Arkansas Pharmacy Technician Salary Guide

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Arkansas?

Explore 2025 salary data, regional wage differences, and how certification can improve your career opportunities.
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If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, one of the first questions you might ask is, “How much can I expect to earn?” Salary is an important factor when choosing a career, and pharmacy technician positions in Arkansas offer both stability and competitive pay.

Pharmacy technicians are essential members of the healthcare team, working alongside pharmacists to prepare prescriptions, manage inventory, and ensure patients receive safe and effective medications. In Arkansas, demand for qualified pharmacy technicians continues to grow, creating opportunities in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and independent community pharmacies across the state.

So, how much do pharmacy technicians earn in Arkansas?

On average, pharmacy technicians in Arkansas earn $18.53 per hour, which equals about $38,540 per year for full-time employees. However, technicians who earn their Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential can expect to earn over $22 per hour, making certification an important step for increasing your earning potential. In this guide, you’ll learn the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas, how pay can vary by city and employer type, and what steps you can take to maximize your wages.

Table of Contents

  1. Average pharmacy technician salary in Arkansas
  2. Regional salary breakdown: What pharmacy technicians earn by location
  3. Key factors that influence pharmacy technician pay
  4. How to increase your earning potential as a pharmacy technician
  5. Where a pharmacy technician career can take you

Average pharmacy technician salary in Arkansas

Pharmacy technicians in Arkansas earn a solid income, especially considering the short training period required to enter the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average hourly wage for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas is about $18.53, which works out to roughly $38,540 per year.

For those just starting out, entry-level positions may begin closer to $14–$17 per hour. As you gain experience or earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, pay typically increases, with top earners making $22 or more per hour in hospital and specialty pharmacy settings.

When compared to the state’s overall cost of living, pharmacy technician salaries in Arkansas provide a competitive and sustainable career option. Certified technicians, in particular, often enjoy higher wages, more job opportunities, and advancement into lead or supervisory roles.

Here’s a breakdown of pharmacy technician wages across Arkansas by percentile:
10th Percentile

Starting 
out

Technicians just entering the field without certification or experience.

Hourly: $14.56
Yearly: $30,290
25th Percentile

Entry-level positions

Technicians with minimal experience or those working part time.

Hourly: $16.43
Yearly: $34,180
50th Percentile

Median
salary

Typical full-time technician with some experience or working toward certification.

Hourly: $18.53
Yearly: $38,540
75th Percentile

Experienced technicians

Certified technicians (CPhT) with experience or working in higher-paying settings.

Hourly: $20.64
Yearly: $42,920
90th Percentile

Advanced
roles

Senior level or lead certified technicians and those working in high-paying settings.

Hourly: $22.61
Yearly: $47,030

Regional salary breakdown: What pharmacy technicians earn by location

Pharmacy technician salaries in Arkansas vary depending on where you work. Larger metropolitan areas like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Jonesboro generally offer higher wages due to strong healthcare systems, higher demand, and a slightly higher cost of living. Meanwhile, smaller cities such as Fort Smith and Hot Springs provide steady opportunities with wages close to the state average, often paired with a lower cost of living.

Below is a breakdown of average pharmacy technician salaries in major Arkansas regions, based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and state labor market reports:
 Tip: Even if you’re in a lower-paying region, certification (like the CPhT credential) and experience can still push your salary into higher percentiles.

Factors that influence pharmacy technician pay in Arkansas

Pharmacy technician salaries in Arkansas depend on several important factors. Whether you’re beginning your first job or looking to move into a higher-paying position, understanding what influences wages can help you plan your career and maximize your earning potential.

Certification status

Pharmacy technicians who are nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) almost always earn more than those who are not. Certification demonstrates knowledge and professionalism, and many Arkansas employers require it for higher-paying roles or hospital positions.

Experience level

Like most healthcare careers, pharmacy technician pay in Arkansas rises with experience. Entry-level technicians without certification usually begin in the lower percentiles of the pay scale. As technicians gain experience or move into supervisory roles, their wages often increase, with top earners reaching well above the state median.

Type of employer

Where you work can significantly impact your salary. Hospital and health system pharmacies typically pay the highest wages, particularly for certified technicians. Specialty and long-term care pharmacies also tend to offer higher salaries due to the complexity of medications handled. In comparison, retail chain pharmacies may start lower but provide abundant job opportunities, while independent community pharmacies often strike a balance with steady pay and flexible schedules.

Geographic location

Geographic location also plays a role in Arkansas pharmacy technician pay. Larger metropolitan areas such as Little Rock and Fayetteville generally offer higher wages because of stronger demand and a higher cost of living. Smaller cities like Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Hot Springs may have slightly lower average wages, but these areas often balance that with lower living costs and less competition for jobs.

How to increase your pharmacy technician pay in Arkansas

If you want to move into the higher end of the pay scale in Arkansas, the single most effective step is earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills, and signals to employers that you’re ready for advanced responsibilities. Many of the highest-paying positions in Arkansas, particularly in hospitals and specialty pharmacies, require national certification.
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Certified technicians start higher.

Employers across Arkansas frequently offer certified pharmacy technicians a better starting wage than non-certified applicants. Even at the entry level, holding the CPhT credential can make a difference of several dollars per hour.

Certification opens doors to more settings.

Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialty pharmacies typically pay more than retail environments, but they almost always require certification. By becoming certified, you’ll qualify for these higher-paying positions.

Advanced roles pay more.

Certified technicians are also eligible for responsibilities such as IV preparation, sterile compounding, inventory management, and lead technician positions. These roles not only provide higher wages but also offer opportunities for career growth and leadership.

Long-term career stability.

Certification keeps you competitive in the job market and makes you a stronger candidate for promotions. Over time, certified technicians in Arkansas consistently earn more and advance faster than those who are only registered.

Certified vs. registered pharmacy technicians in Arkansas

In Arkansas, all pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy before they can work. However, registration alone only qualifies you for entry-level roles. Certification is the key to higher wages and better job opportunities.

REGISTERED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN (RPHT)

  • Apply for registration with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy
  • Eligible for entry-level retail pharmacy positions
  • Typical pay: $14–$17 per hour in Arkansas
  • Limited career advancement without certification

CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN (CPHT)

  • Complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the national exam
  • Eligible for hospitals, specialty pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and lead technician roles
  • Typical pay: $18–$22+ per hour in Arkansas
  • Clear pathway to advanced responsibilities like IV preparation, compounding, and supervisory positions
Ready to move into the higher end of the pay scale?

Our PTCB-recognized 1st Pass CPhT Course can help you get certified in just a few months.

Job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas is strong, with steady growth projected over the next decade. Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment will grow by about 7% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. In Arkansas specifically, state labor data shows nearly 10% growth through 2030, which translates to hundreds of new openings each year across pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.

Several trends are driving this demand. Arkansas’s aging population requires more prescription medications, and pharmacies are expanding their services beyond dispensing, offering immunizations, medication therapy support, and even telepharmacy. As pharmacists take on more direct patient-care responsibilities, technicians are stepping into larger roles to manage operations, fill prescriptions, and support clinical workflows.

Pharmacy technicians in Arkansas can expect opportunities in a wide variety of environments. Retail pharmacies remain the largest employer, ensuring consistent demand across the state. Hospitals and health systems are expanding their reliance on certified technicians for specialized services such as IV preparation and oncology. Growing numbers of long-term care and specialty pharmacies also provide higher-paying positions for technicians with certification and advanced skills.

Overall, pharmacy technician careers in Arkansas offer both job stability and upward mobility. With continued growth, competitive wages, and opportunities to work in different healthcare settings, becoming a certified pharmacy technician is one of the most reliable ways to enter, and advance, in the healthcare field.
Take the first step

How to start your pharmacy technician career in Arkansas

To work as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, you’ll need to be registered with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. While registration alone allows you to work in entry-level retail positions, the biggest career and salary benefits come from becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Certification makes you more competitive, opens the door to hospital and specialty pharmacy roles, and often leads to higher wages.
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Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized training program that gives you everything you need to get certified:
  • 100% online and self-paced
  • Affordable tuition
  • Designed to help you pass the PTCB exam on your first try
  • Completed in just a few months by most students

Continue learning

Explore these guides to understand certification requirements and training options for pharmacy technicians.