Pharmacy Technician in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Oregon employs 4,320 pharmacy technicians, with a statewide median of $54,900 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pharmacy technicians Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $54,900 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,530
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $62,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $68,000
- Employed in Oregon
- 4,320
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $40,300 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pharmacy technicians in major Oregon markets:
- Portland
- $58,590 (2,460 employed)
- Bend
- $56,950 (220 employed)
- Medford
- $54,900 (260 employed)
- Salem
- $52,210 (400 employed)
- Albany
- $51,730 (90 employed)
- Eugene
- $50,820 (560 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $54,900 median is worth closer to $53,095 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to grow pharmacy technicians employment +7.4%, faster than the +6.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 480 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Pharmacy Technician — regulated by the Oregon Board of Pharmacy.
- Register/license as a pharmacy technician with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy (Oregon licenses technicians).
- Complete the required training and earn PTCB national certification (certified technicians have a broader scope).
- Maintain your license with the Board.
Official requirements: Oregon Board of Pharmacy →
Training in Oregon
Oregon licenses pharmacy technicians (and certified technicians). Retail and hospital pharmacy both hire; the PTCB cert raises pay and opens hospital/specialty roles.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:
- Blue Mountain Community College — Certificate
- Carrington College-Portland — Certificate
- Central Oregon Community College — Certificate
- Chemeketa Community College — Certificate
Where Pharmacy technicians Work in Oregon
Real Oregon hospitals that employ pharmacy technicians include:
- Oregon State Hospital Distinct Part — Salem
- Ohsu Hospital and Clinics — Portland
- Legacy Emanuel Medical Center — Portland
- VA Hosp — Portland
- Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center — Portland
- Oregon State Hospital- Salem — Salem
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want healthcare entry with a short training path and are comfortable with detail-oriented, fast-paced counter work.
Think twice if: Standing for long shifts, retail pharmacy pace, and a pay ceiling that's hard to break without becoming a pharmacist sound limiting.
Why it's resilient: Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing, patient counseling support, and insurance processing — roles requiring physical presence and human judgment.
First Steps
Check your state's licensing requirements — some allow on-the-job training, others require a formal program and the PTCE or ExCPT certification exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Oregon?
The median wage for pharmacy technicians in Oregon is $54,900 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $68,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pharmacy Technician in Oregon?
Licensed Pharmacy Technician, overseen by the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. Register/license as a pharmacy technician with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy (Oregon licenses technicians).
Is being a Pharmacy Technician a good career in Oregon?
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing, patient counseling support, and insurance processing — roles requiring physical presence and human judgment.
Which Oregon metros pay pharmacy technicians the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $58,590, followed by Bend ($56,950), Medford ($54,900). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Pharmacy Technician in Oregon?
Real Oregon options include Blue Mountain Community College, Carrington College-Portland, Central Oregon Community College. Most pharmacy technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Pharmacy Technician a growing career in Oregon?
Oregon projects pharmacy technicians employment to change +7.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 480 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2052. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Oregon wages · Oregon licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.