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

Overview

Utah is home to 3,000 salaried pharmacy technicians. This means, just under one percent of the nation’s 334,400 salaried technicians reside in The Beehive State. Aspiring pharmacy technicians choose Utah for:

• The opportunity to work at renowned facilities such as Primary Children’s Medical Center, University of Utah Health Care, Intermountain Medical Center and Utah Valley Regional Medical Center (all nationally ranked and/or high performing in multiple specialties)
• Access to more than 35 other top-rated hospitals
• Access to dozens of nationally ranked health care and pharmacy technician training programs
• Employment and Salaries: The state of Utah experienced a significant jump in employment for pharmacy technicians between 2006 and today

Employment and Salary Trends for Utah Pharmacy Technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), Utah’s 3,000 salaried pharmacy technicians average $30,820 per year. In 2006, the average salary was 28,290. This means, salaries increased by $400+ each year between 2006 and today. 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 Utah pharmacy technicians can expect a fair amount ofemployment growth in the coming years. In 2006, the state was home to 2,210 pharmacy technicians, so the industry here added a comfortable 790 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 a dramatic 32 percent.

Pharmacy Technician Career Opportunities in Utah

According to industry reports, between 50 and 75 percent of pharmacy technicians work at large chain pharmacies. Many work at hospitals as well. However, this doesn’t mean techs can’t find work elsewhere. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians also work at computer systems design firms, scientific and technical consulting services, government departments, outpatient care centers, clinics,  grocery stores, department stores, electronic shopping and mail-order houses, and schools. 

The state of Utah is home to a number organizations, companies, and technology firms that may offer positions in these areas. However, if you’re interested in getting your feet wet at a pharmacy, you’re in luck. Utah has hundreds to choose from. Some of the largest (or most recognized) pharmacies in Utah are:

• Costco Pharmacy
• Dan’s Foods Pharmacy
• IHC Pharmacy
• Jolley’s Corner Pharmacy
• Kmart Pharmacy
• Rite Aid
• Sam’s Club Pharmacy
• Savon
• Smith’s Food & Drug Store
• Target
• Walgreens
• Walmart

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

• Dixie Regional Medical Center
• Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center
• Intermountain Medical Center
• LDS Hospital
• Primary Children's Medical Center
• Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
• St. Mark’s Hospital
• University of Utah Health Care
• Utah Valley Regional Medical Center

Schools Offering Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Include: