Arkansas Pharmacy Tech Salaries Revealed: How Much Is Enough

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The state of Arkansas is home to a growing number of pharmacy technicians, with a steady demand for skilled professionals in this field. If you're considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, one of the most important factors to consider is salary. How much can you expect to earn as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, and is it enough to support a comfortable lifestyle?

Pharmacy Technician Salaries in Arkansas: An Overview

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas was $33,610 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, employer, experience, and certification.

Salary Ranges for Pharmacy Technicians in Arkansas

Here are some salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas, based on data from online sources:

• Entry-level pharmacy technicians (0-2 years of experience): $25,000-$30,000 per year
• Experienced pharmacy technicians (2-5 years of experience): $30,000-$40,000 per year
• Senior pharmacy technicians (5-10 years of experience): $40,000-$55,000 per year
• Lead or supervisor pharmacy technicians (10+ years of experience): $55,000-$70,000 per year

Factors Affecting Pharmacy Technician Salaries in Arkansas

Several factors can influence pharmacy technician salaries in Arkansas, including:

Location

Pharmacy technicians working in urban areas tend to earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas. For example, pharmacy technicians in Little Rock, the state capital, may earn higher salaries than those working in smaller towns or cities.

Employer

Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals or health systems may earn higher salaries than those working in retail pharmacies or other settings.

Experience

As with many careers, experience is a key factor in determining salary. Pharmacy technicians with more experience tend to earn higher salaries than those with less experience.

Certification

Certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) may earn higher salaries than non-certified technicians. Certification demonstrates a level of expertise and knowledge, which can be attractive to employers.

Is the Salary Enough to Support a Comfortable Lifestyle?

Whether a pharmacy technician salary is enough to support a comfortable lifestyle depends on individual circumstances, such as living expenses, debt, and financial goals. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:

• The cost of living in Arkansas is relatively low compared to other states. According to Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living index for Arkansas is 86.3, which is lower than the national average of 100.
• The median household income in Arkansas is around $47,000, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
• Assuming a 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks per year, a pharmacy technician salary of $35,000 per year translates to around $16.83 per hour.

Based on these guidelines, a pharmacy technician salary of $35,000 per year may be sufficient to support a comfortable lifestyle in Arkansas, especially for those with limited debt and living expenses. However, individual circumstances can vary widely, and it's essential to consider factors such as healthcare costs, transportation, and education expenses when evaluating the adequacy of a salary.

Gallery of Pharmacy Technician Jobs in Arkansas