Salary distribution
Where California pharmacy technicians fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $45,610 and $64,400, with a median of $49,640.
Pharmacy Technicians pay by experience level in California
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in California over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Speech Recognition
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- 02
Enter prescription information into computer databases.
- 03
Compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in computer.
- 04
Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- 05
Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.
- 06
Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- 07
Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- 08
Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.4%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Pharmacy Technicians
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesTop metros in California
Metro-level salary data for pharmacy technicians in major California metropolitan areas.
- San Jose$70,740
- San Francisco$61,990
- Sacramento$55,810
- San Diego$49,540
- Riverside$48,790
- Los Angeles$48,600
Compare Pharmacy Technicians pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Pharmacy Technicians in California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Pharmacy Technicians in California is $49,640.
- How does California compare to the national median for Pharmacy Technicians?
- The California median is +17.1% versus the BLS national figure of $42,386.
- What is the salary range for Pharmacy Technicians in California?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,850 and the 90th-percentile at $79,630, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Pharmacy Technicians a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.4% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Pharmacy Technicians?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.