When exploring the growing field of healthcare as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, one should take into account the average salary within their state and their title as well as what other certifications they hold. The salary scale for a CPhT varies based on levels and where they are employed. In retail corporations like CVS, Walgreen’s, Target Pharmacies and the like, Certified Pharmacy Technicians generally have a starting rate of per hour, on average, of $12.86. Hourly rates increase with seniority and other employment advances like Pharmacy Technician, Lead.
Certified Pharmacy Technicians have the ability to make above average salaries when they become IV certified and transition to a hospital setting employment opportunities. This does, however, require an ACPE Certified title which has an average salary of $30, 920 a year. This is an increase from a roughly $24,691 annual salary with solely holding a Pharmacy Technician Certificate. While there is plenty of room for advancement and opportunities to grow in this field, the more experience and certifications you hold, the better the chance for a higher salary.
Currently, New York holds the highest salary for a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Starting pay for this state is $18.79 and that is 32% above the national average. California and Washington are close with starting salaries of $16.34. These are base salaries with hourly rates for those who only hold a Cpht with no other training or certifications and generally work in retail environments. Both retail and mail order Pharmacy Technician employment opportunities carry the same rate of pay. So, if you prefer a more at home-based, over the phone type of structure, mail order would benefit with a more flexible schedule.
Over-all, Certified Pharmacy Technicians should expect to earn an average salary of $25,000 $30,000. As previously discussed, the more experience and certifications you hold, the more you can increase your salary.
