What Is the Average Salary in North Carolina?
Are you interested in or just beginning a career as a pharmacy technician? If you reside in the state of North Carolina, you’ve probably wondered or asked, “How much do pharmacy techs make in NC?”
According to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the statewide average annual salary for a pharmacy technician practicing in the state was $40,680 in May 2023. This translates to an hourly pay of $19.56 for a pharmacy tech working full-time.
This number falls well below the average annual wage of $43,330 for pharmacy technicians across the nation. Many are making one dollar an hour more, with an average per-hour wage of $20.83.
Are There Pay Differences Across Regions?
When asking, “How much do pharmacy techs make in NC?” it's essential to consider the differences in pay in various locations across the state. In general, you can expect to make a higher salary as a pharmacy technician in a metro area.
For example, a pharmacy technician working in Asheville will make an average salary of $40,290 ($19.37 per hour). However, those in the same role living in the nonmetropolitan mountain regions of the state will make an average salary of $38,390 (or $18.46 per hour).
As you make your final decision about where you would like to work as a pharmacy technician, don’t forget to consider the cost of living. While your pay may increase when you work in the larger cities of North Carolina, your daily living expenses will also likely be higher.
Many people find that lower pay works well when coupled with lower housing and transportation costs.
Factors That Influence Pay
“How much do pharmacy techs make in NC?” is rarely a straightforward question because multiple factors can influence the answer. Many North Carolina pharmacy technicians find that they are able to command higher pay when they earn their CPhT credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Although pharmacy techs do not have to be certified to work in North Carolina, those who are not must gain employment with a pharmacy that has an in-house training program, and the supervising pharmacist must notify the board.
Pharmacy technicians who are already certified come with fewer regulatory requirements, and employers may be willing to pay more for the time and cost savings.
It’s also important to know that more experienced pharmacy technicians are often offered higher salaries than those who are just embarking on their careers. A higher level of experience means less need to train you and the likelihood of fewer mistakes, which is highly valuable to busy employers.
In many cases, you can also earn more with advanced or specialized credentials. Data from the PTCB shows that pharmacy techs with an advanced CPhT earn more than $2.00 per hour more than those with the entry-level credential.
Pharmacies are often willing to pay more for specialized knowledge, such as nonsterile compounding or medication therapy management, because it is often harder to find.
If you’re really looking to increase your hourly wage, you should also look into shift differentials. Those who work nights or early mornings can often earn more than their day shift counterparts simply because fewer pharmacy technicians are willing to do so.
Job Outlook in North Carolina
BLS data shows that many areas in North Carolina already have a high location quotient. This means the state has a high concentration of pharmacy technicians as compared to the rest of the nation.
However, the healthcare sector is growing rapidly in North Carolina, and there is a critical shortage of professionals to fill roles. Pharmacy technician roles alone are expected to grow at a rate of 13.7% across the state by 2032, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations.
How Techs Can Increase Earnings in NC
If you’re a pharmacy technician who wants to earn a higher salary in North Carolina, it’s crucial to focus your efforts on three key areas. These areas are certification, specialization, and senior roles.
Certified pharmacy technicians have already demonstrated their expertise through additional training and the completion of a certification exam. Many employers value the knowledge you have as a certified technician and are willing to pay a premium for it.
You can often earn even more by pursuing a specialty credential. Pharmacy technicians with experience in supply chain management, point-of-care testing, and immunization are not as prevalent as those with general knowledge, which means you can likely demand more for your skills.
Finally, you should definitely consider pursuing a more senior role if you want higher pay. You’ll take on additional responsibilities (such as training new pharmacy techs or managing medication inventory), but you’ll likely be rewarded with higher pay in exchange.
Build Skills and Advance Your North Carolina Pharmacy Tech Career With RxCe
Earning more as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina means setting yourself up for longevity in your career. While the state’s Board of Pharmacy doesn’t require continuing education for pharmacy techs, it’s a critical step to maintaining your CPhT credential and advancing your knowledge.
RxCe offers convenient and affordable membership options for those who wish to build on their current knowledge and maintain their professional edge.
Whether you choose our unlimited plan with access to all courses and live webinars or the basic plan that lets you pay as you go, you can rest assured you’re getting high-quality, ACPE-accredited education at an affordable price. Enroll today and see how RxCe can help you reach the next level in your career.
*In addition to being accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), RxCe has also achieved joint accreditation for continuing education for physicians and physician assistants. Stay tuned for joint accreditation articles over the next few months!
