How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania (2026)
Pennsylvania employs about 18,880 pharmacy technicians earning a median $40,040 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 State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board.
Compare Pharmacy Technician Schools in Pennsylvania
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education | 72.0 | Contact school for pricing | $56,760 | 88% | — | 133 mi |
| 2 | Martinsburg College | 63.8 | Contact school for pricing | $32,883 | 60% | Yes* | 83 mi |
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| 3 | Lackawanna College | 58.2 | $18,400 | $45,609 | 37% | Yes* | 99 mi |
| 4 | Salem Community College | 54.5 | $6,360 in-state / $10,260 out-of-state | $50,664 | 40% | Yes* | 91 mi |
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| 5 | College of Southern Maryland | 53.7 | $4,200 in-state / $10,050 out-of-state | $58,851 | 33% | Yes* | 125 mi |
| 6 | Allegany College of Maryland | 53.1 | $4,938 in-state / $12,618 out-of-state | $47,031 | 40% | Yes* | 106 mi |
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| 7 | Pennco Tech-Blackwood | 52.7 | Contact school for pricing | $45,022 | 72% | — | 107 mi |
| 8 | Pennco Tech-Bristol | 48.9 | Contact school for pricing | $43,445 | 84% | — | 112 mi |
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| 9 | Pennsylvania Institute of Technology | 42.5 | $14,850 | $50,857 | 21% | Yes* | 89 mi |
| 10 | Fortis College-Landover | 37.9 | $16,522 | $39,605 | 47% | — | 98 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.
Pennsylvania employs approximately 18,880 pharmacy technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $40,040 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 Pennsylvania, 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 State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board
- Exam: PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT
- Median wage (Pennsylvania): $40,040 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania
How to become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania? 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 State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board.
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 State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board.
Do I need a license in Pennsylvania? Yes. Pennsylvania credentials this role through Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board 3. See the licensing section below.
What do pharmacy technicians earn in Pennsylvania? The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania is $40,040 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,140 and experienced professionals can earn $51,290 or more 1.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania
- Meet basic requirements. Most Pennsylvania pharmacy technician programs expect a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age, background-check, and work-authorization rules with Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board.
- Complete a pharmacy technician program or board-allowed employer training. Finish a certificate or associate program in Pennsylvania, 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 State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board accepts.
- Register with the state board of pharmacy. Apply through Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board 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 Pennsylvania
Pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania typically complete a short training program, pass PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT, and register with Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board. See Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board 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 State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board before unsupervised work.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board before you enroll.
Pharmacy Technician Wages by Metro Area in Pennsylvania
Pharmacy Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Pennsylvania
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), pharmacy technicians wages in Pennsylvania vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 9,030 | $44,880 | $43,920 | $35,360 | $55,890 |
| Pittsburgh | 4,270 | $41,780 | $42,800 | $35,480 | $49,040 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | 1,160 | $38,490 | $42,050 | $35,690 | $51,520 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | 940 | $36,280 | $39,310 | $31,490 | $46,400 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | 910 | $39,940 | $42,000 | $35,010 | $49,090 |
| Lancaster | 650 | $39,580 | $41,850 | $35,040 | $49,850 |
| York-Hanover | 520 | $37,220 | $40,690 | $34,320 | $48,960 |
| Reading | 410 | $36,860 | $40,130 | $34,150 | $52,000 |
| Erie | 370 | $37,340 | $39,930 | $32,000 | $48,010 |
| Altoona | 190 | $36,810 | $40,300 | $31,730 | $52,920 |
| Chambersburg | 180 | $37,440 | $42,420 | $31,710 | $68,720 |
| Johnstown | 170 | $37,540 | $38,040 | $31,170 | $47,370 |
| State College | 160 | $37,400 | $40,210 | $34,050 | $47,650 |
| Lebanon | 130 | $37,890 | $44,530 | $33,580 | $63,960 |
| Williamsport | 100 | $38,500 | $39,590 | $34,020 | $45,590 |
| Gettysburg | 70 | $37,320 | $40,030 | $34,630 | $49,290 |
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 Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania currently employs approximately 18,880 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 Pennsylvania with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Pennsylvania? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Pennsylvania.
How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Pennsylvania compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania is $40,040, which is $3,420 below the national median of $43,460 according to BLS data 1.
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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 State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Pharmacy Board - Licensing Information: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Pharmacy/Pages/default.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) |