Key Differences Between a Pharmacy Tech and a Pharmacist
Two of the most popular roles in the industry are those of a pharmacist and a pharmacy tech. While both jobs have similar work environments, they differ significantly in education, salary, licensure requirements, and professional timelines.
Explore what it takes to become a pharmacy tech vs. a pharmacist so you can make the right decision about your future.
Education & Training
In most states, pharmacy technicians need a high school diploma or GED and proof that they have completed an on-the-job training program. In some cases, you may also need to pass a certification exam.
When it comes to pharmacy tech vs. pharmacist roles, it’s important to know that pharmacists have significantly more in-depth training requirements. Licensure requires that you earn a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctor of Pharmacy degree, for which you must complete pre-pharmacy coursework with a satisfactory grade point average.
Responsibilities
Pharmacists are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications according to a physician’s orders. While a pharmacy technician may count, measure, and label prescriptions, the pharmacists must verify their accuracy, ensure appropriate dosages, and be aware of potential interactions.
Pharmacists are responsible for patient counseling and regulatory compliance, while pharmacy techs take care of more administrative tasks, including inventory management, payment, claims processing, and customer service.
In some cases, pharmacy techs with special training can administer medications under pharmacist supervision.
Salary and Career Progression
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for pharmacy technicians in 2024 was $43,460 per year.
If you’re considering salary when deciding whether to pursue pharmacy tech vs. pharmacist roles, it’s crucial to realize that the median salary for pharmacists was more than three times that amount at $137,480.
Pharmacy technicians can enjoy mobility within their careers, moving from trainee to lead pharmacy technician within a few years.
Additionally, pharmacy techs can specialize in specific areas, including sterile compounding, oncology, pediatrics, or informatics.
Pharmacists can also specialize in these areas or move into other leadership roles in research and development, regulatory affairs and policy making, pharmaceutical product sales and marketing, consulting, or teaching.
Work Environment
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians often work side-by-side performing complementary tasks to ensure hospital, clinic, long-term care, and retail pharmacies run smoothly. They may also work in laboratories to assist in research or quality control.
When in leadership, political, marketing, or consulting roles, pharmacists may work in an office environment, while teaching pharmacists may spend a lot of their time in the classroom setting.
Licensing & Continuing Education
Many states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed or registered with the state. To obtain that license, some states require you to be certified by examination. This means you must earn a Certified Pharmacy Technician credential.
You can do so by taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. States may also allow you to take the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians provided by the National Healthcareer Association.
Maintaining this credential requires 20 hours of continuing education courses, which states may also require for continued licensure.
Pharmacists must also periodically renew their licenses, typically every two years. In most states, extensive continuing education courses are required. However, each state may have different guidelines for course topic requirements, such as pharmacy law, patient safety, drug therapy, opioid use, and cultural competency.
Which Career Path Is Right for You?
As you think about your decision to become a pharmacy tech vs. pharmacist, it’s important to weigh multiple factors. Here are some aspects of the journey you should consider before moving in either direction.
Factors to Consider
Length of Education
Pharmacists will spend considerably more time on their education than a pharmacy technician.
It doesn’t take very long to become a pharmacy technician, as you typically only need to have a high school diploma and complete a training program, which may last less than a year. Some technicians decide to pursue an associate’s degree, which can take up to two years.
Pharmacists must wait until after they complete their degree to begin working, which could take five to six years.
Pharmacy Technicians - Length of Education
- 1 yr - 2 yrs
Pharmacist - Length of Education
- Generally 5 yrs - 6 yrs, required to obtain a Bachelor's, Master's, or PharmD
Pharmacy technicians must earn a high school diploma and may consider earning an associate’s degree. You must also factor certification exams into the cost to become a pharmacy technician, which typically run $50-$100.
Pharmacists typically spend tens of thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) more on a five- to six-year bachelor’s, master's, or professional doctorate.
Pharmacy Technicians - Cost of Education and License
- Online Programs - average cost: $1,000 - $4,000
- Community College Programs - average cost: $2,000 - $10,000
Pharmacist - Cost of Education and License
- The total cost to become a pharmacist, including education and licensing, can range from $100,000 to $240,000 or more. This depends on factors such as the type of institution, whether you are in-state or out-of-state, and whether you attend a private college. Additionally, obtaining a PharmD requires further schooling after an undergraduate degree.
How Soon Can You Begin Working?
You can typically begin working as a pharmacy tech as soon as you graduate from high school and complete your training program, which could be less than a year post-graduation.
Pharmacists must wait until after they complete their PharmD to begin working, which could take four to six years.
Pharmacy Technicians - When Can You Begin Working
- Less than a year post-graduation
Pharmacist - When Can You Begin Working
- After finishing their PharmD program, which can take 4-6 years
Job Outlook
According to BLS data, the demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 7% in the next decade, while the demand for pharmacists is expected to grow by 5%. This means both roles are likely to enjoy significant job security in the future.
Salary
Pharmacists average over $100,000 per year, which is two to three times the salary of a pharmacy technician. If pay is a significant factor in your decision to pursue pharmacy tech vs. pharmacist roles, it's critical to consider the stark difference.
Pharmacy Technicians - Job Outlook & Salary
- Demand is expected to grow by 7% in the next decade
- Median salary in 2024 was $43,460 per year
Pharmacist - Job Outlook & Salary
- Demand is expected to grow by 5% in the next decade
- The average salary is over $100,000 per year
Advancing Your Career With RxCe's Continuing Education Opportunities
Whether you decide to become a pharmacy tech or pursue a career as a pharmacist, RxCe has diverse and affordable options to help you maintain your hard-earned credentials. We offer flexible continuing education course options to help you meet state and certification requirements so you can advance in your profession.
Whether you’re looking for online or live courses, our membership can help you get what you need to maintain your thriving career. Learn what your state’s continuing education requirements are and choose courses that fit your interests.
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