Addressing the Pharmacy Technician Shortage: A Call for Industry and Education Partnerships

Pharmacies across the U.S., and notably in Georgia, are grappling with a significant shortage of pharmacy technicians. According to a recent post by Morris & Dickson Co., LLC, "88% of community pharmacists say that recruiting pharmacy techs is their biggest hurdle." Despite the critical role these positions play in healthcare, according to ZipRecruiter, pharmacy techs in Georgia earn, on average, $16.49 per hour, with the majority falling between $14.23 and $17.26 per hour. Comparatively, fast food workers in Georgia earn an average of $18.39 per hour, often higher than those in pharmacy roles despite lower barriers to entry.

If pharmacy techs are indeed “in demand,” their salaries should reflect this need. But even beyond wages, the industry must consider other root causes, such as lack of training and exposure. Currently, there’s limited outreach from the pharmaceutical sector to educational providers, such as Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in public high schools, to prepare students for these vital roles. There’s untapped potential to bridge the gap between the industry and schools, enabling young people to enter a meaningful, stable career directly from high school without requiring a four-year degree.

This type of exposure to technical careers could benefit students who may not see college as a viable option and prefer entering the workforce sooner. Such initiatives not only address the immediate shortage but can also inspire students to pursue advanced degrees in pharmacy or healthcare, fields also experiencing a decline in candidates.

Additionally, a large workforce is emerging from industries affected by automation and AI. Many displaced workers are eager to learn new skills, and pharmacy technician roles offer an excellent opportunity to transition into a stable, in-demand profession. By collaborating with training programs, the pharmaceutical industry can actively attract and train a fresh pool of talent ready to step into these roles.

To address the shortage, it’s time for the pharmaceutical industry to invest in creating a pathway for pharmacy technician careers. If industry leaders connect with schools and organizations, we can create robust training programs that prepare students and displaced workers alike. Together, we can build a sustainable pipeline of skilled pharmacy technicians, ensuring they receive fair wages and creating an accessible pathway into the healthcare industry.

Do you agree that the pharmacy tech field deserves more attention and investment? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!