Pharmacy Technician Employment & Salary Trends, and Career Opportunities in South Dakota

Overview

South Dakota is home to more than 1,000 salaried pharmacy technicians. This means, less than one percent of the nation’s 334,400 salaried technicians live in Mount Rushmore State. The good news is, the small population of technicians has created a greater demand, so employment and salaries are on the rise. In addition to employment and salary growth, aspiring pharmacy technicians choose South Dakota for:

• The opportunity to work at renowned facilities such as Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Sanford USD Medical Center, and Rapid City Regional Hospital (all high performing in multiple specialties)
• Access to more than 30 top-tier hospitals, and dozens of other quality medical facilities
• Access to dozens of quality health care and pharmacy technician training programs

Employment and Salary Trends for South Dakota Pharmacy Technicians

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), South Dakota is home to 1,080 salaried pharmacy technicians. They average $28,900 per year. In 2006, South Dakota-based pharmacy technicians averaged $24,680. This means salaries here have increased by $703 each year, since 2006. 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 South Dakota pharmacy technicians can expect a comfortable amount of employment growth in the coming years. In 2006, the state was home to 830 pharmacy technicians. This means, the industry here added 250 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 South Dakota

While large chain pharmacies and hospitals are always looking for talented pharmacy technicians, several other areas are open to professionals in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities also exist in technology, (computer systems design firms), management, scientific and technical consulting services, government departments, clinics, and retirement and rehabilitation facilities. Colleges, universities, and professional schools also offer opportunities.

While employment options for pharmacy technicians can be found outside of retail and hospital settings, many still choose to start out at a chain pharmacy or hospital. The largest (or most recognized) chains in South Dakota include:

• Hy-Vee Pharmacy
• Kmart Pharmacy
• Lewis Drug Store
• PharMerica Pharmacy
• Sam’s Club Pharmacy
• ShopKo Pharmacy
• Target Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Wall Drug Store
• Walmart

Some of South Dakota’s largest hospitals/hospital systems include:

• Avera – Hospital and Clinic Health Care
• Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center
• Brookings Health System
• Lewis and Clark Specialty Hospital
• Rapid City Regional Hospital
• Sanford USD Medical Center
• Sanford Vermillion Medical Center
• Select Specialty Hospital-Sioux Falls
• St. Mary’s Healthcare Center
• St. Michael’s Hospital
• U.S. Public Health Service Indian Hospital
• Winner Regional Healthcare Center

Schools Offering Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Include: