Are you considering becoming a pharmacy technician, but unsure about the pay? Or are you already working as one and want to know if you're being paid fairly? In this article, we will discuss how much pharmacy techs get paid an hour and provide you with all the information you need to know.
Many people are attracted to the pharmacy technician profession because it offers a stable career path with good job security. However, the pay can vary depending on several factors, such as experience, location, and industry. Some pharmacy techs work in hospitals, while others work in retail pharmacies, and the pay can differ between the two.
On average, pharmacy techs in the United States earn $16.07 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earn less than $11.72 per hour, while the highest 10% earn more than $23.08 per hour. However, it's important to note that these figures can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
To ensure that you're being paid fairly, it's essential to do your research and compare your salary to others in your industry and location. You can use websites like Glassdoor and Payscale to get an idea of what other pharmacy techs are earning in your area.
Personal Experience
When I first started working as a pharmacy tech in a retail pharmacy, I was earning $14 per hour. However, after gaining more experience and completing additional training, I was able to negotiate a higher salary of $18 per hour. It's important to advocate for yourself and your worth as a pharmacy tech.
Factors Affecting Pay
As mentioned earlier, several factors can affect how much a pharmacy tech gets paid. Here are some of the most significant factors:
Experience
The more experience you have as a pharmacy tech, the more you can expect to earn. Employers are often willing to pay more for experienced techs who can handle more responsibilities and work independently.
Location
The location of your job can also impact your pay. Pharmacy techs in metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those in rural areas. This is because the cost of living is generally higher in larger cities.
Personal Experience
When I moved from a rural area to a more metropolitan area, I was able to negotiate a higher salary due to the higher cost of living in the city.
Industry
The industry you work in can also impact your pay. Pharmacy techs who work in hospitals tend to earn more than those who work in retail pharmacies. This is because hospital techs are often required to have more specialized training and handle more complex tasks.
Personal Experience
When I transitioned from working in retail to working in a hospital, I was able to negotiate a higher salary due to the additional training and responsibilities required for the job.
Question and Answer
Q: Do pharmacy techs get paid more for working night shifts?
A: Yes, many employers offer shift differentials for working night, weekend, or holiday shifts.
Q: Can pharmacy techs earn bonuses or commissions?
A: Yes, some employers offer bonuses or commissions based on the pharmacy's performance or the tech's individual performance.
Q: Do pharmacy techs get paid overtime?
A: Yes, pharmacy techs are eligible for overtime if they work more than 40 hours in a week.
Q: Do pharmacy techs get health benefits?
A: Yes, many employers offer health benefits to full-time pharmacy techs.
Conclusion of How Much Do Pharmacy Techs Get Paid an Hour
Overall, pharmacy techs can expect to earn an average of $16.07 per hour, but this can vary depending on several factors. It's important to research your industry and location and advocate for your worth as a pharmacy tech. With experience and additional training, you can negotiate a higher salary and advance your career as a pharmacy technician.
