Pharmacy Technician Employment & Salary Trends, and Career Opportunities in Oregon

Overview

Oregon is home to more than 4,500 salaried pharmacy technicians. This means, around 1.4 percent of the nation’s 334,400 salaried technicians live in The Beaver State. Aspiring pharmacy technicians choose Oregon for:

• The opportunity to work at renowned facilities such as Oregon Health and Science University, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health and Science University, and St. Charles Medical Center (all nationally ranked and/or high performing in multiple specialties)
• Access to more than 30 other outstanding hospitals
• Access to dozens of quality health care and pharmacy technician training programs
• Employment and Salaries: Employment and salary growth have been steady here since 2006

Employment and Salary Trends for Oregon Pharmacy Technicians

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), Oregon is home to 4,650 salaried pharmacy technicians. They average $34,280 per year. In 2006, Oregon-based pharmacy technicians averaged $30,260. This means salaries have increased by $670 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 Oregon pharmacy technicians can expect a notable amount ofemployment growth in the coming years. In 2006, the state was home to 3,200 pharmacy technicians, so the industry here added 1,450 new jobs between 2006 and today. Overall, the pharmacy technician industry 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 Technician Career Opportunities in Oregon

While most pharmacy technicians work at chain pharmacies and hospitals, the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a list of other options that you may not think of. Just a few include computer systems design firms, scientific and technical consulting services, government departments, outpatient care centers, clinics, retirement homes, grocery stores, department stores, electronic shopping and mail-order houses, colleges, and independent learning centers.

The state of Oregon is home to many organizations, businesses, and companies in these areas, but the state is still packed with chain pharmacies and an ample number of hospitals.

Some of the largest (or most recognized) chain pharmacies in Oregon include:

• CVS
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy
• Kmart Pharmacy
• Rite Aid
• Safeway Pharmacy
• Sav-On Pharmacy
• Target Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Walmart

Some of Oregon’s largest hospitals/hospital systems include:

• Oregon Health and Science University
• Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health and Science University
• St. Charles Medical Center
• Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center
• Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center
• Providence Portland Medical Center
• Rogue Valley Medical Center
• Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
• Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Health Center
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

Schools Offering Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Include: