Pharmacy Technician Salary & Career Outlook

Pharmacy Technician Salary in Maryland

Explore the average hourly and annual wages for pharmacy technicians in Maryland. Learn which factors influence your salary and how to boost your earning potential.
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Pharmacy technicians play a integral role in the healthcare system. They work closely with pharmacists and other medical professionals to prepare prescriptions, manage medications, and support patient care. As a pharmacy technician, you’ll directly contribute to patient health and wellness, making your job both meaningful and rewarding.

If you’re exploring career opportunities in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician in Maryland offers competitive pay, excellent job stability, and plenty of opportunities for career advancement. It’s a perfect entry point if you’re looking to begin your journey into the healthcare field.

So, how much do pharmacy technicians make in Maryland?

The average pharmacy technician salary in Maryland is $21.58 per hour, which translates to approximately $44,890 annually for full-time positions. Your exact pay can vary based on factors such as your certification status, experience level, work setting, and geographic location within the state.

Pharmacy Technician Salary in Maryland

If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Maryland, one of the first questions you might have is: How much do pharmacy technicians make? According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other industry sources, pharmacy technicians in Maryland earn an average hourly wage of $21.58, which equates to approximately $44,890 per year for full-time positions.

While entry-level wages may start lower, earning your Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification can significantly boost your pay. Technicians in the 90th percentile, typically those with more experience and certification, can earn upwards of $28.60 per hour.

Hourly wage by percentile

  • 10th percentile average: $17.05
  • 25th percentile average: $17.64
  • 50th percentile average: $21.58
  • 75th percentile average: $23.86
  • 90th percentile average: $28.60

Annual wage by percentile

  • 10th percentile average: $35,470
  • 25th percentile average: $36,700
  • 50th percentile average: $44,890
  • 75th percentile average: $49,620
  • 90th percentile average: $59,480

What Affects Pharmacy Technician Salary in Maryland?

Pharmacy technician salaries in Maryland vary based on several important factors. Understanding these can help you plan your career path and maximize your earning potential.
  • Certification
    Getting certified through the PTCB can make a big difference. Certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) tend to earn significantly more than those without credentials. Over time, this pay gap can add up—especially in full-time roles.
  • Location
    Wages can vary depending on where you work in Maryland. Pharmacy technicians in major metropolitan areas like Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Rockville often earn higher salaries due to increased demand and cost of living.
  • Work setting
    Your workplace also plays a role. Technicians employed in hospitals, specialty clinics, or compounding pharmacies generally earn more than those working grocery store pharmacies, as these roles may require more advanced skills or training.
  • Experience
    As with most careers, experience matters. Entry-level technicians may start at lower wages, but salaries typically increase with years on the job, specialized training, and added responsibilities. Many technicians see a pay boost after becoming certified and gaining experience in more complex pharmacy settings.
Taking the First Step

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Maryland

Starting a career as a pharmacy technician in Maryland is a rewarding way to enter the healthcare field.

Not only will you make a meaningful difference in the lives of your patients, but you’ll also benefit from job stability, competitive pay, and opportunities for long-term career growth in a fast-expanding industry.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, here’s a quick overview of how to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Maryland:

Step 1: Understand Maryland’s pharmacy technician licensing requirements

Your first step is learning the licensing requirements set by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. To work legally as a pharmacy technician in Maryland, you must either:
  • Earn national certification from an approved organization like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
  • Or complete a Maryland Board-approved training program and exam


For a detailed explanation of state requirements, visit our Maryland Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide.

Step 2: Enroll in a PTCB-recognized training program

Next, complete a training program approved by the PTCB. While there are in-person options available, many students prefer the flexibility of an online, self-paced course.

Our PTCB-recognized online pharmacy technician course is a convenient and affordable option for Maryland residents. It’s designed to meet certification requirements and prepare you thoroughly for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—even if you have no prior pharmacy experience.

Step 3: Earn your certification and apply for licensure

Once you complete your training, you’ll be eligible to take the PTCE, which is offered online or at a testing center. After passing the exam, you’ll earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.

The final step is submitting your application to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy, along with proof of certification and other required documents. Once approved, you’ll be officially licensed and ready to start your career as a pharmacy technician in Maryland.

Where Pharmacy Technicians Work in Maryland

Pharmacy technicians in Maryland have access to a wide range of employment opportunities across various healthcare settings. From community pharmacies to hospital systems and long-term care facilities, pharmacy technicians are a vital part of the healthcare workforce throughout the state.

If you’re considering a pharmacy technician career in Maryland, here are the most common work environments and major employers:

Retail & Community Pharmacies

Retail pharmacies are among the most common and accessible settings for pharmacy technicians in Maryland. In these roles, technicians assist with preparing prescriptions, managing inventory, and processing insurance claims.
  • Major Chain Pharmacies
    Large retail chains such as CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Walmart, Giant Food, and Safeway have pharmacies throughout the state and employ thousands of pharmacy technicians to work in their in-store pharmacies.
  • Independent & Compounding Pharmacies
    Maryland is also home to many independent and compounding pharmacies, which provide more personalized care and custom medication formulations. These pharmacies often value technicians who are nationally certified and comfortable working in a hands-on, patient-focused environment.

Hospitals & Healthcare Systems

Hospital pharmacies offer opportunities to work in a fast-paced, clinical environment. Technicians in hospitals may prepare IV medications, handle sterile compounding, manage unit-dose distribution, and support pharmacists in both inpatient and outpatient care.
  • Major Health Systems:
    Healthcare systems often hire certified pharmacy technicians for specialized roles in emergency care, oncology, or surgical services. Major health systems in Maryland include Johns Hopkins Health System, University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, Adventist HealthCare, and Luminis Health. 
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) & Military Hospitals:
    Pharmacy technicians can also build rewarding careers within VA hospitals and military healthcare facilities, where they help manage the medication needs of veterans and active-duty service members. These positions often offer excellent benefits and job stability but may require federal employment clearance. Notable facilities in Maryland include the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and VA Maryland Health Care System locations in Baltimore, Perry Point, and Loch Raven.

Long-Term Care & Specialty Settings

For those interested in working with patients who have chronic or complex health conditions, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and specialty pharmacies provide rewarding career paths.
  • Long-Term Care Facilities
    Long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers hire technicians to help manage daily medication regimens for residents.
  • Specialty & Mail-Order Pharmacies
    Specialty and mail-order pharmacies offer services focused on areas like oncology, transplant care, and chronic illness management.
Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to grow in the field, Maryland offers pharmacy technicians diverse work environments, career advancement opportunities, and strong job stability. Becoming PTCB certified not only improves your employability but also opens doors to higher-paying and more specialized roles.

Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook in Maryland

If you’re exploring a career in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician in Maryland offers strong job prospects and long-term stability. As the demand for prescription medications and pharmacy services continues to grow, certified pharmacy technicians are playing an increasingly important role in supporting pharmacists and improving patient outcomes across the state.

Several key factors are driving this growing demand in Maryland:
  • Population growth: As Maryland’s population increases, so does the need for accessible pharmacy services in both urban and rural communities.
  • Aging demographics: Maryland has a growing population of older adults who typically require more medications, driving the need for pharmacy technicians in long-term care and chronic disease management.
  • Healthcare system expansion: Ongoing growth in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community pharmacies is creating new employment opportunities for trained and certified pharmacy technicians.
  • Technological advancements: As pharmacies adopt new technology for medication tracking, inventory management, and digital prescriptions, employers are seeking pharmacy technicians who can adapt to evolving workflows.

Career Advancement Opportunities for Maryland Pharmacy Technicians

In addition to stability and competitive pay, certified pharmacy technicians in Maryland have multiple opportunities for career growth, especially those who pursue additional training or specialize in advanced roles.

With experience and certification, technicians can move into positions such as:
 • Lead pharmacy technician
 • Inventory or operations manager
 • Sterile compounding
 • Specialty pharmacy
 • Pharmacy technician supervisor

These advanced roles often come with increased responsibility, higher pay, and opportunities to work in hospital or specialty pharmacy environments.

Many pharmacy technicians also use their experience as a stepping stone to other healthcare careers. It’s common for technicians to continue their education and go on to become pharmacists, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. The real-world experience gained on the job provides a strong foundation for future academic and career success.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help You Succeed

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you become a certified pharmacy technician and launch a successful career in healthcare. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a fully online, PTCB-recognized training program designed specifically to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

By completing our 1st Pass CPhT Course, you’ll meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements—even if you have no prior pharmacy experience. The curriculum covers all essential PTCE topics, including medication fundamentals, pharmacy law, patient safety, and more, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to pass on your first try.

Whether you’re just starting your healthcare journey or looking to grow into a new role, Pharmacy Technician Academy provides the tools, training, and support you need to succeed.

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