Pharmacy Technicians
Wages & Outlook
Wages
Wages vary by shift, employer, and the technician's level of training. Technicians may receive higher wages for working evenings or weekends. Certified technicians may earn more.
Full-time pharmacy technicians usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Those who work part time may not receive benefits.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
In Minnesota, about 4,891 pharmacy technicians work in this medium-sized occupation.
About half work of all pharmacy technicians work in retail drug stores.
Major employers:
- Pharmacies and drug stores
- Hospitals
- Grocery store pharmacies
Outlook
Much of the increase in jobs for pharmacy technicians will be due to the growing number of middle-aged and elderly people. These groups tend to use more prescription drugs than younger people. In addition, insurance companies and pharmacies are concerned about costs. They will rely on technicians to perform tasks once done by pharmacists, such as dispensing medicine. This trend will also increase the number of jobs for technicians.
Job opportunities will be good, especially for technicians who have formal training or previous experience.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 334,400 | 442,600 | 108,300 | 32.4% |
| Minnesota | 6,966 | 8,703 | 1,737 | 24.9% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 769 | 958 | 189 | 24.6% |
| Northeast Minnesota | 513 | 626 | 113 | 22% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 598 | 774 | 176 | 29.4% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 688 | 877 | 189 | 27.5% |
| Southwest Minnesota | 398 | 492 | 94 | 23.6% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 3,962 | 4,910 | 948 | 23.9% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
