If you're considering a career in pharmacy technology, you're probably wondering about the earning potential. How do pharmacy techs make? Is it a lucrative profession? In this blog post, we'll answer these questions and more.
As a pharmacy tech, you'll be responsible for helping pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients. This can include tasks like measuring medications, packaging prescriptions, and labeling bottles. It's a critical role in the healthcare industry, and one that requires attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
The average hourly wage for a pharmacy tech in the United States is $16.71, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and employer. Some pharmacy techs may earn more than $20 per hour, while others may earn closer to $12 per hour.
In order to become a pharmacy tech, you'll need to complete a certification program or degree program. This can take anywhere from a few months to two years, depending on the program you choose. Once you've completed your education, you'll need to pass an exam to become certified.
So, how do pharmacy techs make a living wage? The key is to gain experience and specialize in a particular area of pharmacy. For example, some pharmacy techs may work in a hospital setting, where they'll have the opportunity to work with more complex medications and earn a higher wage. Others may work in retail settings, where they'll have a more customer-facing role.
Personal Experience: How Do Pharmacy Techs Make
When I first started working as a pharmacy tech, I was earning around $14 per hour. However, over time, I gained experience and became certified in sterile compounding. This allowed me to work with more complex medications and earn a higher wage. Now, I earn over $20 per hour and have a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.
Specializing in a Certain Area
If you're looking to increase your earning potential as a pharmacy tech, consider specializing in a certain area of pharmacy. This could be anything from sterile compounding to oncology pharmacy. By gaining expertise in a particular area, you'll be able to take on more complex tasks and earn a higher wage.
Continuing Education
Another way to increase your earning potential as a pharmacy tech is to continue your education. This could mean pursuing a degree in pharmacy or a related field, or simply taking courses to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry.
Networking
Finally, networking can be a valuable tool for pharmacy techs looking to advance their careers. By connecting with other professionals in the industry, you'll be able to learn about new opportunities and gain insights into different areas of pharmacy.
Personal Experience: Specializing in Oncology Pharmacy
After working as a pharmacy tech for several years, I decided to specialize in oncology pharmacy. This required additional training and certification, but it was well worth it. Not only do I find the work incredibly fulfilling, but I also earn a higher wage than I did before.
Question and Answer
Q: How much do pharmacy techs make per year?
A: The average salary for a pharmacy tech in the United States is around $35,000 per year.
Q: Can pharmacy techs work from home?
A: While it's not common, some pharmacy techs may be able to work remotely. This typically requires specialized training and certification.
Q: Is there room for advancement in the pharmacy tech profession?
A: Yes, there are opportunities for advancement in the pharmacy tech profession. By gaining experience and becoming certified in a particular area, you may be able to take on more responsibility and earn a higher wage.
Q: What skills are necessary to be a successful pharmacy tech?
A: Successful pharmacy techs need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Conclusion of How Do Pharmacy Techs Make
In conclusion, pharmacy technology can be a rewarding and lucrative profession. While the average hourly wage is around $16, pharmacy techs can increase their earning potential by gaining experience, specializing in a particular area, continuing their education, and networking with other professionals in the industry.
