Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician Salary Guide

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania, one of the first things you’ll want to know is, “What kind of salary can I expect?” Pay is a key factor when choosing a profession, and in Pennsylvania, pharmacy technicians enjoy reliable employment opportunities with wages that compare well to many other healthcare careers.

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by filling prescriptions, maintaining inventory, and ensuring patients receive the right medications. Across Pennsylvania, from major health systems in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to independent community pharmacies in smaller towns, the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians continues to grow.

So, how much do pharmacy technicians make in Pennsylvania?

On average, pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania earn $19.57 per hour, which works out to about $40,710 annually for full-time positions. The state now requires all pharmacy technicians to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy before starting work. While national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is optional, it is strongly recommended. Certified technicians with experience often earn over $23 per hour, especially in hospital and specialty pharmacy settings, making certification a key step toward maximizing your salary and advancing your career.

In this guide, you’ll see how pharmacy technician salaries vary across Pennsylvania, what factors influence pay, and how you can reach the higher end of the pay scale.

Table of Contents

  1. Average pharmacy technician salary in Pennsylvania
  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. Where a pharmacy technician career can take you

Average pharmacy technician salary in Pennsylvania

Pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania earn competitive wages that make this a strong healthcare career option without the need for years of schooling. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows the average wage for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania is $19.57 per hour, or about $40,710 annually.

For new technicians just getting started, entry-level positions typically pay between $16 and $17 per hour. With additional experience, or obtaining the national Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, pay rates rise significantly. The most experienced technicians, particularly those working in hospitals and specialty pharmacies, can make $24 per hour or more.

When these wages are compared with Pennsylvania’s cost of living, pharmacy technician salaries offer a stable and sustainable career path. Here’s a closer look at pharmacy technician wages in Pennsylvania, broken down by percentile:
10th Percentile

Starting 
out

Individuals starting out in entry-level pharmacy technician trainee positions, often without certification or prior pharmacy experience.

Hourly: $16.28
Yearly: $33,860
25th Percentile

Entry-level positions

Trainees who have completed initial training or are working part-time while preparing for certification.

Hourly: $17.06
Yearly: $35,480
50th Percentile

Median
salary

Typical full-time technicians who are licensed with the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy and may be working toward national certification.

Hourly: $19.57
Yearly: $40,710
75th Percentile

Certified technicians

Technicians who hold national certification (CPhT) or have experience in higher-paying environments such as hospitals or specialty pharmacies.

Hourly: $22.09
Yearly: $45,950
90th Percentile

Advanced
roles

Senior-level or lead CPhTs, often working in roles such as compounding, inventory management, or supervisory positions.

Hourly: $23.93
Yearly: $49,770

Regional salary breakdown: Pharmacy technician pay across Pennsylvania

Pharmacy technician salaries in Pennsylvania vary widely depending on the city or region. Larger metro areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh generally offer higher wages thanks to large health systems, teaching hospitals, and higher patient volume. Mid-sized cities like Allentown, Harrisburg, and Lancaster provide solid opportunities with salaries near or slightly above the state average. In more affordable areas such as Erie or Scranton, wages may be modestly lower but are often balanced by a lower cost of living.

Below is a breakdown of average pharmacy technician salaries in major Pennsylvania metro areas, based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and state labor reports:
 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 Pennsylvania

Pharmacy technician salaries in Pennsylvania are shaped by several key factors. Whether you’re starting as a trainee or advancing toward higher-paying roles, knowing what drives wages can help you plan your career path and maximize your earning potential.

Certification and licensing

Pennsylvania now requires all pharmacy technicians to register and obtain a license through the State Board of Pharmacy before they can begin working. While licensing ensures eligibility for entry-level roles, national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) often leads to higher wages. Certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) are viewed as more skilled and professional, and many of Pennsylvania’s largest employers (e.g., UPMC in Pittsburgh and Penn Medicine in Philadelphia) prefer or require certification.

Employer type

Your workplace has a direct impact on your salary. Hospital and health system pharmacies typically pay the highest wages, especially for certified technicians handling complex medications. Specialty pharmacies and long-term care facilities also offer competitive salaries due to the advanced skills required. Retail chain pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid provide abundant entry-level opportunities, while independent community pharmacies in Pennsylvania often strike a balance with stable pay and flexible scheduling.

Experience level

As in most healthcare fields, pharmacy technician pay in Pennsylvania increases with experience. Trainees and newly licensed technicians generally start near the lower end of the pay scale. With time on the job, wages rise steadily, particularly for technicians who take on added responsibilities such as inventory management, sterile compounding, or supervisory roles. Experienced and certified technicians often earn well above the statewide median.

Geographic location

Location is another major factor in pharmacy technician pay. Metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown generally offer higher wages due to the presence of major hospital systems and higher patient demand. In smaller or more rural regions such as Erie, York, or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, average pay may be slightly lower, but those areas often offset wages with a lower cost of living and reduced competition for positions.

How to increase your pharmacy technician pay in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, pharmacy technician wages vary widely depending on training, certification, and employer type. If you want to move into the higher end of the pay scale, the most effective step is earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Certification shows employers that you have proven knowledge and skills, and it positions you for advanced responsibilities. Many of the highest-paying jobs in Pennsylvania, especially in hospital and specialty pharmacy settings, either require or strongly prefer national certification.
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Certified technicians start at a higher wage

Across Pennsylvania, employers frequently offer certified pharmacy technicians a better starting rate than those who are only licensed with the Board. Even for entry-level positions, holding the CPhT credential can add several dollars per hour to your pay compared to non-certified peers.

Certification opens doors to more settings.

Hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and specialty practices like oncology often pay above-average wages. However, these environments almost always require certification. By becoming nationally certified, you qualify for these higher-paying roles instead of being limited to entry-level retail positions.

Advanced roles pay more.

Certified pharmacy technicians are eligible for specialized responsibilities such as sterile compounding, IV preparation, inventory management, and lead technician positions. These advanced duties not only bring higher hourly pay but also establish clear career progression into supervisory or team leadership roles.

Long-term career stability.

Pennsylvania’s new requirement for technician licensure levels the playing field, but certification still sets you apart. Employers view the CPhT credential as a sign of commitment and professionalism. Over time, certified technicians consistently earn more, have greater job security, and are stronger candidates for promotions.

Registered vs. Certified Pharmacy Technicians in Pennsylvania

As of June 28, 2025, all pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania must be licensed with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy before they can work. Licensure ensures that technicians meet minimum requirements, but it does not guarantee higher pay. Certification is the key to unlocking better wages and career advancement.

Completing a PTCB-recognized course is one of the approved pathways to meet Pennsylvania’s new licensing requirements. It also qualifies you to take the national PTCB certification exam, which can set you apart from other candidates. This makes a PTCB-recognized course the most effective option, it satisfies state licensing rules while preparing you for certification, higher wages, and long-term career success.

Licensed Pharmacy Technician (Non-Certified)

  • Apply for licensure through the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy
  • Eligible for entry-level retail pharmacy positions
  • Typical pay: around $16–$19 per hour in Pennsylvania
  • Limited access to hospital and specialty pharmacy roles

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

  • Complete a PTCB-recognized training program and pass the national exam
  • Eligible for many positions in hospitals, specialty pharmacies, and long-term care facilities
  • Typical pay: $20–$23+ per hour in Pennsylvania
  • Clear pathway to advanced responsibilities such as IV preparation, compounding, and lead technician 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 Pennsylvania

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania is positive, with steady demand expected across the state over the next decade. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects pharmacy technician employment to grow about 7% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. In Pennsylvania, state workforce data shows a similar trend, with thousands of openings anticipated each year in community pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

What’s driving demand in Pennsylvania

Several statewide healthcare trends are fueling this growth. Pennsylvania’s large senior population requires increased access to prescription medications, fueling demand for qualified technicians. Pharmacies across the state are also expanding beyond traditional dispensing, now offering immunizations, medication therapy management, and specialty medication support. As pharmacists shift more toward direct patient care, technicians are increasingly relied upon to manage workflow, handle inventory, and provide safe prescription preparation.

Where the jobs are

Pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania can find opportunities in many settings:
  • Retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Giant Eagle) continue to be the largest employers, offering consistent demand in both urban and rural areas.
  • Hospitals and health systems such as UPMC in Pittsburgh and Penn Medicine in Philadelphia are expanding their reliance on certified technicians for specialized services like IV preparation, sterile compounding, and oncology support.
  • Long-term care and specialty pharmacies are growing in Pennsylvania, offering higher pay for technicians with certification and advanced training.
Take the first step

How to start your pharmacy technician career in Pennsylvania

To work as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, you must now be licensed with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy. This license allows you to work in a pharmacy, but the biggest career and salary advantages come from earning your national Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Certification not only increases your earning potential, it also makes you more competitive for hospital, specialty, and long-term care pharmacy positions.

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The most effective way to meet licensing requirements and prepare for national certification is to complete a PTCB-recognized training program. This meets licensing requirements, qualifies you for the PTCB exam, and positions you for long-term career growth.
Our 1st Pass CPhT Course provides everything you need to succeed:
  • PTCB-recognized training that meets Pennsylvania’s licensing requirements
  • 100% online and self-paced for maximum flexibility
  • Affordable tuition compared to local programs
  • Focused exam prep designed to help you pass the PTCB exam on your first try
  • 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.