Pharmacy Technician in Iowa

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

Median annual salary

$41,380

trending_down -4.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering

4,480

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$169

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (e.g., 3-12 months for training, plus time for national certification and state registration)

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Iowa

To become a certified pharmacy technician in Iowa, individuals must first register as a pharmacy technician trainee with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy before commencing employment. Within one year of trainee status, national certification through the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) is required, along with a high school diploma or GED and completion of an approved training program. The application fee for certified pharmacy technician registration is $40, and renewal is required every two years, aligning with national certification renewal which typically requires 20 continuing education hours.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,880

25th percentile $37,240

50th (median) $41,380

75th percentile $47,230

90th (experienced) $52,530

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

checklist Iowa requirements

Licensing body	Iowa Board of Pharmacy
State license	Required
Education	High school diploma or GED and national certification (PTCB or NHA). Completion of a pharmacy technician training program accredited by ASHP, an accredited college, or an approved pharmacy employer is also required.
Exam	PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18. Must register as a pharmacy technician trainee before starting work in a pharmacy. National certification is required within one year of trainee status. Background checks are expected.

Source: Iowa Board of Pharmacy

workspace_premium Iowa license tiers

Iowa offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Technician Trainee	N/A
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)	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_circleIowa 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a pharmacy technician in Iowa? expand_more

To become a pharmacy technician in Iowa, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and national certification (PTCB or NHA). Completion of a pharmacy technician training program accredited by ASHP, an accredited college, or an approved pharmacy employer is also required.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($40 fee).

Does Iowa require pharmacy technician licensure? expand_more

Yes, Iowa requires a state license to practice as a pharmacy technician. The licensing body is Iowa Board of Pharmacy. You must pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Iowa? expand_more

The median pharmacy technician salary in Iowa is $41,380 per year. This is close to the national median of $43,460. Wages range from $34,880 (10th percentile) up to $52,530 (90th percentile).

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($129) and application fee ($40) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does pharmacy technician certification take in Iowa? expand_more

In Iowa, becoming a pharmacy technician generally takes Varies (e.g., 3-12 months for training, plus time for national certification and state registration), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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

Yes — pharmacy technicians in Iowa must complete 20.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.