs.
• Handle insurance claims to sort out payments for patients.
• Clean and sterilize equipment to keep the place safe.

Take Regina, a pharmacy tech at a grocery store. She kicks off her day by logging into her computer, catching up with her crew, and filling prescriptions. She says, “I love seeing customers leave with a smile.”

Different Jobs, Same Heart

Pharmacy technician job responsibilities shift depending on where you work:

• Retail pharmacies (like CVS): Focus on serving customers, handing out meds, and taking payments.
• Hospitals: Mix IV solutions or prep chemo drugs with extra care.
• Specialty pharmacies: Deal with tricky meds for cancer or pain.
• Long-term care facilities: Manage pills for nursing home residents.

Wherever you are, you’re part of a team keeping patients healthy.

Are Pharmacy Technician Jobs on the Rise?

Pharmacy technician jobs are heating up. With more people needing meds, this career’s got a bright future.

Why Everyone Wants These Roles

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says pharmacy technician jobs will grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average 4% for other jobs. Here’s the scoop:

• Older folks need more prescriptions as they age.
• Chronic diseases mean more treatments to handle.
• Pharmacists are stepping into patient care, leaving techs to manage tasks.
• About 47,400 jobs open yearly due to folks retiring or switching careers.

The best part? This boom means pharmacy technician jobs are popping up all over!

Where Can You Find Them?

Back in 2023, pharmacy technician jobs totaled 463,900 across the U.S. You’ll find them at:

• Retail pharmacies and drug stores: Mostly at CVS or Walgreens.
• Hospitals: State or private, with better pay.
• Long-term care facilities: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• Government and research: Smaller but growing areas.

States like California and Washington pay the most because demand is high and living costs are up.

How Do You Jump Into This Career?

Ready to dive into technician jobs in Pharmacy? It’s not as tough as it sounds, and you can start without a big degree.

What You Need to Learn

To meet pharmacy technician job requirements, here’s what you need:

• A high school diploma or something similar is required to get started.
• On-the-job training takes a few months to learn the basics.
• Formal options:
  • Certificate programs take 4–9 months, some online, to prep you.
  • An associate’s degree takes 2 years with internships for an edge.
• Check your state’s rules; some ask for an exam or training hours.

The Mayo Clinic runs a 20-week program in Minnesota, Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin to get folks ready for pharmacy technician jobs. In Canada, a 2-year college diploma or apprenticeship.

Why Certification’s a Big Deal

Getting a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) title can open doors. Here’s why:

• Options include the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
• You need a high school diploma and to pass the PTCE exam (90 questions, 2 hours).
• Perks:
  • More chances at hospital or specialty pharmacy gigs.
  • Better pay, up to $50,640 with experience.
  • Respect from bosses and teammates.
• Renew every 2 years with 20 hours of learning.

CVS even covers the exam cost for certified pharmacy technician job candidates.

Cash and Perks: What’s the Pay Like?

Curious about the cash in pharmacy technician jobs? Let’s dig into the numbers.

How Much Money Can You Make?

Pay depends on where you work, how long you’ve been at it, and your location:

• Average yearly wage (2024): $43,460, or $20.89/hour.
• Starting: Around $28,000–$29,640.
• With experience or certification: Up to $47,940 (hospitals) or $57,130 (top earners).
• Hourly for part-time: $14.28–$20.50.
• Best states: California, Washington, and Alaska, due to high demand.
• By years:
  • Less than 1 year: $29,358/year.
  • Over 10 years: $36,447/year.

CVS pharmacy technician jobs offer solid pay and a chance to grow.

Extra Goodies That Make It Sweet

Pharmacy technician jobs come with cool extras:

• Health insurance for you, plus dental and vision.
• Paid days off for holidays and vacations. 401 (k) with some employer cash to match.
• Discounts on meds for you and your family.
• Flexible shifts, especially for part-time pharmacy technician jobs.
• In the UK, the NHS throws in pensions, 27+ days off, and more perks.

Armitage Pharmacy in Chicago keeps it chill with concierge-style patient care.

Types of Pharmacy Technician Jobs to Explore

Pharmacy technician jobs come in all flavors. Let’s check them out!

Part-Time Pharmacy Technician Jobs

• What’s it like? Ideal for students or anyone needing flexibility, with evening or weekend shifts.
• Pay: $14.28–$20.50/hour.
• Where?: Places like CVS or small shops like Armitage Pharmacy.
• Story: A part-time tech in Franklin, TN, fills prescriptions and helps customers while juggling school.

Travel Pharmacy Technician Jobs

• What’s it like?: Move around cities or states, often with better pay or bonuses.
• Perks: Travel health services and short-term contracts.
• Story: A travel tech worked a 3-month stint in a California hospital, loving the new sights.

Work from Home Pharmacy Technician Jobs

• What’s it like? Rare but growing, with tasks like insurance claims or data entry from home.
• Needs: Good computer skills and a quiet spot.
• Story: A tech in Phoenix handles claims remotely for a CVS call center.

Certified Pharmacy Technician Jobs

• What’s it like? Need CPhT certification for higher pay and specialized work.
• Places: Hospitals or specialty pharmacies like oncology.
• Story: Regina, a CPhT, preps chemo meds in a hospital, earning $47,940.

Pharmacy Technician Trainee Jobs

• What’s it like? Entry-level with training, no experience required.
• Path: Leads to certification or full-time roles.
• Story: A trainee in the UK works toward a Level 3 Diploma while on the job.

CVS Pharmacy Technician Jobs

• What’s it like? Work at a big retailer with growth chances and benefits.
• Perks: Training, exam support, and job transfers.
• Story: A CVS tech in Miami fills prescriptions and syncs meds, thriving in the hustle.

What Skills Make You Shine?

Pharmacy technician jobs keep you on your toes in a team setting. Here’s the vibe:

• Places: Retail (CVS, Walgreens), hospitals, nursing homes, or research labs.
• Hours: Full-time or part-time, sometimes nights or weekends, since pharmacies stay open.
• Physical stuff: You’ll stand most of the day, moving around a lot.
• Safety: Masks, gloves, and barriers are a must, especially after COVID hit.
• Feel: Regina calls her pharmacy “bright, clean, busy,” with a team that feels like family.

Where Can This Job Take You?

Pharmacy technician jobs are a stepping stone with big potential:

• Lead a team as a supervisor with some years under your belt.
• Specialize in oncology, compounding, or vaccines.
• Become a pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
• Switch to roles like medical lab tech or nuclear medicine with more training.
• Story: A tech in California went from a CVS trainee to a hospital supervisor after certification.

Pros and Cons

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Cons

FAQs

Conclusion

Pharmacy technician jobs are a solid way into healthcare, with 463,900 jobs in 2023 and a 7% jump by 2033. Whether you’re eyeing part-time pharmacy technician jobs, travel pharmacy technician jobs, or work-from-home pharmacy technician jobs, you’ll help folks while earning $28,000–$57,130. Start with a high school diploma, grab that certification for better cash, and work at CVS, hospitals, or beyond. It’s busy, meaningful, and perfect for caring souls.