Application Fee
See board websiteVerified 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 board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Veterinary Medicine Board
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- 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 (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Pharmacy Technician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Veterinary Medicine Board.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 37,560, Pharmacy Technicians in Pennsylvania earn 14% below the national median of 43460. Pennsylvania ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median 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 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $40,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $38,890 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $43,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $43,100 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $37,370 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $37,860 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | 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 | 50 | 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: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Veterinary Medicine Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837134
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $75,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $61,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania?
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 exams are required for Pharmacy Technicians in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party 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 Degree 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 33860 (10th percentile) to 49770 (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 43460, with a state median of 37,560.
How many Pharmacy Technicians work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 19630 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: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacy Technicians in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Veterinary Medicine Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/VeterinaryMedicine/Pages/default.aspx.