Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician Salary

Salary information and job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts.
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Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in ensuring patients receive their medications safely and efficiently. They are responsible for tasks such as preparing prescriptions, managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and providing customer service. In addition to the fulfilling nature of their work, pharmacy technicians enjoy competitive pay and ample opportunities for career advancement.

So, how much do pharmacy technicians earn in Massachusetts?

On average, pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts make $21.74 per hour, which is roughly $45,220 for full-time employees.

Average Salary and Hourly Wages in Massachusetts

Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other salary analysts indicate that pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts earn an average hourly wage of $21.74. For full-time roles, this equates to an annual salary of approximately $45,220. Entry-level technicians typically start at a lower wage, while those who hold Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) credentials can earn significantly more. For example, certified technicians in the 90th percentile earn an average of $30.87 per hour.

Hourly wage by percentile

  • 10th percentile average: $17.44
  • 25th percentile average: $18.03
  • 50th percentile average (median): $21.74
  • 75th percentile average: $24.41
  • 90th percentile average: $30.87

Annual wage by percentile

  • 10th percentile average: $36,280
  • 25th percentile average: $37,510
  • 50th percentile average (median): $45,220
  • 75th percentile average: $50,770
  • 90th percentile average: $64,210

Factors Affecting Pharmacy Technician Salary in Massachusetts

There are several main factors that influence how much pharmacy technicians can earn in Massachusetts:
  • Certification
    A key factor influencing pharmacy technician salaries is whether they hold PTCB certification. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy allows certified pharmacy technicians to take on additional responsibilities, significantly increasing their value to employers and leading to higher salaries.
  • Experience
    Uncertified technicians just entering the field often start with lower pay, but their salaries grow considerably as they earn certification and take on more responsibilities.
  • Location
    Pharmacy technicians working in metropolitan areas like Boston, Worcester, or Cambridge often earn higher wages due to a higher cost of living and increased demand for healthcare services.
  • Work setting
    Positions in specialized settings like hospital systems, compounding pharmacies, or specialty pharmacies typically offer higher salaries because of the advanced skills these roles demand.

Advancing Your Career Through Certification

In Massachusetts, the roles of pharmacy technicians and certified pharmacy technicians are distinctly defined by law. PTCB-certified technicians are allowed to take on many additional responsibilities, making them much more valuable to the pharmacy team. This added value translates into significantly higher wages and greater opportunities for career growth. To learn more about the differences between certified and uncertified pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Licensing Guide.

Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ healthcare sector is expanding, leading to a positive job outlook for pharmacy technicians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow in the coming years, fueled by factors like:
  • An aging population requiring more prescription medications.
  • The continued expansion of healthcare and pharmacy services.
  • Ongoing technological advancements that increase the need for skilled pharmacy technicians.
Because patients will always need medications, pharmacy technician roles offer solid job security and a promising career path.

Opportunities for Advancement

Pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts who take initiative—by becoming certified and staying up to date on industry standards—find many new avenues for career growth. Many move into supervisory or lead technician roles, overseeing inventory, quality assurance, or team management within larger healthcare systems.

Pharmacy technicians often use their certification and experience as a foundation for advancing into other healthcare careers. Whether aiming to become a pharmacist, nurse, or physician, the practical skills and knowledge acquired as a pharmacy technician offer a significant advantage when applying to advanced programs or transitioning to related roles.

A Rewarding Career

A pharmacy technician career in Massachusetts combines personal satisfaction with financial stability. As the demand for pharmaceutical services rises, technicians can look forward to solid job security and a wealth of opportunities to advance professionally.
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How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts

To start your career as a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts, you’ll need a license from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. For a complete breakdown of the requirements and tips of meeting them quickly, visit our Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide. This resource highlights the distinctions between pharmacy technicians and certified pharmacy technicians and provides step-by-step instructions for obtaining a license for each role.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve certification and succeed as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a recognized program by the PTCB and designed to thoroughly prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). 

By completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course, you’ll meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements to take the certification exam, even if you don’t have prior pharmacy experience. The course is structured to cover all the essential topics tested on the PTCE, including medication basics, pharmacy law, patient safety, and more—giving you the knowledge and confidence needed to pass on your first attempt. 

We’re here to support aspiring pharmacy technicians with everything they need to achieve certification and thrive in their careers.

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