New Jersey Pharmacy Technician Salary Guide

How much do pharmacy technicians make in New Jersey?

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 New Jersey, one of the first things you’ll want to know is, “What kind of salary can I expect?” Pay is an important factor when choosing a career path, and in New Jersey, pharmacy technicians earn wages that stack up well against many other healthcare support roles while also benefiting from strong job stability.

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to fill prescriptions, manage inventory, handle insurance claims, and provide direct support to patients. Throughout New Jersey, from large hospital systems to retail and specialty pharmacies, the demand for qualified technicians continues to grow, creating steady opportunities for those who are trained and certified.

So, what do pharmacy technicians earn in New Jersey?

On average, pharmacy technicians in the state earn about $20.74 per hour, which comes out to roughly $43,140 annually for full-time work. Certified pharmacy technicians often make closer to $23.31 per hour, particularly those with hospital or specialty pharmacy experience. Earning your CPhT certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is one of the most effective ways to reach the higher end of the pay scale and open the door to more career advancement opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll break down how pharmacy technician salaries vary across New Jersey, explore the factors that influence pay, and explain how completing training and certification can help you maximize your earning potential.

Table of Contents

  1. Average pharmacy technician salary in New Jersey 
  2. Regional salary breakdown: What pharmacy technicians earn by location
  3. Factors that influence pharmacy technician pay
  4. How to increase your earning potential as a pharmacy technician
  5. Job outlook for pharmacy technicians in New Jersey
  6. How to start your pharmacy technician career in New Jersey

Average pharmacy technician salary in New Jersey

Pharmacy technicians in New Jersey earn wages that make this an appealing entry point into the healthcare field, especially since the role does not require years of advanced schooling. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average pay for pharmacy technicians in New Jersey is $20.74 per hour, which works out to about $43,140 per year for full-time employment.

Those just starting out in the profession usually earn between $17 and $18 per hour, but pay climbs steadily with experience and certification. Technicians who hold the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential usually earn around $23.31 per hour. At the higher end of the pay scale, certified technicians in advanced roles may bring in more than $27 per hour. Learn more about the difference between registered and certified pharmacy technicians.

When you consider New Jersey’s cost of living and proximity to major metropolitan healthcare systems, these wages support a stable and rewarding long-term career path. Below is a closer look at how pharmacy technician salaries in New Jersey break down by percentile:
10th Percentile

Starting 
out

Pharmacy technicians at the beginning of their careers, often in trainee positions without experience or certification.


Hourly: $16.44
Yearly: $34,190
25th Percentile

Entry-level positions

Entry-level technicians who may be completing training, gaining work experience, or preparing for the national certification exam.
Hourly: $17.45
Yearly: $36,300
50th Percentile

Median
salary

The midpoint for New Jersey pharmacy technicians, representing full-time employees who are registered and gaining steady on-the-job experience.
Hourly: $20.74
Yearly: $43,140
75th Percentile

Certified technicians

Technicians who hold national certification (CPhT) or have advanced into higher-paying work settings such as hospitals, or compounding pharmacies.
Hourly: $23.31
Yearly: $48,480
90th Percentile

Advanced
roles

Senior-level CPhTs working in supervisory or specialized roles such as sterile compounding, inventory management, or team leadership.

Hourly: $27.41
Yearly: $57,010

Regional salary breakdown: Pharmacy technician pay across New Jersey

Pharmacy technician salaries in New Jersey vary depending on the city and region, with wages generally higher in areas that are home to major hospital systems, teaching institutions, and specialty pharmacies. Northern New Jersey, with its proximity to New York City, often offers the most competitive pay, while central and southern parts of the state provide solid opportunities across retail chains, health systems, and compounding pharmacies.

Below is a breakdown of average pharmacy technician salaries in major New Jersey metro areas, based on recent BLS and state labor data:
 Tip: Even in regions where average wages are lower, earning national certification (CPhT) and building experience can help you move into the higher-paying percentiles.

Factors that influence pharmacy technician pay in New Jersey

Pharmacy technician salaries in New Jersey are shaped by several important factors. Whether you’re just entering the field or looking to advance into higher-paying roles, understanding what drives wages can help you plan your career path and boost your long-term earning potential.

Certification

Earning national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is one of the most effective ways to increase your value as a pharmacy technician in New Jersey. Certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) have already demonstrated proven knowledge and competency, which means they require less training and can step into advanced responsibilities more quickly.

Certification also benefits employers. Under New Jersey regulations, a pharmacist can supervise more technicians if they are certified, giving pharmacies greater staffing flexibility and lowering operating costs. This combination of efficiency and expertise makes certified technicians highly sought after, and as a result, CPhTs command significantly higher wages than their non-certified peers.

Employer type

Not all employers pay the same, and certification often determines where you can work. Hospitals, specialty pharmacies, and compounding facilities typically look for certified technicians because these roles involve sterile compounding, IV preparation, or handling high-cost specialty medications. Large New Jersey health systems such as Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, and Cooper University Health Care are known to prioritize CPhTs for higher-paying positions. On the other hand, retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and ShopRite offer abundant entry-level roles, but wages are generally lower unless you bring certification and experience to the table.

Experience level

As you gain experience, your salary as a pharmacy technician will naturally increase. New trainees and recently registered technicians usually start at the lower end of the pay scale. With on-the-job experience and additional responsibilities, such as managing inventory systems, compounding medications, or training new team members, pay rises steadily. Certified technicians with several years of experience often move well above the state median wage, with some reaching the top percentiles in supervisory roles.

Geographic location

Where you work in New Jersey also plays a role in salary. Northern metro areas like Newark and Jersey City typically pay the highest wages due to proximity to New York City, major hospital systems, and higher patient demand. Central New Jersey, including Trenton and New Brunswick, tends to align closely with the statewide average. In Southern New Jersey, such as Camden or Atlantic City, pay can be slightly lower, but certified technicians often earn strong wages in hospital and specialty pharmacy settings.

How to increase your salary as a pharmacy technician in New Jersey

If you’re starting out as a pharmacy technician in New Jersey, your pay will likely begin near the entry-level range of $17–$18 per hour. Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to move up the pay scale quickly and position yourself for long-term career growth.
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1. Earn your national certification (CPhT).

Certification is the most reliable way to move up the pay scale. In New Jersey, certified pharmacy technicians earn an average of $23.31 per hour compared to $17–$18 for entry-level registered technicians. That’s a difference of several dollars an hour, which adds up to thousands more per year. By combining certification with hospital or specialty experience, technicians can reach the top wage brackets of $27+ per hour. For anyone serious about maximizing their income, certification is the first step.

2. Gain hospital or specialty pharmacy experience.

While retail chains are great entry points, technicians who move into hospital systems, specialty pharmacies, or compounding roles often see the largest wage increases. Employers like Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, and Cooper University Health Care pay higher rates for skilled, certified technicians.

3. Take on advanced responsibilities.

Adding skills such as sterile compounding, inventory management, or training new staff can help you qualify for senior-level roles. Technicians in supervisory or specialized positions are frequently among the highest paid in New Jersey.

Registered vs. Certified Pharmacy Technicians in New Jersey

The difference between being registered and being certified is clear when it comes to pay and career opportunities.

Registered Pharmacy Technician (Non-Certified)

  • Eligible for entry-level retail pharmacy roles
  • Typical pay: $17–$18 per hour in New Jersey
  • Limited advancement into hospital or specialty pharmacy settings

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

  • Complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the national exam
  • Eligible for positions in hospitals, specialty pharmacies, and long-term care facilities
  • Typical pay: $23+ per hour in New Jersey
  • Pathway to advanced responsibilities such as sterile compounding, inventory management, and leadership roles
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 New Jersey

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians in New Jersey is strong, with steady demand projected statewide over the next decade. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects pharmacy technician employment to grow about 7% between 2023 and 2033, keeping pace with the expanding healthcare industry. In New Jersey, thousands of job openings are expected each year as retail chains, hospital systems, and specialty pharmacies continue to hire new technicians.

What’s driving demand

Several healthcare trends are fueling this growth. New Jersey’s aging population requires greater access to prescription medications, which increases the need for skilled pharmacy support staff. Pharmacies are also broadening their services, offering immunizations, medication synchronization, and specialty therapies. As pharmacists devote more time to patient care and clinical services, technicians are increasingly relied on to manage workflow, maintain inventory, and ensure safe and accurate dispensing.

Where the jobs are

Pharmacy technicians in New Jersey can build careers in a wide variety of settings:
  • Retail chains such as CVS, Walgreens, and ShopRite remain the largest employers, providing consistent entry-level opportunities across the state.
  • Hospitals and health systems like Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, and Cooper University Health Care are expanding their use of certified technicians for sterile compounding, IV preparation, and oncology support.
  • Specialty and long-term care pharmacies, including Omnicare and PharMerica, continue to grow, offering competitive pay for technicians with certification and advanced training.
Take the first step

How to start your pharmacy technician career in New Jersey

In New Jersey, you can begin working as a pharmacy technician once you register with the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy, but the biggest career and salary benefits come from earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Certification not only increases your earning potential, it also makes you more competitive for positions in hospitals, specialty pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. Employers value certified technicians because they require less training, bring proven skills, and give pharmacies greater staffing flexibility.
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The most effective way to prepare for national certification is to complete a PTCB-recognized training program. This qualifies you to sit for the PTCB exam and gives you the knowledge and confidence to advance quickly in your career.
Our 1st Pass CPhT Course provides everything you need to succeed:
  • PTCB-recognized training designed to prepare you for certification
  • 100% online and self-paced, so you can study on your own schedule
  • Affordable tuition compared to local classroom programs
  • Focused exam prep built to help you pass the PTCB exam on your first attempt
  • Quick completion: Most students finish in just a few months

Continue learning

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