Pharmacy Technician Employment & Salary Trends, and Career Opportunities in Rhode Island

Overview

Rhode Island is home to more than 1,400 salaried pharmacy technicians. This means, less than one percent of the nation’s 334,400 salaried technicians live in The Ocean State. However, when you consider Rhode Island’s small resident population, the number of pharmacy technicians living in the state is rather large. In addition to a substantial talent pool, aspiring pharmacy technicians choose Rhode Island for:

• The opportunity to work at renowned facilities such as Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Hospital, and Miriam Hospital (all nationally ranked and/or high performing in multiple specialties)
• Access to more than 10 additional outstanding hospitals and many other quality health care facilities
• Access to dozens of competitive health care and pharmacy technician training programs

Employment and Salary Trends for Rhode Island Pharmacy Technicians

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), Rhode Island is home to 1,490 salaried pharmacy technicians, earning an average salary of $29,730 per year. In 2006, Rhode Island-based pharmacy technicians averaged $28,090, meaning, salaries have increased by $273 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 Rhode Island pharmacy technicians can expect  some employment growth in the coming years. In 2006, the state was home to 1,250 pharmacy technicians. This means, the industry here added 240 new jobs between 2006 and today. Overall, the pharmacy technician industry will experience a significant amount of growth between now and 2020. Employment is expected to grow by 32 percent, meaning the industry expects to add an impressive 108,300 new jobs.

Pharmacy Technician Career Opportunities in Rhode Island

Industry experts estimate that anywhere from 50 to 75 percent of pharmacy technicians work in retail settings—specifically chain pharmacies/personal care stores. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that technicians can find work in other settings. Alternative options include computer systems design firms, scientific and technical consulting services, electronic shopping and mail-order houses, government departments (federal executive branch), outpatient care centers, small independent drug stores, department stores, grocery stores, colleges, and hospitals.

While jobs are available in many settings, most entry-level pharmacy technicians still choose to work at large chain pharmacies or hospitals. Fortunately, Rhode Island is home to hundreds of chain pharmacies and many top medical facilities. Some of the most recognized pharmacy chains in Rhode Island are:

• CVS
• Kmart Pharmacy
• Rite Aid
• Stop & Shop Pharmacy
• Shaw’s Osco Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Walmart Pharmacy

Some of Rhode Island’s largest hospitals/systems include:

• Butler Hospital
• Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
• Miriam Hospital
• Newport Hospital
• Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Hospital
• Roger Williams Medical Center
• St. Joseph Health Services
• Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Schools Offering Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Include: