What can pharmacy technicians earn in Maryland?
Maryland's role as a hub for biotech and research institutions creates unique opportunities for pharmacy technicians in clinical trials and research facilities. Along with its robust healthcare infrastructure, particularly in areas like Baltimore, Maryland also offers pharmacy technicians opportunities to work in more traditional environments besides research and biotech, including hospitals, retail pharmacies and specialized clinics and pharmacies.
Maryland provides multiple pathways to certification for pharmacy technicians, including national certification (PTCB or ExCPT) or state-approved education programs. Additionally, the state allows individuals as young as 17 to begin this career, making it accessible to those wanting to start early or begin to forge a pathway to future pharmacist education. In fact, the state is home to institutions such as the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, which offers specialized training and continuing education for pharmacy technicians to advance their careers.
Pharmacy technician salaries in Maryland are competitive, with median wages right around the national average. Entry-level technicians typically earn around $16 to $17 per hour, while those with more experience or specialized skills, such as sterile compounding, can earn closer to $20 to $25 per hour. Annually, salaries range from approximately $34,000 for beginners to over $54,000 for senior or specialized roles, depending on location, employer type and certifications earned, and employers such as hospitals and specialty pharmacies may offer higher pay compared to retail settings.
In this Article
Overview of pharm techs in Maryland
There are 8,050 people employed as pharmacy technicians in Maryland, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which means just over three people per every 1,000 living in the state works as 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.
In Maryland, pharmacy technicians are employed by a variety of major healthcare systems, retail pharmacies and biotech companies. Five notable employers include:
- Johns Hopkins Health System, Baltimore, MD: With its flagship hospital in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a leading employer for pharmacy technicians in inpatient and outpatient settings across multiple facilities.
- MedStar Health, Multiple locations, MD: This large health system operates numerous hospitals and outpatient centers throughout Maryland, providing significant opportunities for pharmacy technicians.
- CVS Health and Walgreens, Multiple locations: Both retail pharmacy giants have a strong presence in Maryland, employing technicians in numerous locations across the state.
- University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, MD: With facilities such as the University of Maryland Medical Center, this system offers roles in specialized and general pharmacy settings.
- AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD: This biotech and pharmaceutical company employs pharmacy-related professionals as part of its focus on drug development and manufacturing, making it a unique option in the blended field of healthcare and biotech innovation.
Salary quick stats
The median national salary for pharmacy technicians rests at $43,460 a year said the BLS, 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. Maryland has a median annual salary for pharm techs that rests just below the national median.
ANNUAL MEDIAN SALARY OF
$43,100
Pharmacy technicians in Maryland
Median annual salaries in Maryland
10%$35,470
25%$36,700
50%$43,100Median
75%$49,620
90%$59,480
Median Hourly Wage$21
Job growth7.2%
Total Employment8,590
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $43,520 | $31,940 | $56,150 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $42,860 | $35,550 | $59,460 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $38,830 | $35,060 | $55,850 |
| Salisbury, MD | $37,470 | $32,160 | $48,470 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2033. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in Maryland
The salary range for pharmacy technicians in Maryland spans from $35,470 to $59,480 per year, said the BLS. In Maryland, the salary ranges for pharmacy technicians can vary based on experience and position level. Citing data from the BLS:
- Entry-level: Around $34,000–$35,000 annually, reflecting those new to the field or in less demanding roles.
- Mid-level: About $36,000–$46,000 annually, which is the typical salary for experienced technicians performing standard duties.
- Senior-level: Over $54,000 annually, often for those in specialized or supervisory roles, or with significant experience.
These salaries are influenced by the work setting, such as retail pharmacies or hospitals, where wages tend to be higher due to the complexity of duties and required skills
- 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 Maryland
Your earning level may well depend upon where you live within Maryland. As a rule, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas and in Maryland, the BLS listed the metro areas around Hagerstown and Baltimore paying the highest median wages. Here's what the BLS reported as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, California dominates the list and no metro areas in Maryland make the top 10 for pay or level of employment, which is not surprising given the size of the state. However, the BLS listed the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro area, which incorporates Cecil County in Maryland, as the seventh largest employer of pharm techs in the U.S.
Salary growth and job outlook
The projected job growth rate for pharmacy technicians in Maryland closely aligns with the national average reported by the BLS, which is projected to be 7.2% through 2033. This is considered above average compared to all occupations. Factors impacting job growth in Maryland include:
- Healthcare demands: Maryland's aging population and strong healthcare infrastructure increase demand for pharmacy services in hospitals, clinics and retail pharmacies. This supports the need for pharmacy technicians in assisting with medication preparation and management.
- State healthcare policies: Maryland's unique all-payer hospital system and focus on value-based care may influence pharmacy roles by emphasizing efficiency and cost control in medication management.
- Technological advances: Automation and telepharmacy services are evolving in Maryland, requiring pharmacy technicians to adapt to new responsibilities. This may limit growth in traditional roles but could open opportunities in specialized settings.
- Retail pharmacy trends: While hospital and specialized care settings show growth, the retail pharmacy sector faces challenges, such as staffing reductions and increasing automation, which could moderate overall job growth.
Factors affecting pharm tech salaries in Maryland
In Maryland, factors beyond education, experience and geographic location can impact what pharmacy technicians earn. These include:
Workplace settings: Hospitals, research facilities and government or military settings may pay more than retail pharmacies due to the complexity of tasks and expectations for technical expertise, as well as the presence of structured pay scales in the case of government and military facilities.
Professional certifications: Advanced certifications, such as IV preparation, sterile compounding or chemotherapy drug handling, may result in higher pay. National certifications like the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) are often required and may offer a salary boost.
Industry regulation: State laws that expand the scope of pharmacy technician duties may lead to higher wages. For example, Maryland permits technicians to perform advanced roles under pharmacist supervision, increasing their value.
Shifts and hours: Working night shifts or weekends often comes with shift differentials that increase hourly wages. Overtime opportunities may also add to earnings.
Union representation: Unionized positions, typically more common in hospitals or public healthcare settings, may lead to higher wages, better benefits and job security compared to non-union jobs.
What resources do I have if I think I am being paid incorrectly as a pharm tech in Maryland?
If you believe your pharmacy technician salary in Maryland is incorrect or doesn't align with industry standards or legal requirements, here are steps and resources to address the issue:
Verify Legal Requirements
- Minimum wage laws: Ensure your salary meets Maryland's minimum wage, which is higher than the federal rate. Contact the Maryland Department of Labor for assistance.
- Overtime laws: Confirm if you are being compensated correctly for overtime, especially if you work more than 40 hours per week.
Contact your employer
- Payroll department: Begin by addressing the discrepancy directly with your employer or payroll department.
- Provide supporting documentation, such as pay stubs and local salary benchmarks.
File a complaint
If your employer doesn't resolve the issue, you can contact:
- Maryland Department of Labor: File a wage complaint for unpaid or incorrect wages.
- U.S. Department of Labor (Wage and Hour Division): Handles federal wage laws, especially if your role involves interstate commerce.
Seek legal advice
- If the issue persists, consult with an employment attorney specializing in labor law.
- Nonprofit organizations like the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland may provide free or low-cost assistance.
Professional advocacy
Professional organizations like the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) can provide guidance on industry standards. If you are part of a union, reach out to your union representative for support.
Education for Maryland pharmacy technicians
To become a pharmacy technician in Maryland, the education requirements align closely with national standards but have some unique aspects due to state regulations. Here's an overview:
High school diploma or GED: A high school diploma or GED is required to become a pharmacy technician in Maryland, consistent with national standards.
Formal education programs: Maryland requires completion of a state-approved pharmacy technician training program, which can include formal education through community colleges, vocational schools, or online programs.
National certification: Technicians in Maryland must pass a national certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) by the National Healthcareer Association.
Registration: Pharmacy technicians in Maryland must register with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy before practicing. This involves submitting proof of training or certification and paying a registration fee. Maryland goes beyond the basics by requiring proof of completed training or on-the-job experience before granting registration.
Maryland offers specialized opportunities through state-specific programs in the following:
- Sterile compounding: Some Maryland programs include sterile and non-sterile compounding training to align with USP standards, which can expand job opportunities in hospitals and specialty pharmacies.
- Clinical rotations: Several state programs, like those at community colleges, include practical rotations in hospital settings, giving Maryland pharmacy technicians exposure to advanced roles early in their careers.
Cost of living considerations in Maryland
Maryland has a higher cost of living compared to the national average, driven by expenses like housing, utilities and food and groceries. It is ranked the 7th most expensive state state to live in the U.S. by World Population Review.
RentCafe says the cost of living in Maryland is 16% higher than the national average, with housing at 44% higher than the national average. Here are costs of living assessments for the cities listed:
| Maryland city | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | 1% higher than the national average |
| Bethesda | 33% higher than the national average |
| LaPlata | 15% higher than the national average |
Maryland professional associations for pharm techs
While there aren't many pharmacy technician associations specific to Maryland, several professional organizations and resources cater to pharmacy professionals in the state or provide resources and networking opportunities. These include:
Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA): While primarily focused on pharmacists, this association often includes pharmacy technicians in its events, continuing education opportunities and advocacy efforts.
Maryland Society of Health-System Pharmacy (MSHP): This group focuses on hospital and health-system pharmacy professionals, including pharmacy technicians. They offer specialized training, networking and professional development opportunities.
This pharmacy technician salary guide for Maryland strives 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.
Written and reported by:
PharmTechs.org Staff
Published: December 1, 2024