Registered Nurses vs. Pharmacy Technicians: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Pharmacy Technicianss by $52K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Registered Nursess land at $97,550 and Pharmacy Technicianss at $45,750. The education gap is real: registered nurse programs typically require bachelor's degree, while pharmacy technician programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Registered Nursess is California ($140,270); for Pharmacy Technicianss it's Washington ($58,900).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Registered Nurses median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Registered Nursess or Pharmacy Technicianss?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $97,550 for Registered Nursess versus $45,750 for Pharmacy Technicianss, a difference of $52K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Registered Nurses or Pharmacy Technicians?
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, Registered Nurses or Pharmacy Technicians?
Registered Nurses typically requires bachelor's degree. Pharmacy Technicians requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Registered Nursess get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Registered Nursess at $140,270/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Registered Nurses vs. Pharmacy Technicians pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Registered Nursess earn $140,270 vs. $55,110 for Pharmacy Technicianss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.