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Pharmacy Technician Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacy technician in California, including See board website and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Pharmacy Technician in California

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See board website

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Pharmacy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See board website

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,640 median (14% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Pharmacy Technician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Pharmacy.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 49,640, Pharmacy Technicians in California earn 14% above the national median of 43460. California ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$49,640

Hourly estimate

$23.87
14% above national median

Difference: +$6,180

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$38,850
  • P2525th percentile$45,610
  • P50Median$49,640
  • P7575th percentile$64,400
  • P9090th percentile$79,630

State vs National Median

State: $49,640
National: $43,460

Total employment: 45210 | Annual openings: null

Pharmacy Technician Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Pharmacy Technician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington56,140
#2Oregon51,210
#3Alaska50,440
#4California49,640
#5Minnesota48,560

Nearby States Comparison

Pharmacy Technician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$49,640Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$51,210Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$46,670Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$47,620Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Pharmacy

1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N219, Sacramento, CA, 95834

Phone: 9165747900

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$85,080Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$71,920Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,910Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Pharmacy Technician in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Pharmacy Technician salary in California?

The median annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in California is 49,640. Salaries range from 38850 (10th percentile) to 79630 (90th percentile).

How does the Pharmacy Technician salary in California compare to the national average?

Pharmacy Technicians in California earn 14% above the national median of 43460, with a state median of 49,640.

How many Pharmacy Technicians work in California?

California employs approximately 45210 Pharmacy Technicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Pharmacy Technician license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacy Technicians in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Pharmacy. Review agency details at https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/.