Pharmacy Technician Salary in Illinois: What to Expect
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare industry, assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing crucial support to patients. If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Illinois, it’s important to understand the salary expectations in this field.
Factors Affecting Pharmacy Technician Salary
The salary of a pharmacy technician can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Location: Salaries can differ based on the cost of living in different regions of Illinois.
- Experience: Pharmacy technicians with more experience may earn higher salaries.
- Certification: Having a certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) can positively impact your earning potential.
- Employer: Different employers may offer different salary packages and benefits.
Salary Range for Pharmacy Technicians in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Illinois is around $34,780 as of May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $26,000, while the highest 10% earned more than $47,000.
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier. Additionally, salaries may also depend on the type of pharmacy setting you work in, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, or mail-order facilities.
Advancement Opportunities
With experience and additional certifications, pharmacy technicians can pursue advancement opportunities that may lead to higher salaries. For example, becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) through the PTCB can open doors to better-paying positions.
Pharmacy technicians can also choose to specialize in certain areas such as oncology, compounding, or nuclear pharmacy, which may offer higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge required.
Conclusion
A career as a pharmacy technician in Illinois can be financially rewarding, with a median annual salary of around $34,780. However, it’s essential to consider the factors that can impact your salary, such as location, experience, certification, and employer.
By gaining experience and pursuing additional certifications, pharmacy technicians can increase their earning potential and explore various advancement opportunities within the field. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, the pharmacy technician profession in Illinois offers promising prospects.