Pharmacy Technician in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$37,690

trending_down -13.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

8,710

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$189

Licensing fees

schedule

3-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama

To become a pharmacy technician in Alabama, individuals must register with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy. While a high school diploma or GED is not mandated by the state, national certification exams, which are often preferred by employers and can fulfill the state's training requirement, typically have this as a prerequisite. New technicians must complete a Board-approved training program within six months of registration, which can be satisfied by obtaining national certification through the PTCB or NHA. Alabama does not offer reciprocity for pharmacy technicians, meaning a new license must be obtained even if licensed in another state.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,830

25th percentile $35,780

50th (median) $37,690

75th percentile $43,820

90th (experienced) $48,190

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	Alabama Board of Pharmacy
State license	Required
Education	Not required by the state, but national certifications (PTCB, NHA) typically require a high school diploma or GED.
Exam	Not required for initial registration, but a Board-approved training program is. National certification exams (PTCB, NHA) are accepted as fulfilling the training requirement. ($129)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	6.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 17. Requires a criminal background check ($40 fee). All new technicians registered on or after January 1, 2020, must complete a Board-approved training program within six months of registration and submit proof within 10 days of completion. The training requirement can be met by obtaining national certification (PTCB or NHA).

Source: Alabama Board of Pharmacy

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+6.4%

Faster than average

Annual openings

49,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

490,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure 0.01/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a pharmacy technician in Alabama? expand_more

The path to pharmacy technician licensure in Alabama: complete the required education (Not required by the state, but national certifications (PTCB, NHA) typically require a high school diploma or GED.), pass the Not required for initial registration, but a Board-approved training program is. National certification exams (PTCB, NHA) are accepted as fulfilling the training requirement., and submit your application ($60 fee).

Does Alabama require pharmacy technician licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in Alabama. Alabama Board of Pharmacy handles pharmacy technician licensing — the Not required for initial registration, but a Board-approved training program is. National certification exams (PTCB, NHA) are accepted as fulfilling the training requirement. is part of the process.

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama pharmacy technicians bring home a median salary of $37,690. This trails the $43,460 national median by 13%. New pharmacy technicians start around $30,830; seasoned professionals can reach $48,190.

What are the fees to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama? expand_more

Between exam fee ($129) and application fee ($60), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

What's the timeline to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama? expand_more

The typical timeline in Alabama is 3-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do pharmacy technicians need in Alabama? expand_more

To keep your license active, Alabama mandates 6.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.