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What do pharmacy technicians earn in Mississippi?

If you're looking for a state with a lower cost of living and some surprising advantages for pharmacy technicians, look no further than Mississippi. Here are just some of the reasons to consider becoming a pharmacy technician there:

• Low cost of living: Mississippi consistently ranks among the most affordable states in the U.S., with housing, utilities and general expenses being significantly lower than the national average. This makes near-median salaries for pharmacy technicians stretch further, increasing purchasing power and financial stability.

• Rural employment: The state has many rural regions, where access to healthcare, including pharmacies, is essential. Pharmacy technicians may find job opportunities in community pharmacies, hospitals and clinics serving these areas.

• Growing need for services: Mississippi's aging population and higher prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension contribute to steady demand for pharmaceutical services, potentially increasing job security for pharmacy technicians.

• Opportunity for advancement: With fewer pharmacy schools and technicians compared to larger states, there may be less competition for advanced roles, such as lead technician or specialty certifications, particularly in areas like sterile compounding or medication therapy management.

• Strong professional community: The smaller size of the healthcare system in Mississippi can foster stronger professional relationships and mentorship opportunities, which can be beneficial for career growth.

• Military base presence: With Keesler Air Force Base located in Biloxi, pharm techs working on a military base or VA clinic, gain federal employment, which often comes with better pay, benefits and job security compared to private-sector roles.

Overview of pharmacy technicians in Mississippi

There are 3,890 people employed as pharmacy technicians in Mississippi which amounts to 3.4 people being pharm techs for every 1,000 people who live in the state, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $18 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.

Mississippi is widely recognized for its low cost of living, making it an attractive option for pharmacy technicians seeking financial stability. The state boasts the lowest overall cost of living in the U.S., and for pharmacy technicians earning near-median salaries, this translates to greater purchasing power and the ability to save or invest more compared to states with higher living expenses. This affordability is a key factor that enhances the appeal of working in Mississippi's healthcare sector.

Here are five top employers of pharmacy technicians in the Mississippi healthcare sector that align with the state's strengths in healthcare and pharmaceuticals:

• University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Jackson, MS: UMMC is the state's largest healthcare facility and academic medical center. It offers pharmacy technicians opportunities in hospital pharmacy, specialty pharmacy and research-based roles.
  
• Baptist Memorial Health Care, Oxford, Columbus and other locations, MS: With locations across Mississippi, including Oxford and Columbus, this healthcare system employs pharmacy technicians in various hospital and outpatient settings, supporting comprehensive patient care.
  
• Kroger Pharmacies, Richland, Jackson, Flowood, other locations, MS: A significant grocery chain in the state, Kroger provides pharmacy services in both urban and rural areas, offering pharmacy technicians a chance to work in community-focused retail settings.
  
• Walmart and Sam's Club Pharmacies, Pearl, Flowood, Southaven, Madison, other locations, MS: With widespread locations, these retail giants are major employers for pharmacy technicians, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare facilities may be limited.
  
• North Mississippi Health Services, Tupelo, MS: Based in Tupelo, this health system serves the northern part of the state and offers pharmacy technicians roles in hospitals, clinics and specialty care centers, emphasizing chronic disease management and rural healthcare.

Salary quick stats

While the median national salary for pharmacy technicians rests at $43,460 a year, pay in Mississippi averages a little lower, but may vary depending upon where you work, how much experience you have, what professional certifications you have earned and your level of education.

In Mississippi, the retail pharmacy sector is the largest employer of pharmacy technicians. This includes chain pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as independent community pharmacies scattered across rural and urban areas. Retail pharmacies dominate because they are the primary access point for medication in many parts of the state, particularly in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

The salary widget below provides median national wage data for pharmacy technicians along with info for different metro areas in Mississippi, listed by highest paying city first.

Median annual salaries in Mississippi

Salary range for pharmacy technicians in Mississippi

The salary range for pharmacy technicians in Mississippi spans from $31,190 for the lowest 10% to $47,220 for the highest 10% per year, said the BLS.

The lowest 10% accounts for entry-level positions, while the highest 10% refers to senior-level and management roles, or people with more years of experience in the field.

• Entry-level: Around $29,000–$35,000 annually, for duties that would include assisting with prescription preparation, labeling medications, stocking shelves, answering customer inquiries and learning pharmacy operations under supervision.
• Mid-level: About $36,000–$42,000, with duties that would include managing inventory, processing insurance claims, handling more complex customer service tasks, compounding medications (in applicable settings) and possibly training new technicians.
• Senior-level: Up to $47,000, with duties that would include supervising junior technicians, managing pharmacy workflows, specializing in sterile compounding or specialty medications, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and working closely with pharmacists to optimize patient care.

Pay by metro area within Mississippi

Your earning level may depend not only on your experience, but where you live in your state. Not surprisingly, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is a hub for healthcare, say for example you work as a pharmacy technician in Jackson, Flowood or Tupelo, median pay tends to be more competitive and in these cities rests just below the national median. The presence of a military base like Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi may positively impact pharmacy technician employment and pay, as military bases bring a consistent demand for healthcare services. Pharmacy technicians may benefit from job stability due to the steady flow of patients requiring prescriptions and medication counseling.

That said, here's what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, California dominates the top 10 and no metro areas in Mississippi make the list.

Growth and job outlook

Mississippi's job growth outlook for pharmacy technicians shows signs of stability and potential modest growth, though it is not projected to be as fast-paced as the national average of 7.2% growth over the next decade. Factors contributing to Mississippi's growth include its lower entry barriers for pharmacy technicians, with no formal training or certification requirements, which encourages more individuals to enter the field. However, obtaining certification through bodies like the PTCB may improve job prospects and salary potential.

Pharmacy technicians in Mississippi also benefit from diverse work environments which create steady demand for this role. Given the state's high prevalence of chronic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, the demand for medication-related services supports the continued need for pharmacy technicians​

What affects pharmacy technician salaries in Mississippi?

Pharm tech education requirements in Mississippi

According to the PTCB, the requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Mississippi are as follows:

• Be 18-years or older with a high school diploma or GED.
• Expect to undergo a criminal background check, including having fingerprints taken.
• Required to understand state-specific legislation surrounding the safe use and dispensing of medicines to patients.
• Continuing education is required and pharm techs must complete 20 hours every two years.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee, including a passport photo with your application. The application must be notarized.
• License renewals with the State Board of Pharmacy are required on an annual basis.
• Continuous education is not required by the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy.

Notably, Mississippi does not require pharmacy technicians to complete a formal training program or obtain national certification, although certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is strongly recommended, and online options are available. However, federal facilities, like Keesler Air Force Base, generally prefer or require pharmacy technicians to be nationally certified for employment. Certification may open doors to these roles for local applicants.

Cost of living considerations

RentCafe says the cost of living in Mississippi is 13% lower than the national average, which makes the salaries pharm techs are paid in the state even more inviting. Housing is 29% lower than the national average and food and groceries are around 9% lower than the national average. Here are average costs of living for some prominent Mississippi cities, and how they compare to the national average:

Mississippi city	Cost of living %
Hattiesburg	10% lower than the national average
Jackson	12% lower than the national average
Tupelo	17% lower than the national average
Gulfport	15% lower than the national average
Meridian	12% lower than the national average

Professional associations for MS pharm techs

In Mississippi, pharmacy technicians have access to several professional groups, organizations and resources, either specific to the state or relevant at a national level. These groups provide resources, networking, training and advocacy for pharmacy technicians:

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