Virginia Pharmacy Technician Salary Guide (2025)

Explore pharmacy technician pay in Virginia, salary ranges by city, job outlook, and tips for increasing your earning potential.
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If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Virginia, one of the first questions you may have is, “How much do pharmacy technicians make?” Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, understanding the salary landscape can help you set goals, compare opportunities, and make informed decisions about your training and certification path.

Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system by supporting pharmacists, managing prescriptions, maintaining inventory, and ensuring patients receive safe and accurate medication. As demand for qualified pharmacy technicians continues to grow (especially with Virginia’s updated licensing and training standards in effect as of July 2025) salaries across the state are steadily increasing.

This guide breaks down the most recent salary data available for Virginia pharmacy technicians. You’ll learn about average hourly and annual wages, salary differences by city and setting, and how factors like certification, experience, and employer type can impact your earning potential. Whether you’re a high school student, recent graduate, or career-changer, this resource will help you understand what to expect (and how to earn more) as a pharmacy technician in Virginia.

So, how much do pharmacy technicians earn in Virginia?

On average, pharmacy technicians in Virginia earn $21.05 per hour, which is approximately $43,780 per year for full-time employees.

Table of Contents

  1. Average pharmacy technician salary in Virginia
  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 Virginia

Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other sources show that pharmacy technicians in Virginia earn an average hourly wage of $21.05, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $43,780 for full-time positions.

Wages can vary based on experience, certification, and workplace setting. Entry-level technicians typically start at a lower wage, especially if they’re still working toward certification. In contrast, certified technicians, especially those with experience, can earn significantly more. For example, technicians in the 90th percentile earn an average of $27.66 per hour, or more than $57,530 annually.

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

Starting 
out

Technicians just entering the field without certification or experience.

Hourly: $17.07
Yearly: $35,510
25th Percentile

Entry-level positions

Technicians with minimal experience or working toward certification.

Hourly: $17.91
Yearly: $37,250
50th Percentile

Median
salary

Typical full-time technician with some experience and/or certification

Hourly: $21.05
Yearly: $43,780
75th Percentile

Experienced technicians

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

Hourly: $23.05
Yearly: $47,950
90th Percentile

Advanced
roles

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

Hourly: $27.66
Yearly: $57,530

Pharmacy technician salaries by Virginia region

Pharmacy technician salaries in Virginia can vary significantly depending on your location. Urban and metropolitan areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach tend to offer higher wages due to increased demand, cost of living, and the presence of large hospital systems. Rural regions may offer slightly lower pay but often come with other benefits such as a lower cost of living and less competition for jobs.

Below is a breakdown of average pharmacy technician salaries by major Virginia 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 affect pharmacy technician pay in Virginia

Pharmacy technician salaries in Virginia can vary widely based on several important factors. Whether you’re just entering the field or looking to increase your earning potential, understanding what influences pay can help you make informed career decisions.


Here are the key factors that affect how much pharmacy technicians earn:

Certification status

Pharmacy technicians who are nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) tend to earn more than those who are not. PTCB certification shows competency and commitment, and it’s often required for advancement or higher-paying roles.

Experience level

Like most healthcare careers, pharmacy technician pay increases with experience. Entry-level technicians typically start in the lower percentiles, while those with experience can move into higher wage brackets and more specialized positions.

Type of employer

Where you work can significantly impact your pay. 
  • Hospital and health system pharmacies generally offer higher wages than retail settings.
  • Specialty and compounding pharmacies may also pay more due to the advanced knowledge required.
  • Chain pharmacies tend to offer lower starting wages but may provide faster hiring and more job opportunities.

Unionization or federal employment

Some pharmacy technician positions, particularly those in federal Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals or military facilities, may fall under union agreements or federal pay scales, which can result in higher wages and better benefits.

Location

Geography plays a major role. Urban and metro areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach offer higher wages due to greater demand and a higher cost of living. Rural areas tend to offer lower pay but may have less competition and a more relaxed pace.

Work setting and shifts

Even within the same employer, shift differentials can affect wages. Evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts may come with extra pay. Hospital technicians working in 24-hour facilities often benefit from these differentials.

How to increase your pharmacy technician salary

While several factors can influence how much pharmacy technicians earn in Virginia, there are also practical steps you can take to actively increase your own earning potential. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, here’s how to position yourself for higher pay.
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Get nationally certified through the PTCB

One of the most effective ways to increase your salary is by earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). PTCB certified technicians not only meet state licensing requirements but also command higher wages and are more competitive for promotions and specialized roles.

Gain experience and stay in the field

Experience matters. The longer you work as a pharmacy technician, the more valuable you become to employers. With time, you can qualify for raises, take on additional responsibilities, and even train new technicians, all of which can increase your pay.

Work in a higher-paying settings

Hospital and federal pharmacy jobs typically offer better wages than retail. Look for opportunities at:
  • Hospitals and health systems (e.g., Sentara, Inova, UVA Health)
  • VA and military hospitals
  • Specialty or outpatient clinics

These settings often provide higher pay, shift differentials, and more opportunities for advancement.

Take on leadership roles

Pharmacy technicians who become lead techs, inventory coordinators, or training supervisors can significantly increase their earning potential. Leadership roles often come with added responsibilities—and higher pay to match.

Be open to nontraditional hours

Working evenings, overnights, weekends, or holidays may qualify you for shift differentials or premium pay, especially in hospital and 24-hour pharmacy settings.

Relocate or commute to a higher-paying area

If you live in a rural part of Virginia, consider commuting to a metro area like Northern Virginia, Richmond, or Virginia Beach, where pharmacy technician wages tend to be higher. Even a few extra dollars per hour can make a big difference over time.

Pursue specialized training

Technicians who complete additional training in sterile compounding (IV), hazardous drug handling, immunization support, or medication history collection often earn more. These advanced skills are in high demand in hospital, long-term care, and specialty pharmacy settings.
Pharmacy technician job growth in Virginia

The future looks bright for Virginia pharmacy techs

If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Virginia, the future looks bright. The demand for qualified pharmacy technicians continues to rise across the state due to growing healthcare needs, an aging population, and recent changes to pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities.

According to the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians are projected to grow by 8.7% by 2032. As pharmacies continue to take on more clinical services, such as immunizations and medication therapy support, the need for trained, certified technicians is expected to remain strong.

This growing demand also puts upward pressure on wages, making pharmacy technology a stable career with solid income potential. By entering the field now, you can build a secure and rewarding career with opportunities to grow.

Where a pharmacy technician career can take you

In Virginia, certified pharmacy technicians who stay up to date with industry trends often find clear pathways for advancement. Many move into lead technician or supervisory roles, managing inventory, training staff, or overseeing workflow in high-volume settings like hospitals or specialty pharmacies.

A pharmacy technician role can also serve as a strong foundation for other careers in healthcare. Whether your long-term goal is to become a pharmacist, nurse, or physician, the hands-on experience and healthcare knowledge gained in a pharmacy setting can give you a valuable head start.
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Summary

What to know about pharmacy technician salaries in Virginia

Pharmacy technician salaries in Virginia are competitive and continue to grow thanks to increased demand, expanding technician responsibilities, and a strong job outlook across the state. On average, pharmacy technicians in Virginia earn $42,990 per year, with wages ranging from entry-level positions around $35,000 to top earners making over $55,000 annually. Salaries tend to be highest in metro areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, but opportunities exist statewide.
Factors such as certification (like the CPhT credential), years of experience, and work setting (retail vs. hospital) can all significantly influence your earning potential. Becoming certified through a PTCB-recognized training program not only boosts your pay but also opens the door to career advancement and specialized roles in pharmacy.

If you’re interested in joining this rewarding field and want to learn more about the updated requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in Virginia, be sure to visit our Virginia Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide.

Or if you’re ready to take the next step, enroll in our Virginia-approved pharmacy technician course and start your journey toward certification, licensure, and a meaningful career in healthcare.

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Virginia pharmacy technician resources

Browse our complete library of Virginia-specific resources, from licensing and salary data to training options for individual students and employers.

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