Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary
$37,730
trending_down -13.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering
1,720

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$154

Licensing fees

schedule
3-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island

To become a Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island, you must obtain a state license through the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. There are two levels of licensure: Pharmacy Technician I (entry-level, requiring enrollment in a board-approved training program) and Pharmacy Technician II (requiring national certification via the PTCB or ExCPT exam). All applicants must be at least 18 years old (with exceptions for high school students in career exploration programs) and possess a high school diploma or GED. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for technicians licensed in other states with equivalent requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,210
25th percentile $37,330
50th (median) $37,730
75th percentile $48,200
90th (experienced) $54,070

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing bodyRhode Island Board of Pharmacy
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED, or currently enrolled in a high school or vocational training program that awards such degree or certificate. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) required for Technician II. For Technician I, completion of a board-approved or employer-based training program is required.
ExamPTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee$25
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
Continuing education10.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18, with an exception for high school students in career exploration programs. Applicants must not have been convicted of any felony for violations involving controlled substances, subject to waiver by the Board. An NABP e-Profile ID is required for renewal. A background check may be expected. Licenses expire annually on June 30th. Pharmacy Technician I has limited duties and works under direct supervision. Pharmacy Technician II has expanded duties.

Source: Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy

workspace_premium Rhode Island license tiers

Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:

Tier Hours required
Technician I N/A
Technician II 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_circleRhode Island 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 Rhode Island? expand_more
In Rhode Island, becoming a pharmacy technician requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED, or currently enrolled in a high school or vocational training program that awards such degree or certificate. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) required for Technician II. For Technician I, completion of a board-approved or employer-based training program is required.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($25 fee).
Is a pharmacy technician license required in Rhode Island? expand_more
Rhode Island mandates state licensure for pharmacy technicians. Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy oversees the process, which includes passing the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Rhode Island? expand_more
pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island earn a median of $37,730 annually. That's 13% below the national median of $43,460. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,210, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $54,070.
How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($129) and application fee ($25) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island? expand_more
The typical timeline in Rhode Island is 3-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
How many CE hours do pharmacy technicians need in Rhode Island? expand_more
Rhode Island requires 10.0 hours of continuing education every 1.0 year to maintain your pharmacy technician license.

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