Average Salary for Pharmacy Technicians in New Jersey
Pharmacy technicians are an essential part of any pharmacy. They support pharmacists in a variety of tasks, including inventory management and medication dispensing. If you’ve been considering becoming one of these professionals, one of your concerns may be “How much do pharmacy techs make in NJ?”
According to Indeed, the hourly salary in NJ for pharmacy techs is about $19.85, which is very close to the national rate ($20.90 per hour).
There are differences in the salaries when looking at North and South NJ. How much do pharmacy techs make in NJ if you’re considering working in the northern part of the state? Typically, salaries in this area are higher than in the state's southern portion.
Morristown, which is in the north, has an average hourly salary for pharmacy techs of $24.39.
In comparison, Burlington, which is in southern New Jersey, has an average hourly rate for pharmacy techs of $18.74, according to Indeed. There are exceptions, but for the most part, the northern part of the state pays better in this field.
Factors That Influence Pay in NJ
How much do pharmacy techs make in NJ? The answer will depend on several factors.
One of these factors is your experience level. If you’re just starting, you can expect to make a salary at the lower end of the wage spectrum.
This is especially so if you haven’t completed a pharmacy tech program and are receiving on-the-job training instead.
Indeed states that an entry-level pharmacy technician in NJ makes an average of $18.55 an hour.
But how much do pharmacy techs make in NJ if they have received training or have worked for years in the field? Your salary will typically be higher, but another factor that can still influence how much you make is whether you have a certification.
Being a certified pharmacy tech means completing a training program approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or by the National Healthcareer Association. You can also be eligible to take the certification exam if you have completed a certain number of work hours as a pharmacy tech.
Certified pharmacy technicians have higher salaries to reflect their experience and expertise in the field. If you further specialize by getting certified in oncology, non-sterile compounding, or other available options, your salaries will typically be higher, too.
The type of employer you work for will also play a role in your salary as a pharmacy tech. In 2024, the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) showed that working in ambulatory healthcare services throughout the country means better pay. On average, they made a median wage of $49,920 annually.
How much do pharmacy techs make in NJ if they work at ambulatory healthcare services? Although there aren’t exact figures for the state, New Jersey seems to stick pretty closely to the national average.
Pharmacy techs who work in hospitals also earn substantial salaries. According to the BLS , in 2024, techs in hospitals made an average wage of $49,310.
These higher salaries reflect the significant duties that a pharmacy tech has when working in a fast-paced environment like a hospital.
General merchandise retailer pharmacies come next. They tend to offer competitive salaries. The median annual wage in 2024 for retail pharmacies was $46,180 throughout the country, according to the BLS. You can expect similar numbers in New Jersey.
The most frequent employers of pharmacy techs are retail stores. These are the pharmacies you may encounter in your local supermarket or mall. How much do pharmacy techs make in NJ in these retail settings? The BLS states the median average in the country for these positions is about $37,900 annually.
Advancement Opportunities and Higher-Paying Roles
You can advance your pharmacy tech career in a few different ways. One of them is choosing a specialization. Pharmacy tech specializations include focusing on nuclear medicine, non-sterile compounding, or oncology, among other options.
How much do pharmacy techs make in NJ if they have a specialization? Typically, the salaries are higher, but that’s not the only benefit. You also have the chance to work in different settings and could find a path to obtaining a position at a hospital, which is usually a competitive option.
Working at a hospital instead of at a retail setting provides advancement opportunities. You can become a lead or senior tech, which comes with more responsibilities as well as a higher salary.
How much do pharmacy techs make in NJ if they are in senior or lead positions? According to Indeed, you can make about $21.40 an hour in New Jersey.
To accomplish these career advancements, you will likely need to get certification. This also means obtaining the continuing education (CE) credits you need to maintain your credentials. CE offers you the chance to gain knowledge and further training, which makes you even more attractive to potential employers.
Elevate Your Pharmacy Tech Career in NJ With RxCe
The answer to “How much do pharmacy techs make in NJ?” is a complex one that depends on many factors. If you’re looking to give yourself the best chance of obtaining the highest possible salaries in the pharmacy tech field, pursuing certification is the best option.
Once you receive your credentials, you’ll need CE credits, and that’s where RxCe can help. We provide a variety of online courses that can assist you in remaining compliant with the NJ Board of Pharmacy requirements. With our courses, you can give your career a significant boost.
"*In addition to beingaccredited 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!"
