Pharmaceutical technicians Salary
Median salary £28,381 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £28,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For pharmaceutical technicians, £31,044 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -20% versus the national average. Experienced pharmaceutical technicians (top 25%) earn over £34,199.
About this role
Pharmaceutical technicians support pharmacists in dispensing medicines, managing stock, preparing pharmaceutical products and providing medicines information. They work in community pharmacies, hospital dispensaries and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Key responsibilities
- Dispensing and checking prescriptions under pharmacist supervision
- Managing pharmaceutical stock and supply chain
- Preparing extemporaneous medicines and clinical trial supplies
- Providing medicines information to patients and staff
- Maintaining dispensary systems and records
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires a Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science (or equivalent), registered with the GPhC as a pharmacy technician. Accredited Checking Technician (ACT) qualification expands role. Pre-registration training period required.
Career outlook
Growing demand as pharmacists take on more clinical roles. Accuracy checking and medicines optimisation responsibilities are expanding the pharmacy technician scope.
Key skills
Common industries
- Community pharmacies
- Hospital pharmacies
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Primary care
- Prisons
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£18,474
0-2 years
Mid Level
£22,910
3-7 years
Senior
£34,199
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +85% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 12.2%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£2,663
Pharmaceutical technicians salary: common questions
How much do pharmaceutical technicians earn in the UK?
Is £31,044 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for pharmaceutical technicians?
Have pharmaceutical technicians salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for pharmaceutical technicians?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).