How to Become A Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts
Massachusetts employs approximately 10,150 pharmacy technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $46,470 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 Massachusetts, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts
How do I become a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts? Massachusetts requires credentials such as Pharmacy Technicians, PHARMACIST, NUCLEAR PHARMACIST. The licensing authority is the There is some indication that this license exists in Massachusetts, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Massachusetts? Yes. Massachusetts has licensing or registration requirements for pharmacy technicians. See the licensing section below for details.
What do pharmacy technicians earn in Massachusetts? The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts is $46,470 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $37,980 and experienced professionals can earn $71,070 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: There is some indication that this license exists in Massachusetts, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts
- Median wage (Massachusetts): $46,470 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Pharmacy Technician License Requirements in Massachusetts
The There is some indication that this license exists in Massachusetts, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts oversees pharmacy technician licensing in Massachusetts.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | |
| PHARMACIST | A pharmacist is a medical professional who dispenses drugs to a patient according to a prescription ordered by a physician or other authorized clinician. |
| NUCLEAR PHARMACIST | A pharmacist registered by the Board who is employed in a nuclear pharmacy, and who has submitted evidence satisfactory to the Board that he or she meets the requirements of 247 CMR 13. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Felony convictions prohibited
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 3.
Pharmacy Technician Wages by Metro Area in Massachusetts
Pharmacy Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Massachusetts
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), pharmacy technicians wages in Massachusetts vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton | 7,370 | $46,890 | $51,740 | $38,460 | $75,190 |
| Providence-Warwick | 2,240 | $43,800 | $45,590 | $37,790 | $58,090 |
| Worcester | 1,160 | $46,010 | $50,180 | $37,720 | $69,950 |
| Springfield | 660 | $44,740 | $46,440 | $37,400 | $58,740 |
| Barnstable Town | 260 | $47,280 | $50,580 | $38,940 | $65,360 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton | 150 | $45,080 | $47,600 | $37,360 | $59,710 |
| Pittsfield | 150 | $46,920 | $47,590 | $37,220 | $60,540 |
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 2025.
Top Metros for Pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest pharmacy technician employment within Massachusetts according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton | 7,370 | $46,890 |
| Worcester | 1,160 | $46,010 |
| Springfield | 660 | $44,740 |
| Barnstable Town | 260 | $47,280 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton | 150 | $45,080 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts? Massachusetts currently employs approximately 10,150 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 Massachusetts with an out-of-state license? Contact the There is some indication that this license exists in Massachusetts, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Massachusetts? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Massachusetts.
How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Massachusetts compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts is $46,470, which is $3,010 above the national median of $43,460 according to BLS data 1.
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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
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) |