Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.

Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, including those found in grocery and drug stores, and in hospitals. Most work full time, but many work part time.

Becoming a pharmacy technician usually requires earning a high school diploma or the equivalent. Pharmacy technicians typically learn through on-the-job training, or they may complete a postsecondary education program. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which is a process that may require passing an exam or completing a formal education or training program.

Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services.

This occupation supported 355,300 jobs in 2012 and 372,500 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 4.8%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 19.9% in 2022 to 426,100 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 369,400, compared with an observed value of 372,500, 0.8% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 9.8% in 2024 to 407,200 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 440,200 jobs for 2024, 8.1% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are much worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation.