Pharmacy Technician in Kentucky

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

Median annual salary

$37,630

trending_down -13.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering

10,040

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$154

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Kentucky

To become a pharmacy technician in Kentucky, individuals must register with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. While a high school diploma or GED is not required for state registration, applicants must be at least 16 years old and undergo a criminal background check. National certification, such as through the PTCB, is not mandated by the state but is often preferred by employers and may allow for expanded duties under supervision.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,240

25th percentile $35,100

50th (median) $37,630

75th percentile $44,770

90th (experienced) $50,060

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

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing body	Kentucky Board of Pharmacy
State license	Required
Education	Not required for state registration, but employers may require a high school diploma or GED. National certification (PTCB) does not require a high school diploma or GED.
Exam	Not required for state registration. National certification (PTCB) requires the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). ($129)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Minimum age for state registration is 16 years old. National certification (PTCB) does not have a minimum age requirement. A criminal background check is required for state registration. An NABP e-Profile ID is required for the application.

Source: Kentucky 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_circleKentucky 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

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

In Kentucky, becoming a pharmacy technician requires you to complete the required education (Not required for state registration, but employers may require a high school diploma or GED. National certification (PTCB) does not require a high school diploma or GED.), pass the Not required for state registration. National certification (PTCB) requires the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)., and submit your application ($25 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Kentucky? expand_more

A state license is required in Kentucky. Kentucky Board of Pharmacy handles pharmacy technician licensing — the Not required for state registration. National certification (PTCB) requires the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). is part of the process.

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Kentucky? expand_more

In Kentucky, the median pay for pharmacy technicians comes to $37,630/year. That's 13% below the national median of $43,460. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $30,240, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $50,060.

How expensive is pharmacy technician licensing in Kentucky? expand_more

Between exam fee ($129) and application fee ($25), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Most candidates in Kentucky complete the process in 1-2 weeks, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.