5 States With the Most Need For Pharmacy Techs
The healthcare industry continues to expand rapidly across the United States, creating unprecedented demand for qualified pharmacy technicians. These essential healthcare professionals support pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and providing customer service. As the population ages and medication therapy becomes increasingly complex, pharmacy technicians find themselves in a profession with exceptional job security and growth potential.
While opportunities exist across the country, certain states stand out for their particularly high demand for pharmacy technicians. This article explores the five states currently experiencing the greatest need for pharmacy technicians, examining the factors driving this demand and what candidates can expect when pursuing careers in these regions.
What’s Driving the Increased Need for Pharmacy Technicians?
Before diving into specific states, it’s important to understand the factors creating this nationwide demand:
- Aging Population: As baby boomers reach retirement age, medication usage increases, creating more pharmacy workload
- Expanded Pharmacy Services: Pharmacies now offer vaccinations, medication therapy management, and health screenings
- Pharmacy Benefit Manager Growth: The expansion of PBMs requires more technicians for claims processing
- Retail Pharmacy Expansion: Major chains continue to open new locations, particularly in growing communities
- Hospital System Development: Healthcare systems are building new facilities requiring pharmacy staff
- Technician Role Evolution: Pharmacy technicians now handle more responsibilities, allowing pharmacists to focus on clinical duties
With these drivers in mind, let’s examine the five states where pharmacy technicians are most in demand.
1. California: The Golden State of Pharmacy Opportunities
California consistently ranks as one of the top states for pharmacy technician employment, and for good reason. With nearly 40 million residents and the largest economy in the United States, California offers unparalleled opportunities for pharmacy technicians.
Key Statistics:
- Number of Employed Pharmacy Technicians: Approximately 37,000
- Projected Job Growth: 12% through 2030
- Average Annual Salary: $47,620
- Certification Requirements: PTCB or ExCPT certification required
Why Demand Is High: California’s size alone creates substantial demand, but several factors amplify the need. The state’s diverse population requires pharmacy services in multiple languages and culturally sensitive contexts. Additionally, California’s progressive healthcare policies often expand pharmacy practice scope, creating new roles for technicians. Major healthcare systems like Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and UCLA Health maintain large pharmacy operations throughout the state.
Urban centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego offer particularly high concentrations of pharmacy jobs, while rural areas often struggle to fill positions, creating opportunities for technicians willing to work in less populated regions.
Find pharmacy technician programs in California.
2. Texas: Everything’s Bigger, Including Pharmacy Tech Demand
Texas ranks second for pharmacy technician opportunities, combining high population growth with expanding healthcare infrastructure.
Key Statistics:
- Number of Employed Pharmacy Technicians: Approximately 34,000
- Projected Job Growth: 14% through 2030
- Average Annual Salary: $36,810
- Certification Requirements: PTCB or ExCPT certification required
Why Demand Is High: Texas continues to experience population booms in metropolitan areas like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston. This growth has triggered healthcare expansion, with new hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies opening regularly. The state’s lower cost of living compared to California makes it attractive for both workers and healthcare businesses.
Major pharmacy employers in Texas include H-E-B, CVS Health, Walgreens, and various hospital systems. The state’s large rural areas also create opportunities for pharmacy technicians in community pharmacies serving smaller towns and communities.
Find pharmacy technician programs in Texas.
3. Florida: Retirement Haven Creates Pharmacy Tech Heaven
Florida’s unique demographics drive exceptional demand for pharmacy technicians, particularly due to its large retirement population.
Key Statistics:
- Number of Employed Pharmacy Technicians: Approximately 30,000
- Projected Job Growth: 15% through 2030
- Average Annual Salary: $35,410
- Certification Requirements: Registration with the Florida Board of Pharmacy and PTCB or ExCPT certification
Why Demand Is High: With over 21% of Florida’s population aged 65 and older, medication usage is significantly higher than the national average. This creates substantial demand for pharmacy services throughout the state. Florida’s seasonal population fluctuations also create unique staffing needs, with higher demand during winter months when “snowbirds” migrate south.
The state’s large healthcare systems, including AdventHealth, BayCare, and HCA Florida, employ thousands of pharmacy technicians. Retail chains like Publix, CVS, and Walgreens maintain extensive pharmacy operations throughout Florida.
Long-term care pharmacies serving Florida’s numerous retirement communities and nursing facilities also create specialized opportunities for pharmacy technicians interested in geriatric care.
Find pharmacy technician programs in Florida.
4. New York: The Empire State’s Expanding Pharmacy Landscape
New York combines dense urban populations with expansive rural areas, creating diverse opportunities for pharmacy technicians.
Key Statistics:
- Number of Employed Pharmacy Technicians: Approximately 23,000
- Projected Job Growth: 9% through 2030
- Average Annual Salary: $39,920
- Certification Requirements: Registration with the New York State Board of Pharmacy
Why Demand Is High: New York City alone creates enormous demand for pharmacy services, with its dense population and numerous healthcare facilities. The state’s academic medical centers, including NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and NYU Langone, employ large pharmacy teams.
Beyond NYC, upstate regions face healthcare staffing challenges that create opportunities for pharmacy technicians. Rural communities often offer signing bonuses and competitive wages to attract qualified candidates.
New York’s recent pharmacy technician registration requirements have also created higher standards in the field, potentially reducing the qualified candidate pool and increasing demand for properly credentialed technicians.
Find pharmacy technician programs in New York.
5. Pennsylvania: Pharmaceutical Industry Hub Creates Technical Demand
Pennsylvania rounds out our list with its unique combination of pharmaceutical industry presence and aging demographics.
Key Statistics:
- Number of Employed Pharmacy Technicians: Approximately 19,000
- Projected Job Growth: 8% through 2030
- Average Annual Salary: $34,540
- Certification Requirements: No state-specific requirements, but employers typically require certification
Why Demand Is High: Pennsylvania hosts numerous pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and corporate headquarters, creating unique opportunities for pharmacy technicians beyond traditional retail and hospital settings. The state’s aging population (18.7% over 65) also drives medication demand.
Major employers include UPMC Health System, Penn Medicine, Rite Aid (headquartered in Pennsylvania), and Giant Eagle. The state’s mix of major metropolitan areas (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) and extensive rural regions creates diverse employment settings for pharmacy technicians.
Find pharmacy technician programs in Pennsylvania.
Finding Your Pharmacy Technician Opportunity
While these five states represent the highest overall demand for pharmacy technicians, opportunities exist nationwide for qualified candidates. When considering where to pursue your pharmacy technician career, evaluate factors beyond just job availability, including:
- Cost of living relative to average salaries
- State-specific certification requirements
- Professional advancement opportunities
- Work environment preferences (retail, hospital, specialty pharmacy)
- Quality of life considerations
The pharmacy technician profession continues to evolve, with expanding responsibilities and increasing professionalization. By obtaining proper education, certification, and continuing education, you can position yourself for success in this growing field, particularly in these high-demand states.
Whether you’re just beginning your pharmacy technician journey or looking to relocate for better opportunities, these five states offer promising prospects for dedicated healthcare professionals ready to support the pharmacy care system.
