Pharmacy Technician in West Virginia

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

Median annual salary
$37,370
trending_down -14.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.

engineering
3,690

Jobs (WV)

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 West Virginia

To become a licensed Pharmacy Technician in West Virginia, individuals must register with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Key steps include having a high school diploma or GED, completing a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program (which can be a 500-hour on-the-job program), and passing a national certification exam such as the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT). Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check. Reciprocity is possible for nationally certified technicians with at least one year of experience, but they will still need to complete a 20-hour site-specific training program.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,890
25th percentile $34,470
50th (median) $37,370
75th percentile $44,180
90th (experienced) $49,270

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

checklist West Virginia requirements

Licensing bodyWest Virginia Board of Pharmacy
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED. Completion of a West Virginia Board-approved pharmacy technician training program (which can include a 500-hour, competency-based, on-the-job training program through an employer) AND national certification (PTCB or ExCPT).
Experience500.0 hours
ExamPTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee$25
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
Continuing education20.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age of 18 years old. Must pass a criminal background check and provide fingerprints. Reciprocity is available for nationally certified technicians who have practiced in another jurisdiction for at least one year, but they must still apply as a trainee and complete a 20-hour site-specific training program.

Source: West Virginia Board of Pharmacy

workspace_premium West Virginia license tiers

West Virginia offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:

Tier Hours required
Technician Trainee N/A
Registered 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_circleWest Virginia 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 West Virginia? expand_more
In West Virginia, becoming a pharmacy technician requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED. Completion of a West Virginia Board-approved pharmacy technician training program (which can include a 500-hour, competency-based, on-the-job training program through an employer) AND national certification (PTCB or ExCPT).), gain 500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($25 fee).
Is a pharmacy technician license required in West Virginia? expand_more
Yes, West Virginia requires a state license to practice as a pharmacy technician. The licensing body is West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. You must pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).
What do pharmacy technicians earn in West Virginia? expand_more
The median pharmacy technician salary in West Virginia is $37,370 per year. That's 14% below the national median of $43,460. The range spans from $29,890 at the entry level to $49,270 for top earners.
How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician in West Virginia? expand_more
Between exam fee ($129) and application fee ($25), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How quickly can I become a pharmacy technician in West Virginia? expand_more
Most candidates in West Virginia complete the process in 3-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for pharmacy technicians in West Virginia? expand_more
Yes — pharmacy technicians in West Virginia must complete 20.0 CE hours every 1.0 year to stay licensed.

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