Tackling pharmacy tech pay discrepancies

Pharmacy technicians are a crucial part of the healthcare system, handling tasks such as preparing medications, managing inventory, and working directly with patients. Yet, despite their significant responsibilities—often involving life-and-death situations—they are frequently paid less (peanuts!) than individuals in entry-level jobs that require minimal training, such as fast-food workers, cashiers, and retail clerks.We explore the pay discrepancies between pharmacy technicians worldwide and other non-technical, entry-level jobs, highlighting the urgent need for change. Additionally, we'll outline actionable solutions to address these pay inequalities and provide resources that correlate with advancing your career in this essential field.Read: PTSBC sets agenda for Annual ConferenceA global snapshot of pay discrepanciesUnited States: In the U.S., pharmacy technicians earn a median hourly wage of $17.66, equating to an annual salary of around $36,740 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). However, wages in other non-technical fields are increasing at an alarming rate. For instance, many fast-food chains like McDonald’s now offer starting pay ranging from $15 to $20 per hour. Meanwhile, cashiers in large retail companies such as Walmart or Amazon can start at similar wages due to rising minimum wage laws and corporate wage inflation.Canada: Canadian pharmacy technicians make between CAD $18 and $28 per hour, with an annual salary ranging from CAD $37,440 to $58,240. Even though these numbers may seem reasonable, fast-food workers and retail clerks in regions with higher living costs are often paid similar wages, creating a frustrating pay gap for a job that involves far more training and responsibility.Europe: The pay discrepancy between pharmacy technicians and non-technical workers is prevalent across Europe as well. In the UK, pharmacy technicians earn between £22,000 and £32,000 annually, or £10.50 to £13.50 per hour. However, starting pay for entry-level retail and food service roles has increased to nearly £10 per hour due to labor shortages and wage increases.In countries like Germany and France, pharmacy technicians earn modest salaries, often between €20,000 and €30,000 per year. These salaries are comparable to—or even less than—those in non-technical jobs, despite the specialized skills and certifications required for pharmacy work.Australia and New Zealand: In Australia, pharmacy technicians earn between AUD $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience and location. However, similar pay increases have occurred in non-technical industries, where even entry-level fast-food workers and retail clerks can earn up to AUD $25 per hour. For a job that doesn’t involve the same level of education or responsibility, the pay is nearly the same or higher in some regions.In New Zealand, pharmacy technicians can expect to earn between NZD $46,000 and $57,000 annually. However, many fast-food chains and retail companies in New Zealand have raised wages for entry-level workers to match or exceed these figures, once again creating a significant pay imbalance.Africa: In many African nations, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, pharmacy technicians earn as little as $2,000 to $10,000 annually, depending on the country and local economic conditions. In contrast, informal jobs such as street vendors or retail clerks in local markets can often bring in comparable or higher earnings, despite lacking the certification and technical expertise required for pharmacy work.Why are pharmacy technicians paid less?Several factors contribute to the alarming pay discrepancies between pharmacy technicians and less technical roles across the globe.1. Undervaluation of Healthcare Support Roles: Pharmacy technicians often operate in the shadow of pharmacists and doctors, leading to a lack of recognition for their essential role in patient care. This undervaluation is widespread, resulting in lower wages compared to less critical jobs like retail or fast food.2. Certification and Training Requirements: Pharmacy technicians must complete accredited training programs, pass certification exams, and, in many regions, complete continuing education. These requirements often lead to additional time and financial investment before entering the workforce. By contrast, jobs like cashiers or fast-food workers require minimal training and no certification, yet they are often compensated similarly.3. Corporate Wage Inflation: In countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia, wage inflation in fast food and retail sectors has resulted in increased starting pay. Large corporations are now offering higher wages to compete for a limited pool of workers, inadvertently placing healthcare support roles like pharmacy technicians at a financial disadvantage.4. Limited Advocacy for Pharmacy Technicians: Retail and food service workers often have stronger unions or advocacy groups fighting for higher pay. Pharmacy technicians, on the other hand, lack widespread unionization and collective bargaining power, which hinders their ability to negotiate for better wages and working conditions.What can be done to address pay discrepancies?To resolve these discrepancies and ensure pharmacy technicians are fairly compensated, several steps need to be taken, both by individuals and the industry as a whole.1. Advocating for Legislative Change: By passing laws that set minimum wages specifically for healthcare support roles, policymakers can ensure that pharmacy technicians earn a living wage that reflects the level of responsibility their jobs entail. This advocacy can start with organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) in the U.S., or equivalent bodies in other regions, lobbying for better wages on behalf of pharmacy technicians.2. Encouraging Unionization and Collective Bargaining: Pharmacy technicians need to organize and unionize to advocate for better pay and working conditions. Unionized sectors, such as retail and fast food, have seen remarkable success in securing higher wages through collective bargaining. Similar efforts by organizations like The Pharmacy Guild, which actively advocates for better wages and working conditions for pharmacy professionals, could lead to improved compensation packages and enhanced job satisfaction for pharmacy technicians.3. Creating Opportunities for Career Growth: Pharmacy technicians who specialize in niche areas—such as chemotherapy, nuclear pharmacy, or sterile compounding—can command higher salaries. Encouraging technicians to pursue these paths could lead to better pay and more fulfilling careers. On Pharm Techs Only!, you can explore career development resources and specialized certification options that can help you advance your career and potentially increase your salary.4. Offering Employer Incentives: Employers can implement tiered pay systems that reward pharmacy technicians for experience, certifications, and additional responsibilities. Offering higher starting pay, bonuses for advanced certifications, and pathways for career advancement could help retain talent and reduce turnover in pharmacies.5. Expanding Continuing Education Opportunities: Continuous learning is key to increasing earning potential. Pharmacy technicians who stay up-to-date with industry trends and pursue advanced certifications are often more valuable to employers. Pharm Techs Only! offers a list of FREE Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that allow pharmacy technicians to enhance their skills and knowledge, potentially leading to higher wages and better job prospects.6. Public Awareness Campaigns: A lack of public awareness about the responsibilities of pharmacy technicians is a significant barrier to pay increases. By raising awareness through media campaigns, social media platforms, and professional forums, pharmacy technicians can build public understanding of their vital role in healthcare. Engaging in professional networks like TechConnect on Pharm Techs Only! can help create a unified voice for technicians advocating for fair pay.Reprinted with permission from Pharmacy Techs Only. Click here for the full article and more blogs for pharmacy techs.

Tackling pharmacy tech pay discrepancies

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