What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
A pharmacy technician supports licensed pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and assisting patients with prescription needs. They work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and specialty clinics, performing tasks such as measuring medications, labeling bottles, and ensuring prescriptions are filled accurately. By handling much of the operational workload, pharmacy techs allow pharmacists to focus more on clinical care and patient counseling.
Their role also extends to administrative and customer service responsibilities. Pharmacy technicians process insurance claims, track inventory, and handle patient inquiries at the counter or by phone. They ensure compliance with legal and safety standards while maintaining confidentiality of patient records. With strong attention to detail and organizational skills, these techs play a vital role in ensuring that pharmacies operate efficiently and patients receive their medications safely and on time.
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Pharmacy Technician Core Responsibilities
- Prepare and package prescription medications under pharmacist supervision
- Label containers with dosage instructions and warnings
- Process prescription orders and insurance claims
- Maintain pharmacy inventory and order supplies as needed
- Assist patients with prescription refills, payments, and general questions
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
- Operate pharmacy software and maintain accurate patient records
- Support pharmacists in daily operations and workflow management
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of medical terminology and basic pharmacology
- Proficiency with pharmacy management software and point-of-sale systems
- Ability to measure, mix, and prepare medications accurately
- Understanding of insurance claim processing
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
- Effective communication with patients and healthcare staff
- Customer service orientation and professionalism
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program preferred
Certifications
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential from PTCB or NHA required in many states
- State licensure or registration required where applicable
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in retail or hospital pharmacy
- Experience working with electronic health records (EHR) systems
- Bilingual skills for diverse patient populations
National Average Salary
Pharmacy tech salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Pharmacy Technician is:
$41,264
Sample Job Description Templates for Pharmacy Technicians
Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level pharmacy technician to support licensed pharmacists with prescription preparation, inventory management, and patient service. This position is ideal for individuals new to the field who want to gain hands-on experience in a retail or hospital pharmacy environment while learning proper procedures and compliance standards.
Responsibilities
- Assist in filling prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist
- Count, measure, and package medications accurately
- Label prescription containers with correct instructions and warnings
- Answer basic patient questions and handle refill requests
- Operate pharmacy software and maintain accurate records
- Support inventory management by stocking shelves and checking expiration dates
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the pharmacy workspace
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of medical terminology and prescription processes
- Ability to use computer systems for data entry and record-keeping
- Strong numerical and measurement skills
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy in handling medications
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Willingness to learn and follow procedures closely
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program preferred
Certifications
- State registration as a pharmacy technician required in most states
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in retail, healthcare, or customer service environments
- Familiarity with insurance claim processing
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Position Overview
We are hiring a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) to assist pharmacists in preparing prescriptions, supporting patient care, and ensuring pharmacy operations run smoothly. This role requires certification and demonstrated knowledge of pharmacy procedures, compliance, and patient interaction.
Responsibilities
- Fill and package prescriptions with high accuracy under pharmacist supervision
- Process insurance claims and resolve billing issues
- Counsel patients on basic prescription pick-up and refill processes
- Assist pharmacists in preparing compounded medications
- Manage medication inventory, including controlled substances
- Train and mentor new entry-level technicians
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of pharmacology, medication dosage forms, and pharmacy law
- Proficiency with pharmacy software and EHR systems
- Ability to process prescriptions and insurance claims accurately
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Professional communication with patients and staff
- Ability to provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program preferred
Certifications
- CPhT credential from PTCB or NHA required
- State licensure or registration required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in a retail or hospital pharmacy setting
- Experience training or mentoring junior technicians
Senior Pharmacy Technician
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior pharmacy technician to handle advanced prescription preparation, inventory oversight, and staff support. This role requires strong technical skills and the ability to assist in more complex pharmacy operations while mentoring less experienced technicians.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and verify prescriptions with minimal supervision from pharmacists
- Manage ordering and inventory, including handling of specialty medications
- Assist in compounding and sterile preparation where applicable
- Serve as a resource for entry-level and certified technicians
- Troubleshoot insurance and billing issues with patients and providers
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
- Support workflow efficiency in busy retail or hospital pharmacies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of pharmacy operations and regulations
- Ability to perform compounding and sterile preparations if required
- Strong skills in insurance and billing resolution
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring capabilities
- High-level organizational and time management skills
- Strong problem-solving abilities
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program preferred
Certifications
- CPhT credential required
- State registration or licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of pharmacy technician experience
- Previous experience in both retail and hospital settings
Lead Pharmacy Technician
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead pharmacy technician to oversee daily technician workflow, train new team members, and ensure accuracy in prescription processing. This leadership position blends hands-on responsibilities with team coordination and process improvement.
Responsibilities
- Supervise the work of pharmacy technicians and provide training
- Ensure accuracy and compliance in prescription preparation
- Manage daily workflow and delegate tasks to staff
- Support pharmacists in compounding, sterile preparation, and inventory control
- Resolve escalated patient issues related to prescriptions or billing
- Monitor performance metrics and suggest workflow improvements
- Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of pharmacy processes, laws, and standards
- Strong understanding of inventory control and ordering procedures
- Proficiency in pharmacy management software
Soft skills
- Proven leadership and team management abilities
- Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program preferred
Certifications
- CPhT credential required
- State licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as a pharmacy technician
- Prior supervisory or lead technician experience
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
Position Overview
We are seeking a pharmacy technician supervisor to manage all pharmacy technician staff, oversee workflow, and ensure compliance across operations. This role requires leadership, advanced technical expertise, and the ability to coordinate with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and evaluate pharmacy technician staff performance
- Oversee scheduling, training, and development of technicians
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and safety standards
- Implement workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
- Manage inventory control and ordering processes
- Act as a liaison between technicians, pharmacists, and management
- Resolve escalated operational or patient service issues
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of pharmacy operations, laws, and compliance standards
- Ability to oversee scheduling, staffing, and training
- Advanced inventory and supply chain management skills
Soft skills
- Excellent leadership and team development skills
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Clear and professional communication with staff and patients
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program preferred
Certifications
- CPhT credential required
- State licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of pharmacy technician experience, with at least 2 in a supervisory role
- Experience in both retail and hospital pharmacy settings