How to Become a Pharmacy Technicians in California
Pharmacy Technicians in California earn a median salary of $49,640/year, which is 14% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.6%. After taxes and rent, a pharmacy technicians takes home approximately $1,976/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a pharmacy technicians can afford in California
Becoming a pharmacy technicians in California
Meet education requirements
Pharmacy Technicians positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many pharmacy technicians positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for pharmacy technicianss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 45,210 pharmacy technicians. The highest concentrations are in Napa and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
Pharmacy Technicians salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Napa | $81K | $39.09/hr | 190 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $71K | $34.01/hr | 2,080 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $62K | $29.8/hr | 4,460 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $61K | $29.47/hr | 460 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $56K | $26.83/hr | 3,140 |
| Vallejo | $55K | $26.22/hr | 450 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $50K | $23.82/hr | 3,840 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $49K | $23.76/hr | 280 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $49K | $23.62/hr | 470 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $49K | $23.52/hr | 870 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $49K | $23.5/hr | 340 |
| Salinas | $49K | $23.5/hr | 410 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $49K | $23.46/hr | 4,820 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $49K | $23.41/hr | 1,010 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $49K | $23.37/hr | 16,040 |
Pharmacy Technicians salary range in California
Pharmacy Technicians careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pharmacy technicians make in California?▼
The median pharmacy technicians salary in California is $49,640 per year ($23.86/hr). This is 14% above the national median of $43,460. Salaries range from $38,850 to $79,630.
What are the requirements to become a pharmacy technicians in California?▼
Pharmacy Technicians positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a pharmacy technicians afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $49,640, a pharmacy technicians in California would take home approximately $3,388/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 41.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for pharmacy technicians in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for pharmacy technicians in California are Napa ($81,310), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($70,740), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($61,990). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for pharmacy technicians?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.6%. On a $49,640 salary, this means roughly $1,269/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.