What do pharmacy technicians earn in Ohio?
Ohio stands out as a better-than-average state for pharmacy technicians due to some unique factors:
- Large healthcare infrastructure: Ohio is home to several top-tier healthcare systems, such as the Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth and University Hospitals. These systems may provide opportunities for pharmacy technicians in both clinical and outpatient settings.
- Growing role in opioid management: Ohio has been a focus area for addressing the opioid epidemic, with pharmacies and healthcare providers actively involved in managing prescriptions and providing patient support. This increases the demand for pharmacy technicians trained in regulatory compliance and patient interaction.
- Investment in education programs: The state has numerous accredited pharmacy technician programs and partnerships with community colleges, making education accessible. Ohio also supports national certification requirements, which align well with trends in advanced pharmacy technician roles.
- Pharmaceutical industry presence: Ohio has a significant pharmaceutical and biotech sector, including companies like Cardinal Health, a major distributor of pharmaceuticals headquartered in Dublin. This creates a demand for trained pharmacy technicians to assist in distribution and other non-traditional pharmacy roles.
- Workplace diversity: Pharmacy technicians in Ohio can find opportunities in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities and mail-order pharmacies.
In this Article
Overview of pharmacy technicians in Ohio
There are 17,370 people employed as pharmacy technicians in Ohio which amounts to just over three people being pharm techs for every 1,000 people living 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.
Ohio offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other states with similar healthcare industry opportunities. This means pharmacy technicians can live comfortably on their salaries while still benefiting from urban amenities.
Here are five top employers of pharmacy technicians in Ohio that align with the state's strengths in healthcare and pharmaceuticals:
- Cleveland Clinic, Akron, Beachwood, Cleveland and multiple locations: A globally renowned healthcare institution known for innovation and strong career growth opportunities, and offering advanced clinical pharmacy roles. Pharmacy technicians can work in hospital settings, outpatient clinics and specialty pharmacy services.
- Ohio Health, Columbus: A not-for-profit, multi-hospital health system headquartered in Columbus, Ohio Health offers positions in inpatient pharmacies, mail-order services and retail pharmacy locations within its network. Strong emphasis on training and career development for healthcare workers.
- Cardinal Health, Dublin: Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health is a Fortune 500 company specializing in pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare services. Provides opportunities for pharmacy technicians in distribution centers and specialty pharmacy services, and is a leader in addressing supply chain challenges and supporting the healthcare industry.
- University Hospitals, Cleveland: Based in Cleveland, this health system includes academic medical centers, community hospitals and outpatient clinics and is known for comprehensive patient care and advanced pharmacy technologies. UH offers pharm techs roles in both hospital and retail pharmacy environments.
- Kroger Health, Dublin, Columbus, Cincinnati and multiple locations: Kroger operates one of the largest retail pharmacy chains in Ohio. Pharmacy technicians can work in community pharmacy settings or specialized health clinics associated with Kroger stores. Kroger offers flexible schedules and opportunities for advancement within the organization.
Salary quick stats
While the median national salary for pharmacy technicians rests at $43,460 a year, pay in Ohio averages a little lower, but may vary depending upon where you work (rural or urban?), how much experience you have, what professional certifications you have earned and your level of education. Of note is Ohio's cost of living is lower than the national average so even though the median annual wage is lower, your pay is commensurate with living expenses.
The biggest healthcare sector in Ohio is its hospital and health system network, which dominates the industry due to the presence of renowned institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and OhioHealth. This sector plays a central role in Ohio's economy, employing hundreds of thousands and driving innovation in healthcare delivery, education and research. And since hospitals and health systems often have inpatient pharmacy departments, where pharmacy technicians play critical roles in compounding medications, managing inventory and preparing intravenous (IV) solutions, they may benefit from the industry dominance.
Working in these hospital settings may also provide better benefits packages, including tuition reimbursement, healthcare coverage and retirement plans. Pharmacy technicians in these settings may also receive shift differentials for evening or weekend work.
A note on the opioid crisis in Ohio: U.S. News & World Report ranks Ohio at #3 on its 10 States Hit Hardest by the Opioid Crisis list. Ohio's status as a state heavily impacted by the opioid addiction crisis presents both challenges and unique opportunities for pharmacy technicians. Their role in managing and mitigating the crisis has grown significantly, and the crisis itself has created demand for their skills in specific ways:
- Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in ensuring compliance with state prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) like Ohio's OARRS (Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System). This involves tracking and verifying opioid prescriptions to prevent misuse. Their role in inputting accurate data and checking patient histories helps curb overprescription and diversion of opioids.
- Ohio has expanded access to naloxone (Narcan), an opioid overdose reversal drug, often available without a prescription. Pharmacy technicians assist in preparing, labeling and distributing naloxone kits. In retail and clinical settings, pharmacy technicians often engage with patients, providing guidance on medication use, naloxone availability and disposal of unused opioids.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs, which use medications like buprenorphine or methadone, have grown in response to the opioid crisis. Pharmacy technicians prepare and dispense these medications, ensuring accurate dosing and proper record-keeping.
How pharm techs may benefit:
- The opioid crisis has heightened the need for pharmacy technicians in roles focused on controlled substance management and MAT program support. Employers may offer specialized training for technicians to handle these responsibilities, increasing employability.
- Specialized roles in addiction treatment and prevention offer opportunities to expand skills, gain certifications, such as in controlled substance management and earn higher wages. Experience in handling addiction-related cases may also lead to advancement into supervisory or managerial roles.
- Ohio's initiatives, such as expanded naloxone distribution and investments in addiction treatment, create a favorable environment for pharmacy technicians to engage in these efforts and they may benefit from job stability and state-backed programs. Technicians in these roles may contribute directly to addressing the crisis, offering the chance to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
ANNUAL MEDIAN SALARY OF
$37,860
Pharmacy technicians in Ohio
The salary widget below provides the median national wage for pharmacy technicians along with data for different metro areas in Ohio, listed by highest paying first.
Median annual salaries in Ohio
10%$33,610
25%$35,630
50%$37,860Median
75%$46,540
90%$52,130
Median Hourly Wage$18
Job growth7.2%
Total Employment20,100
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $39,990 | $32,770 | $55,540 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $39,140 | $30,340 | $46,400 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $38,950 | $33,320 | $53,930 |
| Columbus, OH | $38,630 | $34,810 | $54,700 |
| Toledo, OH | $38,240 | $34,810 | $54,910 |
| Cleveland, OH | $37,890 | $35,140 | $58,540 |
| Lima, OH | $37,700 | $31,130 | $49,070 |
| Sandusky, OH | $36,920 | $31,290 | $48,280 |
| Akron, OH | $36,690 | $32,230 | $49,210 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $36,130 | $30,870 | $46,300 |
| Mansfield, OH | $36,110 | $30,600 | $47,480 |
| Springfield, OH | $35,290 | $31,460 | $45,490 |
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 Ohio
The salary range for pharmacy technicians in Ohio spans from $33,610 for the lowest 10% to $52,130 for the highest 10% per year, said the BLS.
Pharmacy technicians' salaries in the state generally align with national averages. According to the BLS, the salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in Ohio are approximately:
- Entry-level: Around $31,000–$35,000 annually, reflecting technicians just beginning their careers or those working in less specialized environments like retail pharmacies.
- Mid-level: About $38,000–$46,000, which is closer to the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the state. This range applies to experienced technicians who may work in environments like hospital pharmacies or grocery stores.
- Senior-level: Up to $50,750 for highly experienced technicians in specialized roles, such as those working in outpatient care centers or medical research facilities.
These figures are impacted by the setting and role, with hospital and outpatient pharmacy environments typically offering higher pay than retail settings. The opportunity to specialize in compounding, inventory management—or to advance into supervisory roles—may also increase earning potential.
Pay by metro area within Ohio
Your earning level may depend not only on your experience, but where you live within a state. Not surprisingly, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated towns. If your city is a hub for healthcare, say for example you work as a pharmacy technician in Dayton or Cleveland, median pay tends to be more competitive and in both of these cities just surpasses the national median. 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 top 10 and no metro area in Ohio makes the list.
Growth and job outlook
Job growth for pharmacy technicians in Ohio aligns closely with the national average projected by the BLS, which is 7.2% growth over the next decade. In Ohio, the demand for pharmacy technicians is supported by a strong healthcare infrastructure, including extensive hospital systems, retail pharmacies and specialty care services. These factors contribute to steady job growth within the state.
While Ohio's job growth rate may not significantly outpace the national average, the state's emphasis on healthcare innovation, its aging population and its role in addressing the opioid epidemic may create sustained demand for pharmacy technicians.
What affects pharmacy technician salaries in Ohio?
Several factors specific to Ohio impact the salaries of pharmacy technicians, in addition to general ones like education, earning professional certification and experience.
Healthcare industry dominance: Ohio's healthcare sector creates strong demand for skilled pharmacy technicians. Its large employers may offer higher salaries due to the scale of operations and need for advanced pharmaceutical services. Urban centers with major healthcare hubs, like Columbus and Cleveland, may pay more.
Geographic location: Urban areas in Ohio, such as Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, may offer higher wages due to a higher cost of living and increased demand in healthcare facilities. Rural regions, where pharmacies may be less concentrated, often provide lower salaries but may include incentives like relocation assistance or bonuses to attract qualified workers.
Opioid crisis: Ohio's high rate of opioid addiction has driven demand for pharmacy technicians in roles related to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs and naloxone distribution. Technicians involved in these specialized areas may receive higher wages due to the additional responsibilities associated with controlled substance management.
State regulations: Ohio's pharmacy technician licensing requirements are less stringent than in some states, which can lead to a wider range of entry-level opportunities but may also limit salary growth at lower experience levels. However, the presence of proposed regulatory changes, such as stricter licensure or certification mandates, may lead to higher pay if qualifications increase.
Resources if you believe you are being paid unfairly as a pharmacy technician in Ohio
If you believe you're being paid unfairly as a pharmacy technician in Ohio, there are several state resources and steps you can take to address the issue:
1. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)
- The ODJFS oversees labor laws, including wage and hour disputes. You can file a complaint if you believe you're being underpaid or denied fair wages.
2. Ohio Department of Commerce Wage and Hour Division
- This bureau enforces Ohio's minimum wage laws and overtime pay requirements. They also handle complaints about non-payment of wages or violations of state labor laws.
3. Equal Opportunity Division
- If you suspect wage discrimination based on race, gender, or other protected categories, you can file a complaint with this division of ODJFS.
4. Legal Aid and Workers' Rights Organizations
- Ohio Legal Aid provides free or low-cost legal advice regarding unfair wage practices.
- Ohio Federation of Labor: If you're part of a union, they can assist in addressing wage disputes.
5. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- If your issue involves federal minimum wage or overtime violations, you can contact the DOL's Wage and Hour Division.
Recommended steps:
- Document your pay: Keep records of your pay stubs, hours worked and any communications about pay.
- Discuss with your employer first: If safe to do so, ask for clarification about your pay. Sometimes discrepancies can be resolved internally.
- File a formal complaint: If internal discussions don't help resolve the issue, reach out to the appropriate state or federal authority listed above.
Pharm tech education and training in Ohio
In Ohio, becoming a pharmacy technician does not have highly stringent educational requirements, but there are specific steps to qualify for the role. Here's an overview:
- The Ohio Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to have a high school diploma or equivalent. This is the foundational requirement for entering the field.
- While Ohio does not mandate formal education beyond a high school diploma, completing a recognized training program may improve job prospects and prepare you for certification exams. Future technicians should complete a Board-recognized pharmacy technician training program, which can be offered through community colleges, vocational schools or online programs
- Ohio does not require national certification, but obtaining certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) may improve salary prospects and career mobility.
Licensing in Ohio
Pharmacy technician registration: Pharmacy technicians in Ohio must register with the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. The process involves:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Submitting a background check.
- Providing proof of training or certification if applicable.
Continuing education (If certified):
- Certified pharmacy technicians need to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification.
Cost of living considerations
RentCafe says the cost of living in Ohio is 7% lower than the national average, which makes the salaries pharm techs are paid in the state even more inviting. Housing is 19% lower than the national average and food and groceries are around 4% lower than the national average. Here are average costs of living for several Ohio cities, and how they compare to the national average:
| Ohio city | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Akron | 10% lower than the national average |
| Columbus | 7% lower than the national average |
| Cincinnati | 3% lower than the national average |
| Dayton | 4% lower than the national average |
| Cleveland | 9% lower than the national average |
Professional associations for pharm techs
There are professional associations and organizations that pharmacy technicians in Ohio can join to advance their careers, network and access resources for professional development. While some are Ohio-specific, others are national organizations with state-level representation or activities.
Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA)
While primarily for pharmacists, the OPA also supports pharmacy technicians with training and educational events, particularly related to state-specific laws and practices.
National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)
The NPTA has a presence in Ohio and offers resources such as certification preparation, job boards and professional development tailored to pharmacy technicians.
Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists (OSHP)
This organization focuses on hospital and health-system pharmacy professionals, including technicians. OSHP provides networking opportunities, continuing education and resources for those working in hospital or clinical settings.
Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists (OSHP)
This organization focuses on hospital and health-system pharmacy professionals, including technicians. OSHP provides networking opportunities, continuing education and resources for those working in hospital or clinical settings.
This pharmacy technician salary guide for Ohio 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.
Written and reported by:
PharmTechs.org Staff
Published: December 1, 2024