Are you a pharmacy technician in Orlando looking to boost your salary? With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, pharmacy technicians play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of pharmacies and healthcare facilities. However, salary growth may be limited without additional training, certifications, or experience. In this article, we will explore five ways to boost your pharmacy tech salary in Orlando.
Understanding the Pharmacy Technician Salary Landscape in Orlando
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metropolitan Division was $34,490 in May 2020. While this may seem like a decent starting point, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, employer, and certifications. To increase your earning potential, it's essential to explore opportunities for growth and development.
1. Obtain Certifications and Licenses
Certifications and licenses can significantly impact your salary as a pharmacy technician. In Florida, pharmacy technicians are required to register with the Florida Board of Pharmacy. Obtaining certifications such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB) can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession. These certifications can also lead to higher salary ranges, with certified pharmacy technicians earning up to 10% more than their non-certified counterparts.
Popular Certifications for Pharmacy Technicians
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Pharmacy Technician (CCPhT)
2. Gain Experience and Build Your Skillset
Experience is a crucial factor in determining salary ranges for pharmacy technicians. The more experience you have, the higher your earning potential. Building your skillset by taking on additional responsibilities, such as inventory management or patient counseling, can also lead to salary increases. Consider taking on a mentorship role or seeking guidance from experienced pharmacy technicians to help you develop your skills.
Key Skills for Pharmacy Technicians
- Medication management
- Patient counseling
- Inventory management
- Communication and teamwork
3. Pursue Higher Education and Training
While a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for pharmacy technician positions, pursuing higher education and training can lead to higher salary ranges. Consider enrolling in a post-secondary education program, such as an associate's degree in pharmacy technology, to increase your earning potential.
Popular Education Programs for Pharmacy Technicians
- Associate's degree in pharmacy technology
- Bachelor's degree in pharmacy
- Certificate programs in pharmacy technology
4. Network and Join Professional Organizations
Networking and joining professional organizations can provide opportunities for growth and development, leading to higher salary ranges. Consider joining organizations such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
Popular Professional Organizations for Pharmacy Technicians
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)
- Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC)
5. Consider Specialized Roles or Industries
Specialized roles or industries, such as compounding pharmacies or clinical research organizations, may offer higher salary ranges for pharmacy technicians. Consider exploring these opportunities to increase your earning potential.
Specialized Roles for Pharmacy Technicians
- Compounding pharmacy technician
- Clinical research pharmacy technician
- Informatics pharmacy technician
What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician in Orlando?
+The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metropolitan Division was $34,490 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How can I increase my salary as a pharmacy technician?
+Consider obtaining certifications, gaining experience, pursuing higher education and training, networking and joining professional organizations, and exploring specialized roles or industries to increase your salary as a pharmacy technician.
What are some popular certifications for pharmacy technicians?
+Popular certifications for pharmacy technicians include the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB), and National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Pharmacy Technician (CCPhT).
By implementing these strategies, you can boost your pharmacy tech salary in Orlando and take your career to the next level. Remember to stay focused on your goals, continue learning and growing, and explore opportunities for advancement to achieve success in your pharmacy technician career.