Pharmacy technicians
SOC Code: 29-2052
Pharmacy technicians carries a 61% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $43,460 and +6.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 490,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Pharmacy technicians (SOC 29-2052) carries an AI exposure score of 61%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 490,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.4% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $43,460, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Pharmacy technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- 2. Enter prescription information into computer databases.
- 3. Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- 4. Compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in computer.
- 5. Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- 6. Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.
- 7. Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- 8. Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- 9. Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- 10. Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
- Administrative
- Production and Processing
- Chemistry
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Pharmacy technicians?
Pharmacy technicians has an AI exposure score of 61%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Pharmacy technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by 6.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 490,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Pharmacy technicians?
Key skills for Pharmacy technicians include Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Pharmacy technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Pharmacy technicians is $43,460, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Pharmacy technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Pharmacy technicians is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Pharmacy technicians?
Pharmacy technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).