Traveling pharmacy techs are in high demand due to their specialized skillset. As pharmacists are often times overbooked, pharmacy techs are needed to handle the overflow of prescriptions and other tasks. Traveling pharmacy techs are able to fill the gap by providing services to various locations throughout the country. In return, they receive a generous salary and other benefits. But just how much do traveling pharmacy techs make?
The Average Salary for Traveling Pharmacy Techs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a pharmacy technician in 2019 was $31,750 per year. However, this number can vary depending on a number of factors such as experience, location, and employer. Traveling pharmacy techs usually receive an additional premium for their services, which can be up to 25% of their base salary. This means that traveling pharmacy techs can earn up to $39,687 per year, with the potential to earn more depending on the employer and location.
Factors That Can Affect a Traveling Pharmacy Tech's Salary
The location of the employer is one of the main factors that can affect a traveling pharmacy tech's salary. For example, a traveling pharmacy tech in California or New York may earn more than a pharmacy tech in Alabama or Tennessee due to the higher cost of living in these areas. The number of hours worked, the number of years of experience, and the type of employer can also influence the salary.
Benefits of Being a Traveling Pharmacy Tech
In addition to the higher salary, traveling pharmacy techs also receive other benefits. These include travel and lodging expenses, as well as meals and other perks. Traveling pharmacy techs also receive additional training and education, which can help them advance their careers. Lastly, traveling pharmacy techs can experience different cities and states, which can be a great way to explore the country and build new relationships.
What You Need to Become a Traveling Pharmacy Tech
In order to become a traveling pharmacy tech, you must first complete a pharmacy technician training program and pass the national certification exam. You need to have excellent interpersonal and computer skills, an ability to multi-task, and the ability to think quickly and accurately. Additionally, you need to have good attention to detail and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
How to Find a Job as a Traveling Pharmacy Tech
The best way to find a job as a traveling pharmacy tech is to search online job sites. You can also check with local pharmacies or contact staffing agencies that specialize in pharmacy techs. Additionally, you can network with other pharmacy techs and ask them for referrals. Finally, you can contact professional organizations in the field, such as the National Pharmacy Technician Association, for job postings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a traveling pharmacy tech make?
The average salary for a traveling pharmacy tech is $31,750 per year. However, this number can vary depending on a number of factors such as experience, location, and employer. Traveling pharmacy techs can earn up to $39,687 per year, with the potential to earn more depending on the employer and location.
What qualifications do you need to become a traveling pharmacy tech?
In order to become a traveling pharmacy tech, you must first complete a pharmacy technician training program and pass the national certification exam. You need to have excellent interpersonal and computer skills, an ability to multi-task, and the ability to think quickly and accurately. Additionally, you need to have good attention to detail and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
What are the benefits of being a traveling pharmacy tech?
In addition to the higher salary, traveling pharmacy techs also receive other benefits. These include travel and lodging expenses, as well as meals and other perks. Traveling pharmacy techs also receive additional training and education, which can help them advance their careers. Lastly, traveling pharmacy techs can experience different cities and states, which can be a great way to explore the country and build new relationships.
How can I find a job as a traveling pharmacy tech?
The best way to find a job as a traveling pharmacy tech is to search online job sites. You can also check with local pharmacies or contact staffing agencies that specialize in pharmacy techs. Additionally, you can network with other pharmacy techs and ask them for referrals. Finally, you can contact professional organizations in the field, such as the National Pharmacy Technician Association, for job postings.
What is the difference between a traveling pharmacy tech and a regular pharmacy tech?
The main difference between a traveling pharmacy tech and a regular pharmacy tech is that a traveling pharmacy tech is able to provide services to various locations throughout the country. Traveling pharmacy techs usually receive an additional premium for their services, which can be up to 25% of their base salary. Additionally, traveling pharmacy techs receive other benefits, such as travel and lodging expenses, as well as meals and other perks.
What type of training do traveling pharmacy techs receive?
Traveling pharmacy techs receive additional training and education, which can help them advance their careers. This can include specialized courses in areas such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, customer service, and technology. Additionally, traveling pharmacy techs are often required to complete on-site training at the pharmacy they are visiting.
What type of skills do traveling pharmacy techs need?
Traveling pharmacy techs need to have excellent interpersonal and computer skills, an ability to multi-task, and the ability to think quickly and accurately. Additionally, they need to have good attention to detail and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
What type of employers hire traveling pharmacy techs?
Traveling pharmacy techs are often hired by hospitals, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare organizations. Additionally, staffing agencies and pharmaceutical companies may also hire traveling pharmacy techs.