Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system by assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, managing prescriptions, and ensuring patients receive the correct treatments. If you are considering this career, one of the most common questions is: How Much Do Pharmacy Techs Make?
In this guide, we will explore pharmacy tech salary data for both the United Kingdom and the United States, including detailed breakdowns of per hour, per month, and per year earnings. We will also look at variations by region, such as how much do pharmacy techs make in Texas and how much do pharmacy techs make in California.
Pharmacy Technician Salary Overview
The income of a pharmacy technician depends on factors such as:
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Location (country, state, or city)
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Work setting (NHS, hospital, retail pharmacy, private healthcare)
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Experience and qualifications
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Specialization and responsibilities
How Much Do Pharmacy Techs Make in UK?
In the UK, pharmacy technician salaries vary significantly between the NHS and private/community pharmacies.
Pharmacy Technician Salary UK NHS
NHS pay is structured through the Agenda for Change pay bands:
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Band 4 Trainee Pharmacy Technician – ~£26,530/year (around £11–13/hour)
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Band 5 Qualified Pharmacy Technician – ~£33,000/year (£16–19/hour)
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Band 6–7 Senior Pharmacy Technician – £38,000–£46,000+ per year (£20–25/hour)
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Band 7a–8b Specialist/Manager Roles – Up to £54,300/year (£25–27/hour)
The average NHS Pharmacy Technician salary in 2025 is around £33,258 per year or £18.96 per hour.
Pharmacy Technician Salary UK Per Hour (Private & Community Sector)
In community or private sector pharmacies, salaries tend to be slightly lower:
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Entry-level: £19,000/year (~£10/hour)
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Average: £25,000/year (~£12–14/hour)
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Experienced: £30,000–£40,000/year (~£16–20/hour)
In London, higher living costs push wages up to £28,500–£43,000/year. Senior NHS roles in London can reach £47,000+ annually.
UK Monthly Salary
On average:
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NHS Technician: ~£2,775 gross/month
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Private Sector: ~£1,710–£2,500 net/month depending on role and experience
How Much Do Pharmacy Techs Make in the US?
The United States offers competitive salaries for pharmacy technicians, but earnings vary by state.
National Pharmacy Technician Salary
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Median Annual Salary: ~$43,460/year
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Average Hourly Wage: ~$20.90/hour
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Entry-Level: ~$31,000–$36,000/year
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Experienced/Senior Roles: $50,000–$60,000/year
How Much Do Pharmacy Techs Make in Texas?
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Average Hourly Rate: $18.98–$20.67/hour
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Annual Salary Range: ~$39,500–$42,990/year
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Entry-Level: $34,000/year
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Top Earners: $45,000–$48,000/year
How Much Do Pharmacy Techs Make in California?
California pharmacy technicians earn some of the highest salaries in the US:
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Average Hourly Rate: $23.94–$26.79/hour
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Annual Salary Range: ~$49,600–$55,710/year
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Metro Areas (San Francisco, San Jose): $60,000–$80,000/year
US Pharmacy Tech Salary Per Hour, Month, and Year
| Location | Hourly Rate ($) | Monthly ($) | Annual ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Average | ~20.90 | ~3,623 | ~43,460 |
| Texas | ~19.50 | ~3,320 | ~39,840 |
| California | ~25.00 | ~4,333 | ~52,000 |
Factors Affecting Pharmacy Technician Salary
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Location – Urban centers and high cost-of-living states like California offer higher pay.
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Work Setting – Hospital and specialized pharmacy settings often pay more than retail.
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Experience & Certification – Additional qualifications like Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) can boost earnings.
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Overtime & Shift Differentials – Evening, night, and weekend shifts may pay extra.
Career Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
The demand for pharmacy technicians is growing due to:
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Aging populations requiring more prescriptions.
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Expansion of healthcare services.
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Increased roles in medication management and patient care.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth, making this a stable healthcare career choice.
Final Thoughts – How Much Do Pharmacy Techs Make?
The answer depends heavily on where you work and what type of pharmacy you work in.
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In the UK, salaries typically range from £19,000–£46,000, with NHS senior roles exceeding £50,000.
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In the US, average salaries are around $43,000, with California reaching up to $80,000 in top metro areas.
Whether in the UK or US, pharmacy technician salaries are competitive, especially with opportunities for advancement in hospital and specialized pharmacy roles.
For more career and salary insights in the healthcare field, visit Technologies Era for detailed, up-to-date guides.
