Pharmacy Aides

SOC code 31-9095 · O*NET-SOC 31-9095.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Healthcare

Pharmacy Aides pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$37,680

a year

Hourly

$18.12

per hour

10th$29,820Median$37,68090th$56,010

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$40,450

$19.45 per hour

Middle 50%

$34,980 – $43,640

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$29,820 – $56,010

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

39,530

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $29,820; $14.34/hr
25th percentile: $34,980; $16.82/hr
Median percentile: $37,680; $18.12/hr
75th percentile: $43,640; $20.98/hr
90th percentile: $56,010; $26.93/hr

What does a pharmacy aide do?

Record drugs delivered to the pharmacy, store incoming merchandise, and inform the supervisor of stock needs. May operate cash register and accept prescriptions for filling.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Process medical insurance claims, posting bill amounts and calculating copayments.
Answer telephone inquiries, referring callers to pharmacist when necessary.
Prepare prescription labels by typing or operating a computer and printer.
Operate cash register to process cash or credit sales.
Prepare, maintain, and record records of inventories, receipts, purchases, or deliveries, using a variety of computer screen formats.
Receive, store, and inventory pharmaceutical supplies or medications, check for out-of-date medications, and notify pharmacist when inventory levels are low.
Accept prescriptions for filling, gathering and processing necessary information.
Maintain and clean equipment, work areas, or shelves.

How to become a pharmacy aide

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 61% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)61%
Post-Secondary Certificate18%
Less than a High School Diploma15%
Some College Courses6%

Common questions

How much does a pharmacy aide earn?

The national median is $37,680 a year. The full range runs from $29,820 at the 10th percentile to $56,010 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a pharmacy aide without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.5/5
Speaking3.4/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Active Learning2.9/5
Writing2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.8/5
English Language3.4/5
Administrative3.1/5
Sales and Marketing3.0/5
Law and Government2.9/5
Administration and Management2.9/5
Mathematics2.9/5
Medicine and Dentistry2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.