Pharmacy Aides
Record drugs delivered to the pharmacy, store incoming merchandise, and inform the supervisor of stock needs. May operate cash register and accept prescriptions for filling.
Also called: Certified Pharmacist Assistant, Drug Clerk, Front Counter Clerk, Pharmaceutical Assistant, Pharmacist Aide, Pharmacist Assistant
Median pay
$37,680
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$29,820 – $56,010
People employed
39,530
Holland code
CER
Conventional · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 4.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 5.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 6.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 7.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
- Long hours on your feet
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Pharmacy Aides pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What pharmacy aides do
- 01Process medical insurance claims, posting bill amounts and calculating copayments.
- 02Answer telephone inquiries, referring callers to pharmacist when necessary.
- 03Prepare prescription labels by typing or operating a computer and printer.
- 04Operate cash register to process cash or credit sales.
- 05Prepare, maintain, and record records of inventories, receipts, purchases, or deliveries, using a variety of computer screen formats.
- 06Receive, store, and inventory pharmaceutical supplies or medications, check for out-of-date medications, and notify pharmacist when inventory levels are low.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Sales and Marketing
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from pharmacy aides
- Cashiers87% · −13%
- Pharmacy Technicians86% · +21%
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants86% · +22%
- Stockers and Order Fillers84% · −1%
- Receptionists and Information Clerks84% · +1%
Change into pharmacy aides
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Cashiers86% · $32,880
- Pharmacy Technicians83% · $45,750
- Gambling Cage Workers81% · $37,580
- Receptionists and Information Clerks77% · $38,010
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service77% · $38,630