Pharmacy Technician in Alaska

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

Median annual salary
$50,440
trending_up +16.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.

engineering
870

Jobs (AK)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$154

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Alaska

To become a licensed Pharmacy Technician in Alaska, you must register with the Alaska Board of Pharmacy. Key steps include having a high school diploma or GED (or being enrolled in a supervised training program), being at least 18 years old (with a pathway for 16-17 year olds in approved programs), and submitting an application with a $25 fee. While national certification (PTCB or NHA) is not mandatory for state licensure, it is highly recommended as it expands the scope of practice and is often preferred by employers. Licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 10 hours of continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,650
25th percentile $46,870
50th (median) $50,440
75th percentile $58,510
90th (experienced) $64,600

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

checklist Alaska requirements

Licensing bodyAlaska Board of Pharmacy
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED, or currently enrolled in a supervised training program.
ExamNot required for state licensure, but national certification (PTCB or NHA) is recognized and expands duties. ($129)
Application fee$25
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education10.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age is 18, though a 16-17 pathway exists if enrolled in an approved/supervised training program. Applicants must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. A criminal background check is required. National certification (PTCB or NHA) is not required for initial licensure but is highly preferred by employers and allows for expanded duties under a two-tier classification system. The license fee is $25, and renewal fees can be $25 or prorated $12.50.

Source: Alaska 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_circleAlaska license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a pharmacy technician career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a pharmacy technician in Alaska? expand_more
The path to pharmacy technician licensure in Alaska: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED, or currently enrolled in a supervised training program.), pass the Not required for state licensure, but national certification (PTCB or NHA) is recognized and expands duties., and submit your application ($25 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Alaska? expand_more
A state license is required in Alaska. Alaska Board of Pharmacy handles pharmacy technician licensing — the Not required for state licensure, but national certification (PTCB or NHA) is recognized and expands duties. is part of the process.
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Alaska? expand_more
The median pharmacy technician salary in Alaska is $50,440 per year. That's 16% above the national median of $43,460. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $38,650, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $64,600.
How expensive is pharmacy technician licensing in Alaska? expand_more
Between exam fee ($129) and application fee ($25), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Alaska? expand_more
Expect to spend 6-12 months from start to finish in Alaska — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for pharmacy technicians in Alaska? expand_more
License renewal in Alaska requires completing 10.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

Explore more