Pharmacy Technicians vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Pharmacy Technicianss by $52K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Pharmacy Technicianss land at $45,750 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: pharmacy technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Pharmacy Technicianss is Washington ($58,900); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Pharmacy Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Pharmacy Technicianss or Registered Nursess?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $45,750 for Pharmacy Technicianss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $52K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Pharmacy Technicians or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Pharmacy Technicians or Registered Nurses?
Pharmacy Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Pharmacy Technicianss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Pharmacy Technicianss at $58,900/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Pharmacy Technicians vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Pharmacy Technicianss earn $58,900 vs. $124,200 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.