Pay rate

[Guest guest]

Pay rates for Pharmacy Technicians vary throughout the country, as they do

for most professions. On average - they can range from $ 8.00 - 12.00 / hour

for a new tech. Some places - hospital techs make more than retail (because

the tech may be required to do more detailed work - ie. IV's), other places

retail techs make more. I'm in Louisiana - New Orleans to be exact - my

students have told me of starting rates are between $8.50 and $11.00 on average

in this area - retail (in general) paying about $10.00. We recently had a

change in the State Law requiring all techs complete a structured program, this

has taken away most pharmacies ability to hire off the street and OJT, as a

result, there is an increased demand for techs that are already licensed, or

enrolled in a program. Because of this - we are starting to see pay rates

rise already.

Anne LaVance, BS, CPhT

Texpert

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeanetta: Is $10 the pay for a pharm tech with certification? I

don't believe so. It has to be much higher!

>

> Jeanetta:

> Hi, I am working as a Pharmacy technician in a retail store around

two

> months. I like my job, but I don't like the pay rate. I got my

> Pharmacy technician Certification, but they pay me less than $10. One

> of my pharmacist friend told me I can call the pharmacy supervisor to

> rise my wage. However, I am afraid to call because I worry losing my

> job. I have my professional knowledge and two years hospital pharmcy

> experience outside the U.S.A., but I work slowly than my coworker. I

> think I just start my job, and I have a little problem to speak to

the

> patient on the phone. If I deal the Pay, Will they hire somebody else

> rather than me? What is your thought?

>

>

> Thank you!

> Sammy

[Guest guest]

At Kroger, a part-time Certified Pharmacy Technician starts at either

$10.50 or $11.00 (at least in the Southwest KMA). I don't remember

which. Full time starts like $0.25/hour more.

I haven't found out yet what the pay rate is for the CPhT's @ Walmart.

Della

On Apr 2, 2005 10:17 PM, microword77 <microword77@...> wrote:

>

>

> Hi Jeanetta: Is $10 the pay for a pharm tech with certification? I

> don't believe so. It has to be much higher!

[Guest guest]

Dear Sammy,

This is a tough call. Your English in this post shows

that you do indeed need more practice speaking and

writing in English. My first thought was to tell you t

ask for a raise. However my current feeling is to tell

you to get your speed up improve your speaking skills,

then ask for a raise. If at that point you do not get

a raise then I would begin looking for a new job.

Ask yourself how hard was it to get this job? If it

was difficult, it may be because ofyour English and

lack of tech experience.

Everyone has to start somewhere. That includes you.

However no one should be taken advantage of or

underpaid or a slave.

A lot depends alos on what state you live in and what

the average tech is getting paid to start. If you are

being paid less that others for start pay then this is

a major issue. But if you 'think' it is low, bu tdo

not have any proof, then you might ask on the sites

what others in your state are paid for starting pay.

At this point until I hear something else from you to

prove to me that you, specifically, are being taken

advantage of I would say go with getting the

experience first.

Please feel free to email privately me further or to

continue on post.

Respectfully,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chem

Founder/Owner

-- sammyluo2002 <sammyluo2002@...> wrote:

>

> Jeanetta:

> Hi, I am working as a Pharmacy technician in a

> retail store around two

> months. I like my job, but I don't like the pay

> rate. I got my

> Pharmacy technician Certification, but they pay me

> less than $10. One

> of my pharmacist friend told me I can call the

> pharmacy supervisor to

> rise my wage. However, I am afraid to call because I

> worry losing my

> job. I have my professional knowledge and two years

> hospital pharmcy

> experience outside the U.S.A., but I work slowly

> than my coworker. I

> think I just start my job, and I have a little

> problem to speak to the

> patient on the phone. If I deal the Pay, Will they

> hire somebody else

> rather than me? What is your thought?

>

>

> Thank you!

> Sammy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

www.salary.com is the BEST method I have used to find

out pay rates across the US for various jobs.

A few people have had poor luck, but Ihave had GREAT

luck using if to CAlifornia Tech I and Tech II

positions (in experienced and experienced ). San Diego

pays on average $1 -$1.5 per hour less than LA. But

San Francisco pays about $2 - $8 / hour MORE than LA

to start! I have called on my SD and SF buddies and

confirmed what is stated in www.salary.com since I am

very familiar with LA/Orange Co/LB.

So give it a shot. Every state pays differently

depending upon its requirements for CPhT,

registration, education etc, but MAINLY upon its own

economics.

Hope this helps.

Jeanetta

--- Della <dhengel@...> wrote:

> At Kroger, a part-time Certified Pharmacy Technician

> starts at either

> $10.50 or $11.00 (at least in the Southwest KMA). I

> don't remember

> which. Full time starts like $0.25/hour more.

>

> I haven't found out yet what the pay rate is for the

> CPhT's @ Walmart.

>

> Della

>

> On Apr 2, 2005 10:17 PM, microword77

> <microword77@...> wrote:

> >

> >

> > Hi Jeanetta: Is $10 the pay for a pharm tech with

> certification? I

> > don't believe so. It has to be much higher!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I just had to respond to this topic.

**************Message: 18 **************

Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 19:44:57 -0700 (PDT)

From: Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Pay Rate

I do not know the starting pay rate and the highest

pay rate for an experienced retail tech in your state.

There are other factors to consider.

1. most companies have a ceiling, they will not pay

'any' tech higher than $XY.ZA per hour.

***************************************************************

My Response:*****

After being with my former retail location for 15 years, I " capped out " ,

meaning that any pay raise I was entitled to, I only would receive " one-half " of

the entitlement and receive the other half the next year, PROVIDED my review was

like tha previous year. Otherwise, if it wasn't, then I would only receive 1/2

of the new review entitlement. I tolerated this for almost 4 years. I had this

" RUT PERSON mentality. What a " CROCK " , But what can you do?*******

2. If a tech stays in one spot for many years, they

also tend to stay in one spot in pay rate.

******************************************************************

My response: ***

This is so true. Especially if the company raise are not especially good. But

sometimes you look at the other benefits as to whether maybe the hours you work

out weigh the pay difference.***

***************************************************************

3. If an experienced tech moves from one location

after maxing out, he/she may be able to make more

money per hour else where, if he/she were to leave.

This of course is a great risk when comparing job

satisfaction and the feeling of belonging to a

'family' and of course one's patients. When thinking

of leaving, one should recall that a new hire, with

experience, may make more than a new hire without

experience, yet less than an older employee with

experience. All depends upon 'selling one'self', the

individual negotiations and policy.

*****************************************************************

My response:******

This too, is so true.. After having worked retail for almost 19 years, I made

the transition to hospital. I make more money now, and have far great raises and

bonus opportunities than I ever had being the devoted worker at my former

employer. Don't get me wrong, my former employer treated me fair and in the

beginning was a great place to work. Then comes along transition in management

and the upper management in headquarters and things drastically change. But, I

also had great hours and alot of seniority and respect. I only worked Monday

thru Friday 830 to 5, and for being a somewhat Mega retailer, this was unheard

of.I didn't work nights or holidays either. But, that also changes when you go

to hospital work, but truthfully, it has not been bad at all, even after 4 years

with the hospital. I don't work past 7 pm, and work every 3rd weekend. The shift

differential and weekend differential helps too. Our benefits start on day 1 of

employment and you earn vacation time right when you start. SO keep in mind,

maybe all the perks aren't paid via your paycheck.

I have applied for a pharmacy department training and development position

within the hospital and hopefully will find out if I get it this week. I am

keeping my fingers crossed.

******************************************************

But I would hope that a tech of 26 yrs is being

offered and making the max allowable for an old

employee or at lease approaching it, at a given

pharmacy.

**********************************************************************

My Response:****

I, too, would hope that the salary would be given to a tech of 26 years is based

on experience with enployees of that experience. I know that when I started at

the hospital, they did not start me a what a " new hire " would start at, but at

the number of years experience I had.

Thank You Jeanetta for your thought provoking input on this topic.

If I think of looking for another job, the only reason would be to closer to

home. I hate the thought of giving up the great pay and benefits the hospital

provides. Although I drive 30 miles to work each way, the hospital pays for

parking, pays great and offers benefits far greater that a close location to

home could possibly offer. Working is a major medical centers keeps salaries

very competitive and benefits alike.

Everyone have a great week, and Good luck to all those awaiting their PTCB

results.

P.S. Please excuse any typos, as I sometimes end up typing way too fast to catch

an error...haha

[Guest guest]

-good luck on the new job!! Let us know!

Kaci

[Guest guest]

Thank you ,TEXPERT, for confirming this by a tech of such great experience

and who commands such geat admiation and respect from me.

Well I see this ALL the time in this industry. it is sad but we get taken

advantage of.

Love ya and know I am always rooting for the tech!

Jeanetta

<rxcpht1@...> wrote:

Hi everyone,

I just had to respond to this topic.

**************Message: 18 **************

Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 19:44:57 -0700 (PDT)

From: Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Pay Rate

I do not know the starting pay rate and the highest

pay rate for an experienced retail tech in your state.

There are other factors to consider.

1. most companies have a ceiling, they will not pay

'any' tech higher than $XY.ZA per hour.

***************************************************************

My Response:*****

After being with my former retail location for 15 years, I " capped out " ,

meaning that any pay raise I was entitled to, I only would receive " one-half " of

the entitlement and receive the other half the next year, PROVIDED my review was

like tha previous year. Otherwise, if it wasn't, then I would only receive 1/2

of the new review entitlement. I tolerated this for almost 4 years. I had this

" RUT PERSON mentality. What a " CROCK " , But what can you do?*******

2. If a tech stays in one spot for many years, they

also tend to stay in one spot in pay rate.

******************************************************************

My response: ***

This is so true. Especially if the company raise are not especially good. But

sometimes you look at the other benefits as to whether maybe the hours you work

out weigh the pay difference.***

***************************************************************

3. If an experienced tech moves from one location

after maxing out, he/she may be able to make more

money per hour else where, if he/she were to leave.

This of course is a great risk when comparing job

satisfaction and the feeling of belonging to a

'family' and of course one's patients. When thinking

of leaving, one should recall that a new hire, with

experience, may make more than a new hire without

experience, yet less than an older employee with

experience. All depends upon 'selling one'self', the

individual negotiations and policy.

*****************************************************************

My response:******

This too, is so true.. After having worked retail for almost 19 years, I made

the transition to hospital. I make more money now, and have far great raises and

bonus opportunities than I ever had being the devoted worker at my former

employer. Don't get me wrong, my former employer treated me fair and in the

beginning was a great place to work. Then comes along transition in management

and the upper management in headquarters and things drastically change. But, I

also had great hours and alot of seniority and respect. I only worked Monday

thru Friday 830 to 5, and for being a somewhat Mega retailer, this was unheard

of.I didn't work nights or holidays either. But, that also changes when you go

to hospital work, but truthfully, it has not been bad at all, even after 4 years

with the hospital. I don't work past 7 pm, and work every 3rd weekend. The shift

differential and weekend differential helps too. Our benefits start on day 1 of

employment and you earn vacation time right when you

start. SO keep in mind, maybe all the perks aren't paid via your paycheck.

I have applied for a pharmacy department training and development position

within the hospital and hopefully will find out if I get it this week. I am

keeping my fingers crossed.

******************************************************

But I would hope that a tech of 26 yrs is being

offered and making the max allowable for an old

employee or at lease approaching it, at a given

pharmacy.

**********************************************************************

My Response:****

I, too, would hope that the salary would be given to a tech of 26 years is based

on experience with enployees of that experience. I know that when I started at

the hospital, they did not start me a what a " new hire " would start at, but at

the number of years experience I had.

Thank You Jeanetta for your thought provoking input on this topic.

If I think of looking for another job, the only reason would be to closer to

home. I hate the thought of giving up the great pay and benefits the hospital

provides. Although I drive 30 miles to work each way, the hospital pays for

parking, pays great and offers benefits far greater that a close location to

home could possibly offer. Working is a major medical centers keeps salaries

very competitive and benefits alike.

Everyone have a great week, and Good luck to all those awaiting their PTCB

results.

P.S. Please excuse any typos, as I sometimes end up typing way too fast to catch

an error...haha

[Guest guest]

Werer you hurt or laughing?

s/b a tech of such great experience and who commands such GREAT admiration!

Love Ya'

Jeanetta

Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> wrote:

Thank you ,TEXPERT, for confirming this by a tech of such great experience

and who commands such geat admiation and respect from me.

Well I see this ALL the time in this industry. it is sad but we get taken

advantage of.

Love ya and know I am always rooting for the tech!

Jeanetta

<rxcpht1@...> wrote:

Hi everyone,

I just had to respond to this topic.

**************Message: 18 **************

Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 19:44:57 -0700 (PDT)

From: Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Pay Rate

I do not know the starting pay rate and the highest

pay rate for an experienced retail tech in your state.

There are other factors to consider.

1. most companies have a ceiling, they will not pay

'any' tech higher than $XY.ZA per hour.

***************************************************************

My Response:*****

After being with my former retail location for 15 years, I " capped out " ,

meaning that any pay raise I was entitled to, I only would receive " one-half " of

the entitlement and receive the other half the next year, PROVIDED my review was

like tha previous year. Otherwise, if it wasn't, then I would only receive 1/2

of the new review entitlement. I tolerated this for almost 4 years. I had this

" RUT PERSON mentality. What a " CROCK " , But what can you do?*******

2. If a tech stays in one spot for many years, they

also tend to stay in one spot in pay rate.

******************************************************************

My response: ***

This is so true. Especially if the company raise are not especially good. But

sometimes you look at the other benefits as to whether maybe the hours you work

out weigh the pay difference.***

***************************************************************

3. If an experienced tech moves from one location

after maxing out, he/she may be able to make more

money per hour else where, if he/she were to leave.

This of course is a great risk when comparing job

satisfaction and the feeling of belonging to a

'family' and of course one's patients. When thinking

of leaving, one should recall that a new hire, with

experience, may make more than a new hire without

experience, yet less than an older employee with

experience. All depends upon 'selling one'self', the

individual negotiations and policy.

*****************************************************************

My response:******

This too, is so true.. After having worked retail for almost 19 years, I made

the transition to hospital. I make more money now, and have far great raises and

bonus opportunities than I ever had being the devoted worker at my former

employer. Don't get me wrong, my former employer treated me fair and in the

beginning was a great place to work. Then comes along transition in management

and the upper management in headquarters and things drastically change. But, I

also had great hours and alot of seniority and respect. I only worked Monday

thru Friday 830 to 5, and for being a somewhat Mega retailer, this was unheard

of.I didn't work nights or holidays either. But, that also changes when you go

to hospital work, but truthfully, it has not been bad at all, even after 4 years

with the hospital. I don't work past 7 pm, and work every 3rd weekend. The shift

differential and weekend differential helps too. Our benefits start on day 1 of

employment and you earn vacation time right when you

start. SO keep in mind, maybe all the perks aren't paid via your paycheck.

I have applied for a pharmacy department training and development position

within the hospital and hopefully will find out if I get it this week. I am

keeping my fingers crossed.

******************************************************

But I would hope that a tech of 26 yrs is being

offered and making the max allowable for an old

employee or at lease approaching it, at a given

pharmacy.

**********************************************************************

My Response:****

I, too, would hope that the salary would be given to a tech of 26 years is based

on experience with enployees of that experience. I know that when I started at

the hospital, they did not start me a what a " new hire " would start at, but at

the number of years experience I had.

Thank You Jeanetta for your thought provoking input on this topic.

If I think of looking for another job, the only reason would be to closer to

home. I hate the thought of giving up the great pay and benefits the hospital

provides. Although I drive 30 miles to work each way, the hospital pays for

parking, pays great and offers benefits far greater that a close location to

home could possibly offer. Working is a major medical centers keeps salaries

very competitive and benefits alike.

Everyone have a great week, and Good luck to all those awaiting their PTCB

results.

P.S. Please excuse any typos, as I sometimes end up typing way too fast to catch

an error...haha

[Guest guest]

Hello! I just joined this group in an attempt to help make my decision

a little easier regarding continuation of PT training and testing. I

have been studying to sit for the exam (by 6/20/08) and this week had

an interview at Kroger's Pharmacy to begin work there. Problem was the

starting pay is $7.15/hr! That is minimum wage, my teenage son makes

the same bagging groceries. I was put off with the fact they felt that

the skills required to do this work are not more deserving of better

pay. They said after certification I would get an extra $.25/hr and

every 6 months a $.05/hr raise. To add insult to injury I would be

required to pay union dues. I politely declined and thanked them for

the opportunity. I checked with Walgreens and they pay $8.75/hr. Better

no doubt, but from all the research I found the average starting rate

for a PT without certification was $9.73. I am seriously considering

withdrawing my test application and deciding on a new career path.

[Guest guest]

May I ask you what state you are in?

And when she does, may I ask that those who live in that state respond?

I would also like to say that MANY of us in this " industry " stay even

though pay has not been the best over the years because we like

helping people. We would love for our pay to be higher. But we first

need recognition from the pharmacists that we are needed and doing a

good job. Most of us get then in associations and individually. But

there is little or no connection to 'payment'. Secondly we need

recognition from the public of the same. Unfortunately we are

currently experiencing a poor image in the publics eye due to many

mistakes that are being news/broadcasted. However I welcome it

because I believe it is the driving force we need to cause education

of techs to become mandatory and as I have written and professed for

the last 10 or more years, will then drive the increase in pay and

recognition for a career path that is technical in nature to be

considered worthy of such by the public and the pharmacists as a whole.

I can not tell you to go into becoming a pharmacy technician so that

you can retire on the income! If this is what you need to hear then

you are right it is not for you.

But I can tell you that it usually pays 1 to 1.5 times minimum wage

and sometimes 2 times minimum wage. There are leaders, supervisors,

and special tech positions that pay higher. But they are not the norm.

I hope this helps you make the right decision for you.

Respectfully,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

Pharm Tech Educator

Founder/Owner of this site

>

> Hello! I just joined this group in an attempt to help make my decision

> a little easier regarding continuation of PT training and testing. I

> have been studying to sit for the exam (by 6/20/08) and this week had

> an interview at Kroger's Pharmacy to begin work there. Problem was the

> starting pay is $7.15/hr! That is minimum wage, my teenage son makes

> the same bagging groceries. I was put off with the fact they felt that

> the skills required to do this work are not more deserving of better

> pay. They said after certification I would get an extra $.25/hr and

> every 6 months a $.05/hr raise. To add insult to injury I would be

> required to pay union dues. I politely declined and thanked them for

> the opportunity. I checked with Walgreens and they pay $8.75/hr. Better

> no doubt, but from all the research I found the average starting rate

> for a PT without certification was $9.73. I am seriously considering

> withdrawing my test application and deciding on a new career path.

>