Average California Pharmacy Tech Salary
What is the average salary of a pharmacy technician in California? The salary of a pharmacy technician can vary according to how much experience one has, what company they work for, the location you work at and any benefits an individual may acquire. Another factor to consider when looking at the average salary starting salary for a pharmacy tech is if the individual has his/her pharmacy technician certification. This certification can affect the salary an individual may have. The average annual salary for a pharmacy technician in California is $37,700.
What is the average pharmacy tech pay for your city? Certain cities offer higher or lower rates of pay. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and even Bakersfield have some of the highest salaries for a pharmacy tech, some in the $40,000′s. These cities are in high demand for pharmacy technicians, but be assured there is plenty of opportunity. Unfortunately, other cities such as Fresno, Redding, El Centro and Santa Maria, are the complete opposite as the cities listed above with some of the lowest salaries near the $29,000′s. These cities have a overwhelming amount of pharmacy technicians, as well as not having the large populations to offset the need for extra personnel. Cities somewhat in the middle pay range of $32,000, such as Anaheim, Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Barbara have large populations and plenty of pharmacy technicians but are still constantly expanding and hiring frequently. Of course, experience goes a long way in earning more money. Fresh out of school or just receiving your pharmacy technician certificate you can expect to be on the lower end of your city’s average salary range. With more experience comes more money.
Pharmacy Tech Salary – By Company
Now, there are other factors to look at when determining your future salary. Companies pay their pharmacy technicians different amounts. Granted the pay will be close if you are working in the same location but certain companies just pay more. CVS, Walgreen’s, Rite Aid and other large drug stores pay near the top for their pharmacy techs. Depending on location you can expect to make between $33,000-$39,000. Local drugstores that are family owned or small business don’t pay quite as much, sometimes the lowest amount, near the $28,000′s, but can be a great place to start and gain some experience once you have gotten your certificate or completed training.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Benefits
If your looking to be a pharmacy technician it is important to realize how you can get ahead on the competition. Pharmacy Technicians is a booming profession there will be plenty of jobs available. You can gain an edge by getting your pharmacy technician certificate. This certificate gives you great benefits and will help you feel more confident in your job because you have the knowledge you obtained by studying to take the pharmacy technician exam. These great benefits include:
- Better chance to get a job as a pharmacy tech
- Increase chance to get a higher starting salary
- Looks great on your resume
- Better understanding of Pharmacy Technology
Its obvious that its a great thing to get your certificate. Higher pay and a greater chance to get a job as a pharmacy technician are great motivators.
How do I get a Pharmacy Tech Certification?
How to become a pharmacy technician? Becoming a pharmacy technician is not as difficult as some may think. Most states only require a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED) however there are some that require a state accredited training program online or at a technical or vocational college. A great way to get your foot in the door and look like you are serious is by obtaining your Pharmacy Technician Certificate.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, or PTCE, is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. This certification is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. This certification ensures that the pharmacy technician has the necessary information to be successful at there job. You can look at our great study guide for the pharmacy technician certification exam here.
After obtaining your Pharmacy Technician Certificate you will be required to re-certify every two years. There is also a 20-hour continued education requirement for rectification that needs to be completed during the two year certification period.
Pharmacy Tech School Programs
Pharmacy Technician Training can be done at an accredited technical school or vocational school. Completing the program can increase the chances of getting hired as a pharmacy tech. This can also play a major role on the starting salary you receive when you get hired. This program can take anywhere from 6 to 24 months.
The program will require you to take specific classes such as arithmetic used in pharmacies, how to compound (mix) medications, ways of dispensing medications, pharmacy law and ethics, record keeping and laboratory work. Most training programs include internships. This allows students to get hands-on experience in a pharmacy.
Once you completed you schooling, depending on which state you will be working in as a Pharmacy Tech, you are required to register with the State Board of Pharmacy. This is needed so you can work as an assistant to a pharmacist.
Common Pharmacy Technician Questions
Q – What is the salary of a Pharmacy Technician in California?
A – The average salary of a pharmacy technician in California is $33,800
Q – What are the requirements for Pharmacy Tech?
A – The most common requirements for a pharmacy tech are a High School diploma or a GED, a pharmacy technician certificate, passing a pharmacy technician exam and on the job training.
Q – Do I have to go to school to become a Pharmacy Technician?
A – You must have a High School diploma or GED and complete an accredited program to become a pharmacy tech, and some states require you to attend a vocational or community college and complete a pharmacy tech course.
Q – How long is the Pharmacy Tech course?
A – Courses last between 6-18 months. However most only last 1 year.
Q – Is a Pharmacy Technician a good career choice?
A – With the research done to put this site together, we have learned that pharmacy technicians have a above average growth rate of around 32%, that’s more than double the average job. Medical jobs are a safe bet for a great future.