Pharmacy technician jobs in in Pennsylvania offer good career benefits, job stability, and personal fulfillment.
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and assist in the performance of various activities in the pharmacy, such as replenishing routine supplies, maintaining drug inventory levels, verifying insurance information, cleaning pharmacy equipment, and labeling and packaging medication doses.
Licensed pharmacists must check and approve all work completed by pharmacy technicians.
Reasons to Become a Pharmacy Tech in PA
1. Growing Demand
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand due to the increasing need for healthcare services, an aging population, and expanding access to medications. Pennsylvania offers diverse opportunities in retail, hospitals, long-term care, and specialty pharmacies.
2. Quick Entry into the Workforce
The path to becoming a pharmacy technician is relatively short compared to other healthcare careers. You can start working with a high school diploma or GED and complete a training program or on-the-job training. Certification is optional but enhances opportunities.
3. Competitive Pay
Pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania enjoy competitive salaries. Entry-level positions often pay $14–$16/hour, while experienced technicians or those in specialized roles, such as IV or long-term care, can earn $20–$30/hour or more.
4. Flexible Work Environments
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings:
- Retail pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens)
- Hospitals and clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Specialty or compounding pharmacies
- Mail-order or telepharmacy services
Each setting offers unique challenges and work environments to suit individual preferences.
5. Job Stability
Pharmacy technicians benefit from strong job security in a field that consistently needs skilled professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow nationwide, ensuring long-term career stability.
6. Opportunities for Career Growth
Starting as a pharmacy technician can be a stepping stone to other healthcare roles, such as:
- Becoming a pharmacist (with additional education)
- Advancing to leadership roles in pharmacy management
- Specializing in fields like oncology, sterile compounding, or informatics
7. Meaningful Work
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring patients receive the right medications safely and efficiently. This job can be personally fulfilling, knowing your work positively impacts people’s health.
8. Certification and Professional Development
Optional certifications, like the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or specialized certifications, can enhance career opportunities and salary potential. Pennsylvania offers ample opportunities for continuing education and professional development through organizations like the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.
9. Flexible Hours
Many pharmacy technician roles offer flexible schedules, including part-time and full-time options. Shifts often include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, providing opportunities to balance personal and professional responsibilities.
10. Accessibility of Local Training Programs
Pennsylvania boasts numerous accredited pharmacy technician programs at community colleges and vocational schools, making it easy to find affordable and high-quality training near home.
How You Become a Pharmacy Tech in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires pharmacy technicians to register with the State Board of Pharmacy, following the enactment of Act 140 (formerly House Bill 770) in November 2020.
To become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, you must:
- Age and Education: Be at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Training Program: Complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program. However, individuals with over one year of experience in a licensed pharmacy may be “grandfathered” and exempt from this requirement.
- Criminal Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check during the registration process.
- Registration: Register with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). This involves submitting the necessary documentation and paying the required fees.
While national certification (e.g., through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) is not mandated by the state, obtaining such certification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate professional competence.
Education
Most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training, but increasingly employers are beginning to favor those who have completed some formal education and training.
Some pharmacies also have their own specific technician training program. Currently, there are no federal requirements for formal education or certification of pharmacy technicians.
While some states have specific requirements, Pennsylvania does not; although legislation has been proposed for this.
Some hospitals, proprietary schools, vocational or technical schools, and community colleges may offer formal education and training programs.
These programs require classroom and experiential learning in which the student completes hands-on training in various pharmacy settings.
Formal programs may include the following:
- medical and pharmaceutical terminology
- pharmaceutical calculations
- record keeping
- preparation of certain pharmaceuticals
- the names, actions, uses and doses of medications
- pharmacy law and ethics.
Depending on where the program is located, the student may receive a diploma, certificate or associate’s degree.
Certification
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers the Certified Pharmacy Technician exam at various locations throughout the country several times each year.
The examination is designed to measure base level competency of individuals to function as a pharmacy technician. Completion of this examination is voluntary, and individual who sit for the examination must have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Those who successfully pass the examination earn the title of certified pharmacy technician (CPhT). Certified technicians must retest every two years to maintain certification and complete 20 contact hours of continuing education to be eligible to sit for recertification.
Where Can Pharmacy Techs Work in PA?
Pharmacy technicians work in many of the same settings as pharmacists. Many pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, either independently owned or chain owned community pharmacies. Some hold jobs in hospitals, and a small number hold jobs in mail-order and Internet pharmacies, clinics, and with pharmaceutical wholesalers.
Students or individuals interested in working as a pharmacy technician should possess strong mathematical, spelling, reading, and reasoning skills. Employers generally prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills, experience in managing inventories, and computer skills.
Examples of Pharmacy Tech Jobs in Pennsylvania
Company: ColtRx
Location: Canonsburg, PA
Description: ColtRx seeks a Pharmacy Technician for its high-volume closed-door long-term care pharmacy. Responsibilities include prescription processing, data entry, and medication preparation, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. This full-time position (3 PM–11 PM, Monday–Friday) offers benefits such as health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off. Candidates should have at least one year of pharmacy experience, a high school diploma or GED, and be able to manage a fast-paced environment.
Long Term Care Pharmacy Clerk
Company: CVS Health
Location: Warminster, PA
Description: CVS Health is hiring a part-time or full-time Pharmacy Clerk to support its long-term care pharmacy. Duties include assisting with medication orders, customer communication, and inventory management. The role offers a competitive pay range ($17–$31.30/hour), a robust benefits package, and opportunities for career growth. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, customer-focused, and have prior experience in a pharmacy setting.
Pharmacy IV Technician – 2nd Shift
Company: Polaris Pharmacy Services
Location: West Mifflin, PA
Description: Polaris Pharmacy Services is hiring an experienced IV Technician for its long-term care pharmacy. Responsibilities include preparing sterile compounded medications, managing emergency drug kits, and maintaining compliance with USP 797 guidelines. This full-time evening position (2:30 PM–11 PM, Monday–Friday) offers benefits, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Candidates must have at least one year of IV pharmacy experience and relevant certifications.
Retail Pharmacy Technician – Apple Hill
Company: WellSpan Health Services
Location: York, PA
Description: WellSpan Health Services seeks a part-time Retail Pharmacy Technician to assist with prescription filling, IV preparation, and medication delivery. The role involves 20 hours per week with rotating day/evening shifts. Candidates should have strong computer skills and a commitment to patient safety. The position offers opportunities to contribute to quality improvement initiatives in a supportive healthcare setting.
Lead Long Term Care Pharmacy Technician
Company: Confidential
Location: Springfield, PA
Description: A growing Delaware County pharmacy seeks a Lead LTC Pharmacy Technician to oversee daily operations, mentor staff, and manage workflows using FrameworkLTC software. This full-time position pays $20–$25/hour, includes benefits, and offers leadership growth opportunities. Candidates must have three years of LTC pharmacy experience, a CPhT certification, and excellent organizational skills.
Pharmacy Technician
Company: Smart Choice Pharmacy
Location: Bensalem, PA
Description: Smart Choice Pharmacy is hiring part-time and full-time Pharmacy Technicians to assist with prescription processing, insurance claims, and customer inquiries. This role requires strong attention to detail and prior pharmacy experience. Shifts include weekdays and rotating weekends. Pay ranges from $14–$16/hour, with opportunities to build a career in a supportive team environment.
Pharmacy Technician Instructor
Company: Ebenezer Outreach Ministries
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Description: Ebenezer Outreach Ministries is seeking a Pharmacy Technician Instructor to deliver job readiness training. This full-time role requires at least five years of teaching experience and pharmacy knowledge, with preference for nationally certified technicians. The position involves conducting live and virtual classes, monitoring student progress, and ensuring curriculum completion. Pay ranges from $25–$30/hour.
Pharmacy Technician Intermediate
Company: UPMC Rx Partners
Location: Bridgeville, PA
Description: UPMC Rx Partners seeks a full-time Pharmacy Technician Intermediate to assist with sterile and non-sterile medication preparation, inventory management, and patient medication access. The role offers a $5,000 sign-on bonus, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth. Ideal candidates have two years of pharmacy experience or are enrolled in pharmacy school.
Pharmacy Technician
Company: Centennial Pharmacy Services
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Description: Centennial Pharmacy Services is hiring a Pharmacy Technician with experience using Pioneer and Parata systems. Responsibilities include prescription processing, inventory management, and customer service. This full-time position offers a salary of $16–$23/hour, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative work environment. Certification and prior experience are preferred.
Pharmacy Technician
Company: Express Care Pharmacy
Location: Allentown, PA
Description: Express Care Pharmacy seeks a dependable Pharmacy Technician to support medication preparation and inventory management for long-term care facilities. This full-time role offers $16–$19/hour, a family-oriented work environment, and opportunities for professional development. Candidates must have prior pharmacy experience and strong organizational skills.
Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association
The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA), established in 1878, is a professional membership organization representing pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists across Pennsylvania. Its mission is to advocate for the pharmacy profession through education, communication, and legislative efforts, aiming to enhance patient care and public health.
Key Activities and Services:
- Advocacy: PPA actively engages in legislative initiatives to advance pharmacy practice within the state. For instance, it has been instrumental in advocating for the recognition of pharmacists as providers under Pennsylvania Medicaid, enabling pharmacists to enroll as mid-level practitioners and bill for services.
- Professional Development: The association offers continuing education opportunities, including conferences and workshops, to support the ongoing professional growth of its members. Notably, the Annual Conference provides a platform for networking, education, and advocacy, featuring sessions on various pharmacy topics and special events.
- Networking: PPA facilitates connections among pharmacy professionals through events and special interest groups, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across different practice settings.
- Resources: The association provides practice resources to support and advance the practice of pharmacy, including information on collaborative practice agreements and other pertinent policy documents.
PPA’s efforts are guided by an eighteen-member Board of Directors and supported by a dedicated staff. The association’s headquarters are located in downtown Harrisburg, directly across from the Capitol building, underscoring its commitment to advocacy and legislative engagement.
Other Information Sources
National Pharmacy Technician Association
PO Box 683148
Houston, TX 77268
https://www.pharmacytechnician.org
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037-2985
Phone: (202)-429-7576
https://www.ptcb.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook
United States Department of Labor
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
