Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.
Jobs (PA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania
To become a registered Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania, individuals must register with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy. Applicants generally need to be at least 17 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program. Additionally, a criminal history record check and 3 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting training are required for initial registration. There is no state exam, and the application fee for a pharmacy technician registration is $30, with a biennial renewal fee of $70.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Pennsylvania. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Pennsylvania requirements
| Licensing body | Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy |
| State license | Required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED and completion of a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program (unless grandfathered) |
| Exam | No state exam required |
| Application fee | $30 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 3.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 17 for full registration (16 for trainee). Requires a criminal history record check and 3 hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training. National certification (PTCB/ExCPT) is not required by the state but may be preferred by employers. Grandfathering clause: individuals who practiced as a pharmacy technician for at least one year between January 29, 2019, and January 29, 2021, may be exempt from the high school diploma and training program requirements if they apply by June 28, 2026. |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circlePennsylvania license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk