How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado (2026)

Q: How long does pharmacy technician training take in Colorado?

Most people become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado through a short pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training, a national exam (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT), and board of pharmacy registration where required.

Q: How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Colorado?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), pharmacy technicians in Colorado earned a median annual wage of approximately $49,970. Employment concentration in Colorado is roughly 0.69 of the national average, meaning fewer workers per capita than the U.S. as a whole.

Q: Do pharmacy technicians need a license in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado requires state-level licensing or registration for pharmacy technicians, administered by the Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine. See the licensing section above for credential types and current requirements.

Q: What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Colorado?

Colorado currently employs approximately 6,010 workers, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6.4% national employment change for this occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Colorado pharmacy technicians earn a median annual wage of $49,970 ($24.02/hr) according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), with about 6,010 workers employed statewide. The state median is approximately 9.2% above the national median of $45,750 for the same occupation.

Key Takeaways

Median annual pay: $49,970 ($24.02/hr)
25th percentile: $46,300 per year
75th percentile: $58,300 per year
Top 10% earn: more than $64,760 per year
Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $39,810 per year
Workers employed in Colorado: 6,010
Versus national median: 9.2% above the U.S. median of $45,750
Job concentration: Location quotient 0.69 - this occupation is less concentrated in Colorado than the national average

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Last reviewed June 8, 2026.

Colorado employs about 6,010 pharmacy technicians earning a median $49,970 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Pharmacy Technician here means completing a short pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training, a national exam (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT), and board of pharmacy registration where required, then applying through Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine.

Compare Pharmacy Technician Schools in Colorado

BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Tuition is the published annual figure for the latest reported year and excludes room, board, books and fees. Earnings are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single trade. Distance is measured from the page's primary location.
#	School	BOC Score (0–100)	Tuition (published, per year)	Median grad earnings (all majors)	Graduation rate	Online	Distance
1	Emily Griffith Technical College	74.9	Contact school for pricing	$45,935	97%	—	32 mi
2	Casper College	62.5	$4,470 in-state / $10,770 out-of-state	$46,963	43%	Yes*	218 mi
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3	Front Range Community College	61.3	$4,663 in-state / $17,263 out-of-state	$50,353	35%	Yes*	31 mi
4	Uintah Basin Technical College	59.7	Contact school for pricing	$64,652	86%	—	236 mi
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5	Colorado Mesa University	56.7	$9,927 in-state / $25,124 out-of-state	$58,601	41%	Yes*	165 mi
6	Pickens Technical College	55.0	$5,140 in-state / $9,250 out-of-state	$44,693	76%	—	42 mi
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7	Pima Medical Institute-Denver	52.8	Contact school for pricing	$42,937	73%	—	32 mi
8	Colorado Mountain College	52.3	$2,616 in-state / $12,840 out-of-state	$55,406	27%	Yes*	94 mi
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9	Pueblo Community College	51.5	$5,049 in-state / $17,649 out-of-state	$49,179	31%	Yes*	113 mi
10	Pikes Peak State College	50.3	$4,510 in-state / $17,110 out-of-state	$48,538	21%	Yes*	79 mi
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Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.

Colorado employs approximately 6,010 pharmacy technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $49,970 ¹. Nationally, pharmacy technician employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 49,000 openings per year ². This page covers how to become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

Training paths: pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training (find programs)
Typical timeline: a short pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training, a national exam (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT), and board of pharmacy registration where required
Licensing authority: Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine
Exam: PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT
Median wage (Colorado): $49,970 per year ¹

Quick Answers About How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado

How to become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado? Complete a short pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training, a national exam (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT), and board of pharmacy registration where required. Apply through Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine.

How long does it take? Most people finish a short pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training, a national exam (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT), and board of pharmacy registration where required. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine.

Do I need a license in Colorado? Yes. Colorado credentials this role through Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine ³. See the licensing section below.

What do pharmacy technicians earn in Colorado? The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Colorado is $49,970 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $39,810 and experienced professionals can earn $64,760 or more ¹.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado

Meet basic requirements. Most Colorado pharmacy technician programs expect a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age, background-check, and work-authorization rules with Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine.
Complete a pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training. Finish a certificate or associate program in Colorado, preferably ASHP-accredited, or employer training if the board allows it. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
Pass PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT. Many boards and employers require the PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT exam. Confirm which exam Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine accepts.
Register with the state board of pharmacy. Apply through Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine before unsupervised work. Reciprocity, trainee cards, and fees vary; confirm with the board.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.

Pharmacy Technician License Requirements in Colorado

Pharmacy technicians in Colorado typically complete a short training program, pass PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT, and register with Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine. See Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine ³.

Typical path

Meet the board’s entry rules.
Complete a pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training.
Pass PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT if the board requires a national exam.
Register or license with Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine before unsupervised work.

Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine before you enroll.

Pharmacy Technician Wages by Metro Area in Colorado

Pharmacy Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Colorado

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), pharmacy technicians wages in Colorado vary by metro area.

Metro Area	Employment	Median Annual Wage	Avg. Annual Wage	Entry Level (10th pctile)	Experienced (90th pctile)
Denver-Aurora-Centennial	3,260	$50,970	$53,750	$42,390	$67,440
Colorado Springs	740	$49,930	$50,980	$38,160	$61,590
Boulder	340	$51,210	$52,790	$40,840	$65,630
Greeley	250	$49,950	$50,210	$37,660	$62,210
Pueblo	210	$48,270	$48,780	$38,010	$59,420
Grand Junction	170	$48,470	$49,600	$37,910	$58,820
Fort Collins-Loveland	N/A	$49,650	$50,290	$38,880	$59,870

Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Colorado? Colorado currently employs approximately 6,010 pharmacy technicians ¹. Nationally, pharmacy technician employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034 ².

Can I work as a pharmacy technician in Colorado with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.

What training programs are available in Colorado? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Colorado.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Colorado compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Colorado is $49,970, which is $6,510 above the national median of $43,460 according to BLS data ¹.

In Colorado

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Citations

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions & Occupations - Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine - Licensing Information: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Accountancy ↩︎ ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

Data	Provider	Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)	U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics	May 2025
Employment Projections	U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics	2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System	National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)	2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)	U.S. Department of Education	latest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)	U.S. Department of Education	latest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirements	CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)	latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programs	CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)	latest release (updated 2025-10-25)
O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones)	U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.)	O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13)