Pharmacy Technician in Idaho

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

Median annual salary
$45,210
trending_up +4.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.

engineering
2,740

Jobs (ID)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$164

Licensing fees

schedule
3-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Idaho

To become a pharmacy technician in Idaho, you must register with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Key steps include submitting an online application, providing a government-issued photo ID, completing fingerprint requirements for a background check (if 18 or older), and paying the $35 application fee. While a high school diploma or GED is generally expected, Idaho allows individuals as young as 16 to apply without one. National certification through the PTCB or NHA is required for Certified Pharmacy Technicians, and while the state does not mandate continuing education for its license renewal, national certifications typically require 20 CE hours every two years.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,940
25th percentile $38,910
50th (median) $45,210
75th percentile $49,230
90th (experienced) $58,570

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

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing bodyIdaho Board of Pharmacy
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED is generally required, though Idaho allows individuals as young as 16 to apply without a diploma. National certification (PTCB or NHA) is required for Certified Pharmacy Technicians.
ExamPTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee$35
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesMinimum age is 16. A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required for applicants 18 or older, with a processing fee of $28.25. While Idaho does not require CE for state license renewal, maintaining national certification (PTCB or NHA) typically requires 20 CE hours every two years, including specific hours in pharmacy law and patient safety. Idaho offers two types of licenses: Certified Pharmacy Technician (for those with national certification) and Uncertified Pharmacy Technician (for those just starting out).

Source: Idaho Board of Pharmacy

workspace_premium Idaho license tiers

Idaho offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:

Tier Hours required
Technician-in-Training N/A
Certified Pharmacy Technician N/A

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_circleIdaho 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

How do you get certified as a pharmacy technician in Idaho? expand_more
In Idaho, becoming a pharmacy technician requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED is generally required, though Idaho allows individuals as young as 16 to apply without a diploma. National certification (PTCB or NHA) is required for Certified Pharmacy Technicians.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($35 fee).
Is a pharmacy technician license required in Idaho? expand_more
Idaho mandates state licensure for pharmacy technicians. Idaho Board of Pharmacy oversees the process, which includes passing the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).
What is the average pharmacy technician salary in Idaho? expand_more
Idaho pharmacy technicians bring home a median salary of $45,210. That's roughly in line with the $43,460 national median. New pharmacy technicians start around $36,940; seasoned professionals can reach $58,570.
How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician in Idaho? expand_more
Between exam fee ($129) and application fee ($35), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Idaho? expand_more
Most candidates in Idaho complete the process in 3-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Explore more