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Pharmacy technician salaries in Connecticut

With a growing focus on managing prescription medications and combating the opioid epidemic in Connecticut, pharmacy technicians are increasingly needed to support pharmacists in dispensing medication safely and effectively. Connecticut's programs to monitor and reduce opioid misuse create opportunities for pharmacy technicians to play an integral role in ensuring compliance with prescription drug regulations.

Connecticut is home to several prominent hospitals, healthcare systems and pharmacies. These institutions emphasize improving access to medication and enhancing patient care, and consequently, pharmacy technicians in Connecticut earn salaries just under the national median.

Pharmacy technicians play an important role, as Connecticut's Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) requires pharmacists and prescribers to track controlled substances. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by entering data into these systems, verifying prescriptions and identifying irregular patterns. Technicians are trained to spot red flags for fraudulent or excessive prescriptions, a crucial step in preventing diversion and abuse of medications like opioids.

Some pharmacies in Connecticut participate in harm reduction programs, such as syringe exchange or safe disposal of medications. By working in collaboration with pharmacists, healthcare providers and public health officials, pharmacy technicians play a vital role in ensuring that these initiatives succeed. This combination of need, opportunity, and the chance to make a meaningful impact makes Connecticut a great state for pharmacy technicians.

Overview of pharm techs in CT

There are 4,930 people employed as pharmacy technicians in Connecticut, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which means around three people per every 1,000 living in the state is a pharm tech. The median wage per hour is $21 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 7.2%, faster than the job growth rate for all other career fields combined, said the BLS.

The following are just five employers in Connecticut that provide a mix of retail clinical, and hospital settings, and offer pharmacy technicians the opportunity to find roles that suit their career goals:

• CVS Health, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford and other cities: CVS Health operates numerous retail pharmacy locations across Connecticut, offering opportunities in prescription filling, customer service and specialty pharmacy services. CVS also operates MinuteClinic locations, providing pharmacy technicians opportunities to assist with healthcare services.
  
• Walgreens, Statewide with significant presence in urban and suburban areas: Walgreens is a major retail pharmacy chain in Connecticut, employing pharmacy technicians in roles that include dispensing medications and managing insurance claims. Walgreens offers flexible schedules, benefits and training programs for technicians looking to advance their careers.
  
• Yale New Haven Health, New Haven, Bridgeport and Greenwich: One of the largest healthcare systems in Connecticut, it employs pharmacy technicians in hospital and clinical settings. Yale New Haven Health provides opportunities to work in specialized roles, such as compounding, medication reconciliation and oncology pharmacy.
  
• Hartford HealthCare, Hartford, New Britain and Norwich: Hartford HealthCare operates hospitals, outpatient clinics and pharmacy services throughout the state, offering roles for pharmacy technicians in inpatient and outpatient environments. The organization provides exposure to advanced medical settings and cutting-edge pharmaceutical practices.
  
• Walmart Pharmacy, Waterbury, Manchester and Danbury: Walmart's pharmacy locations across Connecticut employ technicians to assist with prescription filling, inventory management, and patient counseling. Walmart offers competitive wages, advancement opportunities and a focus on customer service in a retail setting.

Salary quick stats

While the median national salary for pharmacy technicians rests at $43,460 a year, though pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what professional certifications you have earned and your level of education. Connecticut's median annual salary for pharm techs is just below the national median.

Median annual salaries in Connecticut

Salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in Connecticut

The salary range for pharmacy technicians in Connecticut spans from $36,570 to $61,060 per year, said the BLS. Here are estimated salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in Connecticut based on experience levels (entry-level, mid-level and senior/management roles). These figures reflect the state's higher-than-average cost of living and competitive wages in healthcare professions.

• Entry-level pharmacy technicians, 0–2 years on the job, typically recent graduates or newly certified technicians. Salary range: $35,000–$39,000 per year

• Mid-level pharmacy technicians have 3–5 years experience, and are often certified (with PTCB or state licensing). Salary range: $39,000–$48,000 per year

• Senior pharm techs typically have 6+ years, often with advanced specialty certifications, such as compounding or sterile products certification. Salary range: $47,000–$57,000 per year

Pay by metro area within Connecticut

Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. As a rule, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. In Connecticut, the BLS listed the nonmetropolitan area of Connecticut as paying a higher median wage than metro areas, which is unusual in itself. That said, here's what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, California metro areas dominate the list and no metro areas in Connecticut make the top 10 for pay or level of employment, which is not surprising given the size of the state.

Salary growth and job outlook

Connecticut's job growth rate for pharmacy technicians aligns closely with the national average, which is projected to be 7.2% through 2033, said the BLS. Factors contributing to job growth in Connecticut include the increasing demand for pharmacy services, driven by the state's aging population and the expansion of healthcare coverage. Additionally, the opioid epidemic has heightened the need for pharmacy technicians who can assist in medication management, patient education and monitoring programs aimed at curbing drug misuse.

Pharmacy technicians in Connecticut may see expanded responsibilities in hospital and outpatient settings, areas experiencing stronger growth compared to retail pharmacies. This shift is due to changes in healthcare delivery models, emphasizing clinical and supportive care in diverse settings​, said Pharmacy Times. So, although Connecticut's growth rate for pharmacy technician roles is not significantly outpacing the national job growth average, the state's initiatives in healthcare and substance use disorder management contribute to steady opportunities in the field.

Factors affecting pharm tech salaries in CT

Education for CT pharmacy technicians

To become a pharmacy technician in Connecticut, the education and certification requirements align closely with national standards, but the state has a few nuances. Here's what you need to know:

High school diploma or GED: This is the minimum educational requirement for pharmacy technicians in Connecticut.

Formal education programs: Many employers prefer or require completion of a formal education program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or similar organizations. These programs cover:

• Medication dispensing and labeling
• Pharmacology basics
• Medical terminology

National certification: While not legally mandated, most employers in Connecticut require certification from one of the following:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): Offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA): Offers the ExCPT Certification.

Continuing education: Certified technicians must complete continuing education to maintain their credentials (typically 20 hours every two years).

Pharmacy technicians in Connecticut must register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). Registration is mandatory for all technicians working in retail or hospital pharmacies. Application requirements include:

• Proof of employment as a pharmacy technician.
• A nominal application fee.
• Unlike some states, Connecticut does not require state-specific exams but does enforce registration renewal every year.

Cost of living considerations in NY

Connecticut has a high cost of living compared to the national average, driven by expenses like housing, healthcare and transportation. It is ranked among the more expensive states in the U.S., with housing costs particularly high in affluent areas such as Fairfield County. While the state offers higher median incomes and access to quality services, the elevated costs can impact overall affordability for residents.

RentCafe says the cost of living in Connecticut is 13% higher than the national average, with housing at 23% higher than the national average. Here are average costs of living for some of the cities the BLS lists as paying pharmacy techs the highest salaries:

Connecticut city	Cost of living %
New Haven	9% higher than the national average
Hartford	3% higher than the national average
Stamford	28% higher than the national average

CT state professional associations for pharm techs

These associations and resources are helpful for networking, skills development and staying informed about industry changes in Connecticut and nationally:

This pharmacy technician salary guide for Connecticut aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding becoming a pharmacy tech and the profession within the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.