Take the first step towards becoming a pharmacy technician (pharmacy tech) in New York (NY) today and find out about the requirements to become a pharmacy tech there as well as information on how to find pharmacy tech schools and training near you.
There are currently 19,320 persons employed as pharmacy technicians in New York, earning an average annual salary of $34,640.
The Bureau for Labor Studies (BLS) anticipates that employment in the sector will grow by 7% between 2018 and 2028 – higher than the average for all other professions.
The growth is driven by a population that is ageing, coupled with growing rates of chronic disease, placing an increased demand for prescription medication.
The majority of states regulate the role of pharmacy technicians either through certification or licensing or both. Find out about the requirements to become a pharmacy technician in New York below.
Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in New York – 2023
Pharmacy tech schools in New York are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists/Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE) and also by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Below is a list of the top 4 accredited pharmacy technician programs in New York for 2023.
| School | City | Accreditation | Visit Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (SUNY) | Rochester | ASHP - Entry Level | Program Page |
| New York Institute of Career Development | NYC | ASHP - Entry Level | Program Page |
| NYU Langone Health | NYC | ASHP - Entry Level | Program Page |
| University of Rochester Medical Center | Rochester | ASHP - Entry Level | Program Page |
If you do decide to pursue national certification (see below), you should complete an approved pharmacy technician training program.
Pharmacy Tech Licensing and Certification Requirements in New York
There are currently no mandatory training, certification or licensing requirements for pharmacy technicians in New York.
However, as some states work to improve the regulation of pharmacy techs these requirements could easily change.
As a safeguard against possible future changes and to improve your career opportunities, it is advisable that you work towards achieving national certification.
There are two national certifying bodies;
- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB/ PTCE) and
- The National Healthcareer Association Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
Some states have a preference for one over the other but most states will recognize the PTCB certification.
Since the beginning of 2020, the PTCB requires that candidates have completed a PTCB recognized training program. The NHA requires that you have completed a training program or have 1 years of work experience.
The PTCB also requires that you have registered with your state licensing board whilst the NHA has no such requirement.
Further details about becoming a pharmacy tech in New York can be obtained from the New York State Board of Pharmacy. You can contact them on the details below:
Phone: 518-474-3817
Website: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pharm
Pharmacy Tech Salary in New York
| Average Salary | $34,640 |
| Above/Below National Average | 5.90% |
| Hourly Wage | $16.66 |
| Bottom 10% / Entry Level | $23,390 |
| Top 10% | $49,490 |
| Number Employed | 19,320 |
The average salary for pharmacy technicians in New York is $34,640 – this is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018*.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $16.66 and is almost 6% above the national average salary of $32,700.
*The most recent salary data for 2019/2020 can be found here.
Pharmacy Tech Employment in New York
There are currently 19,320 persons employed as pharmacy technicians in the state.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of pharmacy techs across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in New York;
| Metro Area | Average Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $31,970 | 850 |
| Binghamton | $30,200 | 360 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $31,720 | 1,230 |
| Elmira | $28,380 | 90 |
| Glens Falls | $28,920 | 150 |
| Ithaca | $30,520 | 90 |
| Kingston | $34,590 | 180 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $35,230 | 20,190 |
| Rochester | $33,850 | 1,110 |
| Syracuse | $32,890 | 510 |
| Utica-Rome | $33,210 | 320 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $32,410 | 90 |
Related Healthcare Programs in New York:
- Medical Assisting Programs
- Dental Assisting Training
- Vet Tech Schools
- Nursing Assistant Classes
- Medical Billing and Coding Classes