Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Pharmacy Technician Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacy technician in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacy Technician in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Tied to business.
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Public Health • Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$41,380 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#28 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Pharmacy Technician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Public Health~Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $41,380, Pharmacy Technicians in Iowa earn 5% below the national median of $43,460. Iowa ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$41,380Hourly estimate
$19.895% below national median
Difference: -$2,080
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacy Technician Salary Ranking
#28 of 50 statesfor Pharmacy Technician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $56,140 |
| #2 | Oregon | $51,210 |
| #3 | Alaska | $50,440 |
| #4 | California | $49,640 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $48,560 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pharmacy Technician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $41,380 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $48,560 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $43,620 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $44,610 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $37,990 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $41,400 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18 years |
| South Dakota | $43,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Iowa Department of Public Health • Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners
Iowa Board of Pharmacy, 400 S.W. 8th Street, Suite E, Des Moines, IA, 50309-4688
Phone: 5152423272
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $385,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $49,700 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacy Technician in Iowa?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacy Technician in Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Pharmacy Technician licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Pharmacy Technician salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Iowa is $41,380. Salaries range from $34,880 (10th percentile) to $52,530 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacy Technician salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Pharmacy Technicians in Iowa earn 5% below the national median of $43,460, with a state median of $41,380.
How many Pharmacy Technicians work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 4,480 Pharmacy Technicians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacy Technician license to Iowa from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacy Technicians in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Public Health / Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners. Review agency details at https://pharmacy.iowa.gov/licensureregistration/pharmacy.
How often do you renew a Pharmacy Technician license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.