Pharmacy Technician Employment & Salary Trends, and Career Opportunities in New Mexico

Overview

New Mexico is home to more than 2,000 salaried pharmacy technicians. This means, New Mexico’s population of pharmacy technicians account for less than one percent of the nation’s 334,400 salaried technicians. Although the population is small compared to other states, New Mexico is still on the radar for this field. Aspiring pharmacy technicians choose The Land of Enchantment for:

• The opportunity to work at high-performing hospitals such as University Hospital of Albuquerque and Presbyterian Hospital
• Access to more than 30 other top hospitals and dozens of other quality medical facilities
• Access to dozens of quality health care and pharmacy technician training programs
• Employment and Salary: Employment and salary growth has been well above average for the past six years

Employment and Salary Trends for New Mexico Pharmacy Technicians

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), New Mexico is home to 2,270 salaried pharmacy technicians. They average $30,230 per year, which is higher than the national averages for pharmacy technicians. In 2006, New Mexico-based pharmacy technicians averaged $27,520, so salaries have increased by $451+ each year. Across the nation, pharmacy technicians now average around $28,940 per year (median), with the top ten percent averaging $41,880 and the bottom ten percent earning $20,310 per year.

Across the nation, the pharmacy technician industry will enjoy a significant amount of employment growth between now and 2020. The industry expects to add 108,300 new jobs over the next 8 years, so employment overall is expected to grow by an impressive 32 percent.

Pharmacy Technician Career Opportunities in New Mexico

While the top employers for pharmacy technicians are large chain pharmacies and hospitals, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has a list of other employment options that might surprise you. Pharmacy technicians can also find work at computer systems design firms, scientific and technical consulting services, in government departments, at hospitals and outpatient care centers, grocery stores, department stores, electronic shopping and mail-order houses, and at colleges and learning centers.

Like other states, New Mexico is home to quite a few large chain pharmacies. So, if you’re considering this as an option straight out of school, you’re in luck. Some of New Mexico’s largest (or most recognized) pharmacies are:

• Best Buy Drugs
• Costco Pharmacy
• CVS
• Kmart Pharmacy
• Lovelace Pharmacy
• Sam’s Club Pharmacy
• Savon Pharmacy
• Smith’s Food & Drug Store
• Target Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Walmart Neighborhood Market Pharmacy

Just a few of the New Mexico’s most recognized hospitals include:

• Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center
• Desert Hills Hospital
• Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
• Heart Hospital of New Mexico
• Lovelace Health System
• Presbyterian Hospital
• Roswell Regional Hospital
• Sierra vista Hospital
• Union County General Hospital
• University Hospital of Albuquerque

Schools Offering Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Include: