Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina

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

Median annual salary
$39,870
trending_down -8.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering
16,600

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$30

Licensing fees

schedule
Training program must be completed within 180 days of employment for non-certified technicians.

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in North Carolina

To become a Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina, individuals must register with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. There are two pathways: either complete a board-approved, employer-provided training program as a non-certified technician, or obtain national certification through the PTCB or ExCPT exams. While the state does not require a minimum age or a high school diploma for registration if currently enrolled in a high school program, a high school diploma or GED is generally expected. North Carolina does not offer reciprocity for pharmacy technician licenses from other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,230
25th percentile $36,670
50th (median) $39,870
75th percentile $46,660
90th (experienced) $51,940

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

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing bodyNorth Carolina Board of Pharmacy
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED, or be currently enrolled in a program that leads to a high school diploma or its equivalent. Completion of a board-approved training program provided by the supervising pharmacist-manager for non-certified technicians, or national certification (PTCB or ExCPT) for certified technicians.
ExamNot required for state registration; PTCB or ExCPT for national certification.
Application fee$30
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesTechnicians must register with the board within 30 days of completing a required training program (for non-certified) or within 10 days of beginning employment (for certified). No minimum age requirement. May be subject to a criminal background check. Must not have a history of drug-related crimes. A passport photo and notarized application are required.

Source: North Carolina 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_circleNorth Carolina 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 North Carolina? expand_more
To become a pharmacy technician in North Carolina, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED, or be currently enrolled in a program that leads to a high school diploma or its equivalent. Completion of a board-approved training program provided by the supervising pharmacist-manager for non-certified technicians, or national certification (PTCB or ExCPT) for certified technicians.), pass the Not required for state registration; PTCB or ExCPT for national certification., and submit your application ($30 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina? expand_more
A state license is required in North Carolina. North Carolina Board of Pharmacy handles pharmacy technician licensing — the Not required for state registration; PTCB or ExCPT for national certification. is part of the process.
How much does a pharmacy technician make in North Carolina? expand_more
North Carolina pharmacy technicians bring home a median salary of $39,870. This trails the $43,460 national median by 8%. The range spans from $35,230 at the entry level to $51,940 for top earners.
How quickly can I become a pharmacy technician in North Carolina? expand_more
In North Carolina, becoming a pharmacy technician generally takes Training program must be completed within 180 days of employment for non-certified technicians., accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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