Pharmacy Technician in Michigan

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

Median annual salary
$40,040
trending_down -7.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering
14,610

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$190

Licensing fees

schedule
3-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Michigan

To become a licensed Pharmacy Technician in Michigan, individuals must apply through the Michigan Board of Pharmacy - LARA. Key steps include possessing a high school diploma or GED, passing one of the approved examinations (PTCB, NHA, or a Board-approved employer-based exam), and completing a criminal background check. Additionally, applicants must complete specific training in implicit bias and human trafficking. Michigan offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet the state's requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,550
25th percentile $36,920
50th (median) $40,040
75th percentile $47,780
90th (experienced) $51,180

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing bodyMichigan Board of Pharmacy - LARA
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED. Completion of a Board-approved training program OR national certification (PTCB or NHA) OR a Board-approved employer-based exam is required for full licensure. National certification is not explicitly required for a full license, but passing one of the approved exams is.
ExamPTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee$61
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education20.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. Requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Initial licensure requires 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years preceding application. A one-time human trafficking training is also required. CE must include 1 hour in pain and symptom management, 1 hour in patient safety, and 1 hour in pharmacy law. Additionally, 5 of the 20 CE hours must be live/synchronous. No more than 12 hours of CE credit may be earned in a 24-hour period.

Source: Michigan Board of Pharmacy - LARA

workspace_premium Michigan license tiers

Michigan offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:

Tier Hours required
Temporary Pharmacy Technician N/A
Limited Pharmacy Technician N/A
Pharmacy Technician (Full) 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_circleMichigan 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 Michigan? expand_more
The path to pharmacy technician licensure in Michigan: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED. Completion of a Board-approved training program OR national certification (PTCB or NHA) OR a Board-approved employer-based exam is required for full licensure. National certification is not explicitly required for a full license, but passing one of the approved exams is.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($61 fee).
Is a pharmacy technician license required in Michigan? expand_more
Michigan mandates state licensure for pharmacy technicians. Michigan Board of Pharmacy - LARA oversees the process, which includes passing the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).
What is the average pharmacy technician salary in Michigan? expand_more
In Michigan, the median pay for pharmacy technicians comes to $40,040/year. This trails the $43,460 national median by 8%. Wages range from $34,550 (10th percentile) up to $51,180 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get pharmacy technician certified in Michigan? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($129) and application fee ($61). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How quickly can I become a pharmacy technician in Michigan? expand_more
In Michigan, becoming a pharmacy technician generally takes 3-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
How many CE hours do pharmacy technicians need in Michigan? expand_more
Michigan requires 20.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your pharmacy technician license.

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