Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey

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

Median annual salary
$38,890
trending_down -10.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.

engineering
14,130

Jobs (NJ)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$179

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in New Jersey

To become a Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey, individuals must register with the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy. Key steps include being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, passing a criminal background check, and attesting to English language proficiency. While national certification (such as the PTCB Exam) is not required for initial state registration, it is mandatory within 180 days of initial registration to maintain registration and offers significant career benefits, including allowing pharmacies to exceed the standard pharmacist-to-technician supervision ratio. State registration must be renewed every two years, with no continuing education required for state renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,190
25th percentile $36,300
50th (median) $38,890
75th percentile $48,480
90th (experienced) $57,010

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

checklist New Jersey requirements

Licensing bodyNew Jersey State Board of Pharmacy
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED
ExamNot applicable for state registration; national certification is optional but beneficial (PTCB Exam or ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee$50
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMust be at least 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Must attest to English language proficiency. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is not required for state registration but is mandatory within 180 days of initial registration to maintain registration, and allows pharmacies to exceed the 2:1 pharmacist-to-technician supervision ratio. Continuing education is not required for state registration renewal, but 20 hours are required every two years for PTCB certification renewal (including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety).

Source: New Jersey State 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_circleNew Jersey 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's required to work as a pharmacy technician in New Jersey? expand_more
New Jersey requires pharmacy technicians to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED), pass the Not applicable for state registration; national certification is optional but beneficial (PTCB Exam or ExCPT), and submit your application ($50 fee).
Is a pharmacy technician license required in New Jersey? expand_more
A state license is required in New Jersey. New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy handles pharmacy technician licensing — the Not applicable for state registration; national certification is optional but beneficial (PTCB Exam or ExCPT) is part of the process.
What is the average pharmacy technician salary in New Jersey? expand_more
The median pharmacy technician salary in New Jersey is $38,890 per year. — 11% under the $43,460 national average. New pharmacy technicians start around $34,190; seasoned professionals can reach $57,010.
How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician in New Jersey? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($129) and application fee ($50) plus your education and training.
How many months or years does pharmacy technician certification take in New Jersey? expand_more
In New Jersey, becoming a pharmacy technician generally takes 2-4 weeks, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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