Are pharmacy techs underpaid?

They’re essentially overworked, underpaid secretaries who just happen to work in pharmacies at drug stores. The average pay for pharmacy technicians is about $14 an hour (source). That’s less than dental assistants, medical transcriptionists, and almost $100,000 less than the pharmacists themselves.

How can I increase my pharmacy technician salary?

Becoming certified is the fastest way for a pharmacy technician to give themselves an instant pay raise. Most retail pharmacies offer a pay increase to any pharmacy technician who becomes certified. Pharmacy technician certification can be obtained by taking a standardized test called the ExCPT exam.

Do pharmacy techs make good money?

The salary a pharmacy technician earns in California is considerably higher than the national average by 30\%. While the national average salary is $36,450, a pharmacy technician earns $47,620 in California.

Who makes more a pharmacy tech or medical assistant?

Most MAs worked in doctors’ offices, where the average annual salary was $30,740. Colleges, universities and professional schools were another common work setting where medical assistants earned less, with an average salary of $33,830 compared to the average pharmacy tech salary of $36,960.

What is the demand for Pharmacy Technicians?

Job Outlook Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 31,700 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

How much do pharmacy technicians make at Costco?

Average Costco Wholesale Certified Pharmacy Technician hourly pay in the United States is approximately $18.62, which is 13\% above the national average.

Who makes more medical assistant or pharmacy technician?

Work Settings and Salary Most MAs worked in doctors’ offices, where the average annual salary was $30,740. Colleges, universities and professional schools were another common work setting where medical assistants earned less, with an average salary of $33,830 compared to the average pharmacy tech salary of $36,960.

How stressful is a pharmacy technician job?

Pharmacy technician work can be emotionally stressful as well. Accuracy is vital to the job because incorrectly filled prescriptions, wrong dosages or mislabeled bottles can pose health risks. Customers occasionally get frustrated waiting in lines or for prescriptions, and you have to deal with some anger and rudeness.