Pharmacy Technician in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary

$48,560

trending_up +11.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering

7,110

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$189

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (training program must be completed within 12 months of registration)

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota

To become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota, you must register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. Key steps include being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and completing a board-approved training program within 12 months of registration. While national certification exams like the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) are not strictly required for state registration, passing one of these exams can fulfill the training program requirement. There is an application fee of $60, and registration must be renewed annually with 20 hours of continuing education required every two years.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,780

25th percentile $40,180

50th (median) $48,560

75th percentile $51,540

90th (experienced) $59,970

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
State license	Required
Education	High school diploma or GED and completion of a board-approved training program within 12 months of registration. Approved programs include PTCB or NHA certification, ASHP-accredited programs, employer-based programs (minimum 240 hours in one year with theoretical and practical instruction), or Board-approved vocational/technical institution programs.
Exam	PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) are accepted as a form of approved training, but national certification is not explicitly required for state registration. ($129)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18. Proof of high school graduation or equivalent is required. Technicians must complete a board-approved training program within 12 months of receiving their registration number. Continuing education of 20 hours is required every two years, to be reported by July 31st of every odd-numbered year. National certification (PTCB or NHA) can satisfy the training requirement but is not mandatory for state registration. Criminal background checks are not required for pharmacy technicians.

Source: Minnesota 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_circleMinnesota 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

How do I become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota? expand_more

Minnesota requires pharmacy technicians to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of a board-approved training program within 12 months of registration. Approved programs include PTCB or NHA certification, ASHP-accredited programs, employer-based programs (minimum 240 hours in one year with theoretical and practical instruction), or Board-approved vocational/technical institution programs.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) are accepted as a form of approved training, but national certification is not explicitly required for state registration., and submit your application ($60 fee).

Is a pharmacy technician license required in Minnesota? expand_more

A state license is required in Minnesota. Minnesota Board of Pharmacy handles pharmacy technician licensing — the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) are accepted as a form of approved training, but national certification is not explicitly required for state registration. is part of the process.

What is the average pharmacy technician salary in Minnesota? expand_more

pharmacy technicians in Minnesota earn a median of $48,560 annually. That's 12% above the national median of $43,460. The range spans from $37,780 at the entry level to $59,970 for top earners.

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($129) and application fee ($60) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota? expand_more

Expect to spend Varies (training program must be completed within 12 months of registration) from start to finish in Minnesota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does Minnesota require continuing education for pharmacy technicians? expand_more

Yes — pharmacy technicians in Minnesota must complete 20.0 CE hours every 1.0 year to stay licensed.