If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician, then one of the questions on your mind is how much do pharmacy technicians make? The answer to that question depends on several factors such as the level of training, experience, job location and more. The average wage for a pharmacy technician is about $14 an hour, however entry level pharmacy techs may earn $8 to $10 an hour. On the other hand, an experienced pharmacy technician can earn up to $18 to $20 an hour. As of July, 2011 the average annual salary of pharmacy technicians was 34,000.
Becoming a pharmacy technician can be a promising career since there is an increasing number of middle-aged and elderly people that must take prescription medication to maintain their health. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by taking prescriptions, printing prescription labels and counting pills. The pharmacy technician field continues to grow rapidly and employers look for people who are responsible to fill the positions. Although a person may be hired for the job of pharmacy technician and be trained on the job, a person with professional training may stand a better chance of being hired.
There are no national standards for pharmacy technicians however, formal training makes an applicant more desirable in this field as well as any other. Applicants must have a high school diploma or general equivalent (GED). Due to the nature of the work, which involves handling medication, an individual interested in this position must not have any drug related offenses. Most states require that pharmacy technicians become registered with the State Board of Pharmacy. Requirements for registration may vary from state to state but a high school diploma is needed and there may be an application fee. Although certification is not required in most states, it is desirable. Certification can be obtained through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board as well as the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.
Pharmacy technicians may in settings other than pharmacies, such as nursing homes and hospitals. Their work schedules often include weekends and holidays. Keep in mind when considering that all important question of how much do pharmacy technicians make, there is potential to earn more. Starting at an entry level earnings of $8 to $10 an hour doesn’t mean that is what you are going to make forever. There are formal training courses in the field of pharmacy technician that may last between 3 to 18 months and offer a certificate or Associates degree upon completion. Formal training along with experience and skill levels can help to increase the potential to maximize your earnings. Now that your question of how much do pharmacy technicians make, has been answered, are you ready to choose a career as a pharmacy technician?
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