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Licensed pharmacist technician vs retail pharmacist

The differences between licensed pharmacist technicians and retail pharmacists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a retail pharmacist has an average salary of $118,899, which is higher than the $51,176 average annual salary of a licensed pharmacist technician.

The top three skills for a licensed pharmacist technician include patients, quality customer service and computer system. The most important skills for a retail pharmacist are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Licensed pharmacist technician vs retail pharmacist overview

Licensed Pharmacist TechnicianRetail Pharmacist
Yearly salary$51,176$118,899
Hourly rate$24.60$57.16
Growth rate5%2%
Number of jobs83,479110,278
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3842
Years of experience--

What does a licensed pharmacist technician do?

A pharmacy technician is responsible for giving the right prescription medications to patients and customers. They are the one who reads, understands, and determines the accuracy and the credibility of the prescription drug. They measure the dosages that the patient needs and gives the correct label. Also, they answer different queries regarding the proper medication and consumption of drugs as well as making an inventory and record for the supply inside a pharmacy or a clinic.

What does a retail pharmacist do?

A Retail Pharmacist prepares and distributes medications to customers, as well as advises them about how to use medications. They are responsible for providing the proper dosages and medicine to patients according to their prescriptions.

Licensed pharmacist technician vs retail pharmacist salary

Licensed pharmacist technicians and retail pharmacists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Licensed Pharmacist TechnicianRetail Pharmacist
Average salary$51,176$118,899
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $102,000Between $93,000 And $151,000
Highest paying City-Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state-Oregon
Best paying company-Hy-Vee
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between licensed pharmacist technician and retail pharmacist education

There are a few differences between a licensed pharmacist technician and a retail pharmacist in terms of educational background:

Licensed Pharmacist TechnicianRetail Pharmacist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPharmacyPharmacy
Most common college-University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Licensed pharmacist technician vs retail pharmacist demographics

Here are the differences between licensed pharmacist technicians' and retail pharmacists' demographics:

Licensed Pharmacist TechnicianRetail Pharmacist
Average age3842
Gender ratioMale, 26.3% Female, 73.7%Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 10.1% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Asian, 22.1% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage5%11%

Differences between licensed pharmacist technician and retail pharmacist duties and responsibilities

Licensed pharmacist technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage assigned pharmacy workstations and tasks while supporting team members in promptly, safely and accurately filling patient prescriptions.
  • Introduce to the PYXIS machine (automate dispensing system).
  • Check prescriptions for appropriate dosage, drug interactions, allergies and contra-indications.
  • Busy independent pharmacy\ average, daily prescription business is 325-425 Rx's per day.
  • Skil in dealing with billing and reimbursement for insurance, workers' compensation and Medicaid.
  • Expect to do out on pass medication forms, pyxis billing, regular and narcotic refills.
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Retail pharmacist example responsibilities.

  • Hold concurrent role as PIC for Pleasanton store, managing daily pharmacy operations and staff.
  • Compound medications as required and provide immunization services for eligible patients.
  • Establish relationship with customers so they gain feeling of trust and compassion.
  • Practice state and federal dispensing regulations (HIPAA compliant) regarding control substances, narcotics, and pharmaceutical agents.
  • Monitor appropriateness of medication and dose, check for interactions and allergies, and assure the quality of the medication dispense.
  • Develop policy and procedures for OBRA long term care regulations, CMS guidelines, therapeutic lab monitoring, and infusion admixture.
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Licensed pharmacist technician vs retail pharmacist skills

Common licensed pharmacist technician skills
  • Patients, 30%
  • Quality Customer Service, 9%
  • Computer System, 5%
  • IV, 4%
  • HIPAA, 4%
  • Hippa, 4%
Common retail pharmacist skills
  • Patients, 29%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Pharmaceutical Care, 4%
  • Therapy Management, 4%
  • Order Entry, 4%

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