According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), Iowa is home to 4,210 salaried pharmacy technicians. They average $27,690 per year. In 2006, Iowa-based pharmacy technicians averaged $23,710. This means salaries here have increased by an impressive $663 each year. Across the nation, pharmacy technicians average around $28,400 per year, with the top ten percent averaging $41,880 and the bottom ten percent earning $20,310 per year.
In addition to salary growth, aspiring Iowa pharmacy technicians can expect a fair amount of employment growth in the coming years. In 2006, the state was home to 3,190 pharmacy technicians. This means, the industry here added 1,020 new jobs between 2006 and today. Across the nation, the pharmacy technician field will experience a significant amount of employment growth between now and 2020. The industry expects to add 108,300 new jobs, so employment is expected to grow by an impressive 32 percent.
Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of environments, but many (between 50 and 75 percent) work at chain pharmacies and hospitals. Even so, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, other options are still available. They include technology (computer systems design firms), scientific and technical consulting services, outpatient care centers, retirement homes, rehabilitation facilities, clinics, grocery stores, department stores, electronic shopping and mail-order houses, government departments, and schools.