Pharmacy Technician Salary in New York (Overview)
A career as a pharmacy technician can be fulfilling, and it offers you the chance to help people without having to spend years in school. Apart from being professionally rewarding, pharmacy technician jobs can provide a good living, too. This is especially true in states with typically high salaries like New York.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly base salary for pharmacy techs in New York is $21.04. Pharmacy techs in New York can expect to make $41,620 per year on average, depending on how many hours they work.
You could make more, however, depending on your experience, location, and training. Your place of work can also impact what you make, with hospitals typically paying more than retail pharmacies.
New York pharmacy technician salary trends in recent years have seen a focus on certification. More employers are looking for technicians who have earned their credentials. Another trend is that of cities paying higher salaries than rural areas. Earning specializations can also influence how much you make.
Pharmacy technician salaries are continuing to grow because the demand for these professionals will continue to increase. It’s expected that the job growth rate for pharmacy technicians will be 6% until 2034, which is high compared to most other positions.
Factors That Influence Pay for NY Pharmacy Technicians
New York pharmacy technician salary amounts can depend on numerous factors. Your level of training, education, and experience all impact how much you’re poised to make.
The more experience you have, the higher the hourly wage you can ask for. Although you’re not required to have anything more than a high school diploma or its equivalent to become a pharmacy technician, employers are ready to offer higher salaries for people who pursue associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.
Even if you don’t get a degree, you can make a higher salary as you gain experience. Someone who’s been working as a pharmacy tech for a decade will earn more than someone who is just starting.
Additionally, getting a certification can be a huge boost for your New York pharmacy technician salary. Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is one great way to earn more. A certified pharmacy technician has a higher average hourly rate of $28.89.
The type of employer you choose also plays a role in what you can earn. Typically, retail pharmacies pay the lowest salaries. Hospitals and other clinical settings, including long-term care facilities, pay more. Pharmacy techs in these settings tend to have more significant and complex duties. Mail-order pharmacy technicians usually make salaries that fall somewhere in the middle.
Salaries are also affected by geographical differences. A pharmacy technician in NYC can usually demand a higher hourly rate than one who works upstate.
NYC employers tend to pay more because of the city’s higher cost of living compared to that of a smaller city or rural area. In New York City, the average hourly wage is $22.14. Also, the level of competition in NYC is greater, with more hospitals and pharmacies looking to entice the most qualified people. Often, this results in higher salary offerings.
Additional Benefits & Compensation
Generally, a New York pharmacy technician's salary comes with additional benefits and compensation. Most people who work in this role get health insurance provided through their employers, though the level of coverage you receive can vary. Many employers offer dental and vision packages.
You can expect to get paid time off, though the number of days will probably be low during your first year on the job. You might start with around 10 days a year, but this number should increase if you stay with the same employer.
Sick leave is sometimes bundled with paid time off, though not always. You’ll also have job protection coverage under the Family and Medical Leave Act if you suffer a serious illness.
Most pharmacies offer 401(k) plans or other retirement savings accounts. You may also be able to receive employee discounts if you work in a retail setting.
Additionally, many employers offer assistance or even reimbursement for continuing education. This allows you to earn your credentials or get a degree, which could be significant for your salary.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential in New York
One of the most effective ways to increase your New York pharmacy technician salary is to get certification and advanced training. Typically, this means becoming a CPhT.
You can do this by preparing and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Before you can take one of these exams, you’ll have to complete an approved training program and meet other criteria.
You can also gain experience and additional training in specialized settings. A certification in sterile or nonsterile compounding, for example, can make you an attractive option for employers, so they’ll be willing to offer more.
You can opt to specialize in oncology, which opens the door to jobs in hospitals and other clinical settings. With all of these specialization options, it’s possible to find your niche and make a name for yourself in it.
Networking and other professional development opportunities can also be helpful in obtaining higher salaries. You can seek mentorships and attend conferences to make connections and advance your career. Another option for you is to join a NY state or local pharmacy association for networking. The associations tend to share job opportunities with members.
RxCe: Supporting NY Pharmacy Technicians in Their Growth
At RxCe, we offer continuing education courses so that you can keep your pharmacy tech credentials. Maintaining certification is an ongoing process, so it helps to have a team that knows exactly what you need to succeed.
We provide essential information about New York state requirements for pharmacy technicians, and we point you to the most appropriate courses so that you can continue to achieve your career goals. Our team has helped countless medical professionals, and we can help you, too.
Explore RxCe’s CE courses designed for NY pharmacy technicians.
