As with the medical field in general, the demand for pharmacy techs is expected to grow an above average amount over the next decade because of the development of new drugs and the large aging population in the United States.
The median hourly pay rate for pharmacy techs is $10.70 and the high and low range of the scale is $7.44 at the low end and $15.82 at the high end. Earning a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation can increase your earnings. Additionally, shift differential for working nights, weekends and holidays can boost your pay. Many pharmacies are open 24 hours, seven days a week. Joining a union for hospital or grocery store workers may also improve wages.
Advancement as a pharmacy tech is limited. The main benefits to tenure as a pharmacy tech are increased wages and more control over schedule because of seniority. Some pharmacy techs may choose to become pharmacists and that requires a bachelor�s degree and three years of pharmacy school.
