Pharmacy Technician in Washington

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

Median annual salary

$56,140

trending_up +29.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.

engineering

9,260

Jobs (WA)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$269

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in Washington

To become a certified Pharmacy Technician in Washington, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Key steps include completing a commission-approved training program, undertaking 8 hours of guided Washington and federal pharmacy law study, and passing a national certification exam like the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT). The licensing body is the Washington State Department of Health - Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, and the initial application fee is $140.00. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 20 hours of continuing education per cycle, including at least one hour of health equity training. Out-of-state applicants must meet the same requirements as those trained in Washington.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,550

25th percentile $48,420

50th (median) $56,140

75th percentile $64,790

90th (experienced) $74,370

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

checklist Washington requirements

Licensing body	Washington State Department of Health - Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
State license	Required
Education	High school diploma or GED, completion of a commission-approved training program, 8 hours of guided Washington + federal pharmacy law study, and national certification.
Exam	PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee	$140
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Must complete 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training (may be included in approved training program). Requires a criminal background check. Must register with a commission-designated CE tracking program. At least 1 hour of CE must be health equity training.

Source: Washington State Department of Health - Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission

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_circleWashington 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

How do you get certified as a pharmacy technician in Washington? expand_more

Washington requires pharmacy technicians to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED, completion of a commission-approved training program, 8 hours of guided Washington + federal pharmacy law study, and national certification.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($140 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Washington? expand_more

Washington mandates state licensure for pharmacy technicians. Washington State Department of Health - Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission oversees the process, which includes passing the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Washington? expand_more

In Washington, the median pay for pharmacy technicians comes to $56,140/year. — 29% higher than the $43,460 national figure. New pharmacy technicians start around $45,550; seasoned professionals can reach $74,370.

What are the fees to become a pharmacy technician in Washington? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($129) and application fee ($140). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a pharmacy technician in Washington? expand_more

The typical timeline in Washington is 6-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What's required to renew a pharmacy technician license in Washington? expand_more

License renewal in Washington requires completing 20.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.