A pharmacy technician apprentice at Walgreens can expect to earn an average hourly wage of approximately $17.49. This figure generally meets the national average for similar entry-level roles in the pharmacy field.
Understanding the Pharmacy Technician Apprentice Role at Walgreens
A Pharmacy Technician Apprentice, often referred to as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee or Rx Intern at Walgreens, is an entry-level position designed for individuals who are new to the pharmacy profession. This role allows aspiring pharmacy technicians to gain hands-on experience and on-the-job training while preparing for state certification and licensure requirements. Apprentices work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and certified pharmacy technicians, learning essential duties such as processing prescriptions, managing inventory, assisting customers, and maintaining patient records.
Average Hourly Wage at Walgreens
The average hourly pay for a Pharmacy Technician Trainee at Walgreens in the United States is around $17.49. This compensation is based on extensive salary data collected from numerous current and past employees, as well as job advertisements, providing a comprehensive overview of typical earnings in this role.
Here's a quick look at the average pay:
| Position | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician Apprentice / Trainee | ~$17.49 |
Factors Influencing Pharmacy Technician Apprentice Pay
While $17.49 represents the average, several factors can influence the exact hourly wage an apprentice makes at Walgreens:
- Geographic Location: Wages can vary significantly by state, city, and even specific neighborhoods due to differences in cost of living, local labor markets, and minimum wage laws. Apprentices in metropolitan areas or states with higher minimum wages may earn more.
- Previous Experience: Although it's an apprentice role, any prior customer service or healthcare experience, even outside of pharmacy, might be considered and could potentially influence the starting pay.
- Store Volume and Type: Higher-volume stores or specialized pharmacy locations might have slightly different compensation structures.
- Shift Differentials: Some locations may offer a slightly higher hourly rate for evening, weekend, or overnight shifts.
- Company Policies and Benefits: While not directly affecting hourly pay, benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and employee discounts add to the overall compensation package.
Career Path and Earning Potential
The apprentice role is a stepping stone to becoming a certified Pharmacy Technician. As apprentices gain experience and complete required training or certifications (such as the PTCB or NHA exams), their earning potential typically increases. Certified Pharmacy Technicians at Walgreens generally earn a higher hourly wage than apprentices, reflecting their expanded responsibilities and qualifications. Continued education, specialization in areas like sterile compounding, or advancement to lead technician or supervisory roles can further boost earnings.
For more information on the broader outlook for pharmacy technicians, including job duties and typical salaries across different settings, you can refer to resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
