Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Pharmacy Technician Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Cosmetology Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$37,560 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Pharmacy Technician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Cosmetology Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $37,560, Pharmacy Technicians in Pennsylvania earn 14% below the national median of $43,460. Pennsylvania ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$37,560Hourly estimate
$18.0614% below national median
Difference: -$5,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacy Technician Salary Ranking
#48 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $37,560 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $40,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $38,890 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $43,470 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $43,100 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $37,370 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $37,860 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Cosmetology Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837130
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $58,970 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania?
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 exams are required for Pharmacy Technicians in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Pharmacy Technicians.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Pharmacy Technician licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Pharmacy Technician salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Pennsylvania is $37,560. Salaries range from $33,860 (10th percentile) to $49,770 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacy Technician salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Pharmacy Technicians in Pennsylvania earn 14% below the national median of $43,460, with a state median of $37,560.
How many Pharmacy Technicians work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 19,630 Pharmacy Technicians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacy Technician license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Cosmetology Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Cosmetology/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Pharmacy Technician license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.