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Pharmacy technician salaries in New York

New York offers strong advantages for pharmacy technicians, making it an appealing choice for those considering this career.

The state provides one of the most diverse landscapes for pharmacy technicians, with career opportunities in settings ranging from urban hospitals and specialty pharmacies to rural clinics and research institutions. New York has a wide range of employers due to its population density and healthcare demands, especially in metropolitan areas like New York City, Brooklyn and Queens. Pharmacy technicians can work in hospitals, retail pharmacies and specialized environments that may not be as prevalent in other states, such as compounding pharmacies, which often prepare unique medications for patients with specific needs.

Additionally, New York has a high demand for healthcare services, which drives the need for skilled pharmacy technicians to support the pharmacists and healthcare providers in these settings. This high demand also enhances job stability and may contribute to competitive salary levels in many regions across the state.

Overview of pharm techs in NY

There are 23,320 people employed as pharmacy technicians in New York, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which makes it the fourth highest employer of pharmacy technicians in the U.S. The median wage per hour is $20 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 7.2%, faster than the job growth rate for all other career fields combined, said the BLS.

The New York City-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area also ranks number one in the U.S. for highest employment of pharm techs, said the BLS. With this positive news in mind, here are five diverse and prominent employers of pharmacy technicians in New York State:

• NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Multiple locations across the state: As one of the largest and most highly-ranked hospital systems in the U.S., NewYork-Presbyterian operates multiple hospitals and medical centers across New York City. Pharmacy technicians here can gain experience in clinical pharmacy settings, including inpatient, outpatient and specialized pharmacies.
  
• CVS Health, Multiple locations across the state: CVS, a nationwide retail pharmacy giant, is one of the largest employers of pharmacy technicians in New York State. It offers roles in both urban and rural areas across the state, providing technicians opportunities in retail pharmacy, prescription processing and patient counseling.
  
• New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), 44 prisons in multiple locations across the state: DOCCS employs pharmacy technicians to assist with medication management and distribution across its correctional facilities. This unique setting allows pharmacy technicians to gain experience in regulatory and controlled medication handling, serving a specific healthcare population within the state.
  
• Mount Sinai Health System, New York City, Brooklyn, South Nassau, Oceanside, Astoria: Another leading healthcare network, Mount Sinai has a range of hospitals and outpatient clinics, particularly in New York City. Pharmacy technicians at Mount Sinai can work in various departments, including oncology, emergency medicine and ambulatory care, which enhances their skills in specialty medication handling.
  
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York City: MSK is one of the world's premier cancer treatment and research institutions, based in New York City. Pharmacy technicians at MSK work with a dedicated oncology team, gaining exposure to specialized cancer treatments and therapies, including chemotherapeutic compounding, which is valuable for those seeking niche expertise.

Salary quick stats

While the median national salary for pharmacy technicians rests at $43,460 a year, though pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what professional certifications you have earned and your level of education.

Median annual salaries in New York

Salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in New York

The salary range for pharmacy technicians in New York spans from $35,390 to $62,250 per year.

• Entry-level pharmacy technicians typically assist with basic tasks like customer service, prescription processing and inventory. They may work in retail settings or hospitals, often under the close supervision of more experienced pharmacy staff. Salary range: $35,000–$40,000 per year

• With a few years of experience, mid-level pharmacy technicians may take on more responsibilities, such as handling insurance claims, managing inventory control and assisting in specialized departments. Some may start supervising entry-level technicians or lead training sessions. Salary range: $40,000–$50,000 per year

• Senior pharm techs typically have substantial experience and may work in complex roles in hospital or specialty pharmacy settings. They might oversee other technicians, handle more complex compounding tasks and may manage inventory and supply orders for the pharmacy. Salary range: $50,000–$60,000 per year

• Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) with credentials from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) may earn higher salaries. Certification can open doors to specialized roles, such as in compounding, oncology or hospital settings, and may allow technicians to assume leadership or supervisory responsibilities. Salary range: $45,000–$60,000 per year

Pay by metro area within New York state

Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. As a rule, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work as a pharmacy technician in New York City or the state capital of Albany, which have several high profile hospitals, pharmacy chains, university health facilities, pay may be more competitive. That said, here's what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, California metro areas dominate the list and no metro areas in New York make the top 10, however the New York City-Newark-Jersey City metro area not only ranks number one for employment in the U.S., it pays best in the state at a median of $42,240, higher than the national median.

Salary growth and job outlook

New York's job growth rate for pharmacy technicians could potentially outpace the national average projected by the BLS, which is expected at around 7.2% through 2033. Here are a few factors that suggest why New York might experience faster growth:

• Health insurance expansion: New York State has expanded Medicaid and health insurance programs to cover a larger portion of its population. With more people insured, access to prescriptions has increased, which in turn drives demand for pharmacy staff to meet this need.
  
• Telehealth and online pharmacy growth: Telehealth and online pharmacies have seen significant growth, and New York has been quick to adopt these technologies. The increase in remote prescription services requires pharmacy technicians to handle logistics, distribution and support, particularly in processing prescriptions for delivery or pickup.
  
• Evolving pharmacy technician roles and duties: Across the state, the role of pharmacy technicians is expanding to include more patient-focused and complex tasks, as pharmacists take on greater responsibilities in healthcare services, like administering vaccinations. This shift is creating a demand for technicians trained in advanced functions, compounding and medication therapy support, increasing the need for well-qualified pharmacy technicians.
  
• Healthcare and specialty pharmacy services growth: New York has an extensive healthcare network, with numerous hospitals, clinics and specialty pharmacies that serve a diverse population. With specialty pharmacies and services like oncology, HIV/AIDS and diabetes care growing, pharmacy technicians are needed to support these specialty fields. New York's investment in healthcare infrastructure and expansion of specialized services could lead to faster-than-average job growth in pharmacy technician roles.

Factors affecting pharm tech salaries in New York

Education for pharmacy technicians in NY

In New York, pharmacy technicians have several education and training options that may boost their qualifications and job prospects. While New York does not yet mandate specific licenses for pharmacy technicians, many employers prefer or require formal education and certification. Here are education paths to consider:

Pharmacy technician training program

• Community colleges and vocational schools: Many community colleges and technical schools in New York offer accredited pharmacy technician training programs, which can lead to a certificate or diploma. Notable programs include those at CUNY (City University of New York) institutions and Monroe College. These programs typically cover pharmacology, prescription processing, pharmaceutical calculations and hands-on lab work. Most programs take between six months and one year to complete and provide a foundational understanding of pharmacy operations.

Associate degree in pharmacy technology

• An associate degree can provide a more in-depth education in pharmacy technology, covering additional courses in chemistry, medical ethics, and anatomy. It may also include an externship in a pharmacy setting. Programs typically take two years to complete and are available at some New York community colleges. Associate programs are designed for students interested in advancing to more specialized roles.

Certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

• PTCB Certification (CPhT): The PTCB offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, which is widely recognized by New York employers and can improve hiring potential. To be eligible, candidates must complete a PTCB-recognized training program or have sufficient work experience, then pass the PTCB exam. While not required by New York State, many hospitals, specialty pharmacies and healthcare facilities strongly prefer certified technicians for roles with greater responsibility.

On-the-job training with registered pharmacists

• For those who want to work while learning, some pharmacies in New York may offer on-the-job training programs. This approach may be beneficial for those new to the field, allowing them to gain practical experience and prepare for the PTCB exam. However, formal training or certification is often recommended or required by top employers for career advancement.

Continuing education for specializing

• Specialized areas, such as compounding, sterile products preparation, and oncology pharmacy, may require additional training and continuing education (CE). These can be pursued through New York-based community colleges, certification bodies, or online programs that meet New York State and national standards.

Cost of living considerations in NY

The cost of living in New York is high, especially in major urban areas such as Manhattan and New York City, which is one reason the state pays a median wage that is higher than the national median. Housing, transportation, food, healthcare and utilities are all higher than the national average and all contribute to overall expenses. Salaries for pharmacy technicians in New York may reflect these higher living costs, but it's still critical to weigh all options when you decide to work in the state.

RentCafe says the cost of living in New York is 29% higher than the national average, with housing at 75% higher than the national average. Here are average costs of living for some of the New York cities the BLS lists as paying pharmacy techs the highest salaries:

New York city	Cost of living %
Albany	3% higher than the national average
New York City	77% higher than the national average
Syracuse	3% higher than the national average
Ithaca	1% higher than the national average
Brooklyn	62% higher than the national average

NY state professional associations for pharm techs

Here are some state-specific resources, professional associations and organizations in New York that support pharmacy technicians. These associations provide valuable resources, continuing education and networking opportunities tailored to New York's unique pharmacy landscape, helping pharmacy technicians advance their careers and stay updated on state-specific industry changes.

This pharmacy technician salary guide for New York strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding becoming a pharmacy tech and the profession within the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.