Pharmacy Technician in Ohio

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

Median annual salary
$37,860
trending_down -12.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering
20,100

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$194

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies depending on training program and national certification, typically 3-12 months.

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Ohio

To become a Pharmacy Technician in Ohio, individuals must register with the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy. Key steps include possessing a high school diploma or GED, completing a Board-approved training program (or having qualifying work experience), and passing a criminal background check. Certified Pharmacy Technicians must also hold a current national certification from PTCB or NHA. Ohio offers reciprocity for technicians licensed in other states who meet specific work experience requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,610
25th percentile $35,630
50th (median) $37,860
75th percentile $46,540
90th (experienced) $52,130

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

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing bodyState of Ohio Board of Pharmacy
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED, and completion of a Board-approved training program (or one year of active work experience in another state for Registered Technicians). National certification (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT) is required for Certified Pharmacy Technicians.
ExamPTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee$65
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education10.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age is 18 (or 17 if enrolled in a Board-approved Ohio public high school training program for trainees). Requires a criminal background check (BCI and FBI fingerprints). CE is required for Registered Technicians (10 hours, including 2 hours of pharmacy jurisprudence and 2 hours of patient/medication safety) and for Certified Technicians to maintain their national certification (20 hours, including 1 hour of law and 1 hour of patient safety).

Source: State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy

workspace_premium Ohio license tiers

Ohio offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:

Tier Hours required
Registered Pharmacy Technician Trainee N/A
Registered Pharmacy Technician N/A
Certified Pharmacy Technician 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_circleOhio 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 Ohio? expand_more
The path to pharmacy technician licensure in Ohio: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED, and completion of a Board-approved training program (or one year of active work experience in another state for Registered Technicians). National certification (PTCB CPhT or NHA ExCPT) is required for Certified Pharmacy Technicians.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($65 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Ohio? expand_more
You cannot practice as a pharmacy technician in Ohio without a state license from State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy. The required exam is the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Ohio? expand_more
pharmacy technicians in Ohio earn a median of $37,860 annually. This trails the $43,460 national median by 13%. New pharmacy technicians start around $33,610; seasoned professionals can reach $52,130.
How expensive is pharmacy technician licensing in Ohio? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($129) and application fee ($65) plus your education and training.
How quickly can I become a pharmacy technician in Ohio? expand_more
Most candidates in Ohio complete the process in Varies depending on training program and national certification, typically 3-12 months., from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do pharmacy technicians need in Ohio? expand_more
Yes — pharmacy technicians in Ohio must complete 10.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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