Pharmacy Technicians
O*NET 29-2052.00 · SOC 29-2052
Pharmacy Technician is a solid career choice. Median pay is $46k a year with +6.4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 44,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Count and dispense prescription medications for patients.
- →Enter prescription information accurately into pharmacy software.
- →Verify patient insurance information and process pharmacy claims.
- →Label prescription bottles with dosage and usage instructions.
- →Restock pharmacy shelves and manage medication inventory levels.
Education & How to Get In
Most Pharmacy Technician positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Pharmacy Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Pharmacy Technician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Pharmacy Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Pharmacy Technicians is projected to grow 6.4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?
The median Pharmacy Technician earns $46k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Pharmacy Technician jobs?
Our model puts Pharmacy Technician at 40 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Pharmacy Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 44,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Pharmacy Technician?
Most Pharmacy Technician roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Pharmacy Technician?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Pharmacy Technician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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