Hospital pharmacy Tech pay in chicago suburbs.

If you live in a smaller town, I would consider that pretty darn good. If you live in a large metropolis, I would expect it to be a little bit more. I don't even come CLOSE to making 12/hr. Then again, I work in retail with a town of 9,000+ people.

Joe in Cary, Illinois

I work in Richmond, Va. and when I was started I was hired at 14.67/hr with 5 hrs pto bi-weekly. I have been there now for 5 years going on 6 and I am currently at 16.47/hr with 1.00/hr diff after 5pm and 10 pto hrs bi-weekly
I hope this helps you

Jan in Chicago in Chicago, Illinois said: How did you get hired? How long did it take? I took the $900 certificate class two months ago and haven't been able to get hired.

It took me a really long time to find work...with no exp, I am
making $9.oo/hr...these people are real crappy about OT, they
do not give it unless its 100% needed. the district pharmacy manager is complaining to my pharmacist that I am not doing enough work with the computer...what do these people expect for a mere $9/hr??? it takes 1-2 hours to put up stock, and running back and forth to the register, I do some light computer tasks, along with counting pills and working the register all day...and when i asked to work at another store for hours, all i get is crazy looks "well, you cant work more then 32hours/ week..." and the other store is in need for some extra help...jesus
christ, what is wrong with these people...lets just let the store suffer without the extra help....

Joe in Cary, Illinois said: I just got hired as a hospital pharmacy tech. I have no experience. I had to paid the il license out of my own pocket. Starting salary is 12.00 an hr and the pto biweekly is 1.06.

I know I have no experience but isn't that a little low for hospital Pharmacy techs. I was expected at least 15 dollars but did not negotiate since i have no experience. And also is my pto low. Some people have said that with no exp in hospital they get pto of like 7 dollars!! Can anyone in the hospital environment compare my salary and if it is at least descent. And if you can list your salarys and pto as well.

hospital jobs are hard to get, you should feel fortunate that
you even got it. if you are getting paid $12/hr at the hospital,
then I wonder how much your local retail pharmacies are paying,
would $7-9/hr make you feel better? you could always acquire
your hosp exp then move to another hospital...

wow, being a bit harsh aren't we?

Yep, you spend a couple thousand bucks for school, get yourself all certified and all, and then find out the starting pay is about 12 bucks. Cold slap in the face if you ask me.

You haters are pretty bitter. Perhaps you come across this way in your interviews? Maybe that's why Joe was offered a job and you two are still unemployed?

Listen Joe, to be hired in a hospital without any experience is tough. Most of us had to start in a retail setting which is more like trial by fire with very little pay, and I'm talking 8 bucks an hour here. Congrats to you and good luck in your new job.

pharmacy slave in Cleveland, Ohio said: wow, being a bit harsh aren't we?

Yep, you spend a couple thousand bucks for school, get yourself all certified and all, and then find out the starting pay is about 12 bucks. Cold slap in the face if you ask me.

You haters are pretty bitter. Perhaps you come across this way in your interviews? Maybe that's why Joe was offered a job and you two are still unemployed?

Listen Joe, to be hired in a hospital without any experience is tough. Most of us had to start in a retail setting which is more like trial by firpeoplee with very little pay, and I'm talking 8 bucks an hour here. Congrats to you and good luck in your new job.

Maybe Joe got hired and I can't because I'm a military spouse and my husband and I get re-stationed every 12 months or so and most employers know that. Or maybe he just got lucky, all I'm saying is that with no experience he should be glad to be getting 12.00 an hour... let alone even getting a job in a hospital setting rather than starting in retail.

Yes, he DID get lucky. All I'm saying is why so harsh on the guy?

It's tough finding a job nowadays, let's try to encourage each other instead of going for the jugular.

i was jus wondering up north if someone has already got there licence in pharm tech n also got there associate degree shouldnt they be getting paid around 15 an hour

tyrone robinson in Flint, Michigan said: i was jus wondering up north if someone has already got there licence in pharm tech n also got there associate degree shouldnt they be getting paid around 15 an hour

TRY LOTS OF EXP AND LOTS HOURS UN PAID 20 YRS AND ??? HRS UN PAID BUT STILL SMILING LOVE MY JOB AND ALL :):):): :)) HANG IN THERE! DONT HAVE AN ASSOCIATES Get paid more than that bottom line have to love what you do!!!put your heart into it

Anna in Fort Knox, Kentucky said: Maybe Joe got hired and I can't because I'm a military spouse and my husband and I get re-stationed every 12 months or so and most employers know that. Or maybe he just got lucky, all I'm saying is that with no experience he should be glad to be getting 12.00 an hour... let alone even getting a job in a hospital setting rather than starting in retail.

You should be able to contact the military they have civilian contracts for pharmacy techs

unkown in Lewisville, Texas said: You should be able to contact the military they have civilian contracts for pharmacy techs

hey do you work at hca or something i need a pharmtech job or med center of lewisville

could someone give me advice on what type of questions may be asked in a hospital interview for pharmacy tech??? I need help.... :)

i am a certified pharm tech and i start about $21/hr. i never had to take those expensive pharm tech programs.

I work in retail, (cvs pharmacy) as a pharmacy tech. I did not go to school for it I just applied with no experience and they trained me, sent me to class gave me stuff to study from and paid me while I learned. With that said I started off making $9.00 and hour with 40 hours a week. NO overtime, holidays are paid differently for example on christmas people who do work get paid triple time plus 8 hours and for regular holidays like veterans day it is only time and a half plus 8 hours. There is flexible scheduling we alternate weekends and nights. it is a great place to work

VRose in Belle Glade, Florida said: It took me a really long time to find work...with no exp, I am
making $9.oo/hr...these people are real crappy about OT, they
do not give it unless its 100% needed. the district pharmacy manager is complaining to my pharmacist that I am not doing enough work with the computer...what do these people expect for a mere $9/hr??? it takes 1-2 hours to put up stock, and running back and forth to the register, I do some light computer tasks, along with counting pills and working the register all day...and when i asked to work at another store for hours, all i get is crazy looks "well, you cant work more then 32hours/ week..." and the other store is in need for some extra help...jesus
christ, what is wrong with these people...lets just let the store suffer without the extra help....

Do you still work in Belle Glade? May I ask which particular Pharmacy you are/where referring to? I used to work at a pharmacy out there and your complaints sound all to familiar to me!

How did you find this position!? I would love to work in a hospital!

hi there. I work in a hospital at the moment. You should be very fortunate to have found the job. Though the pay is a little low, but you had no experience, but think about it this way, shift differences are $1 extra after 2pm, $1 extra on wknds and another extra dollar for working after 2 on wknds so with your 12 dollar base, you can make up to 15/hr on wknds. Also, hospitals over a lot of benefits such tuition reimbursements which is a huge plus in case if you want to continue your education or currently in school. as far as the bi wkly, i think thats the basic for part-time b employees. at my hospital, there are part time a and b employees, where b is the lowest status where u get the least pto since u work the least hours, but any is better than none. as ppl leave, more positions will open up and you can apply for those positions. This is how my colleagues all worked their way up into fulltime positions. Not all of them were hired as fulltime, 8 hrs pto bi wkly, they worked their way up from part time status.

Vida in Dallas, Texas said: How did you find this position!? I would love to work in a hospital!

hi there. for me, i looked up the hospitals in my area and when there was a position, i would just apply for it. i applied, and got it!

Above it all in West Palm Beach, Florida said: Do you still work in Belle Glade? May I ask which particular Pharmacy you are/where referring to? I used to work at a pharmacy out there and your complaints sound all to familiar to me!

i think all retail pharmacies face the same problems. no ot, cutting hrs during holidays

savannah in Winder, Georgia said: could someone give me advice on what type of questions may be asked in a hospital interview for pharmacy tech??? I need help.... :)

hi, for my interview he basically asked why i wanted the change, what are my future plans, what hours i can work, what are your goals. examples when i went out of my way to help a customer, etc. basically sell yourself.

mimi178 in Spokane, Washington said: hi, for my interview he basically asked why i wanted the change, what are my future plans, what hours i can work, what are your goals. examples when i went out of my way to help a customer, etc. basically sell yourself.

I just got hired as a pharmacy tech in a hospital. I have 2.5 yrs of experience working for Rite Aid and CVS. I've earned my BS in Chemistry. I wanted to take the year off and work before applying to Pharmacy school... They started me out at $12per/hr pto, paid biweekly, $2 shift diff etc...

As for the interview process I wasn't prepared at all. I didnt realize how formal the interviews were going to be. However since I do have experience I was able to answer all of the questions....

Be prepared to answer questions such as:

What are your weaknesses and strengths?

In what areas could you use improvement?

How long does it take you to answer the phone? How many rings is too many? A: 15-30 sec.

Future goals. Accomplished goals.

How well do you prioritize.

I'm thinking of starting pharmacy tech school in May, because I need the in class study. I really scared and I wonder if I'll get through the class. Can anyone give me advice on anything about this classes.
Thanks

unkown in Lewisville, Texas said: I recently got hired in a hospital, with no IV experience, they trained me nad paid for me to get IV certified I get paid around 15 an hour, get a shift differntial of 2 per hour on evenings and 1 an hour for weekends, also for every 40 hours I work i get 9 hours pto and 3 hours sick pay. When I worked retail I only got paid 13 an hours and that was after 2 yrs. and this is in dallas

i used to live in Lewisaville Tx right off of old orchard on Springwood dr.. wages have sure gone up since I was there
sheila from Illinois

Penny in Lexington, Tennessee said: I'm thinking of starting pharmacy tech school in May, because I need the in class study. I really scared and I wonder if I'll get through the class. Can anyone give me advice on anything about this classes.
Thanks

Pharmacy Tech classes are not designed to be hard, the only way for you to fail is not to show up, or not do anything at all. you will spend 1000"s going to a pharmacy tech school, then in the end wonder why you are still unemployed, trust me, its not worth the debt.

I just found out today that I am being laid off...I am also willing to relocate, as long as it is home infusion related.

www.indeed.com/forum/job/Pharmacy-Technician/Certified-Pharmacy-Tech-Seeking-Contract-Home-Infusion/t126140

Joe, could you tell me where you applied and were hired? I live in Cary, too, and am looking at a different job in Cary rather than where I'm at in Chicago. Please contact me at: frmanny@franoutreach.org

Joe in Cary, Illinois said: I just got hired as a hospital pharmacy tech. I have no experience. I had to paid the il license out of my own pocket. Starting salary is 12.00 an hr and the pto biweekly is 1.06.

I know I have no experience but isn't that a little low for hospital Pharmacy techs. I was expected at least 15 dollars but did not negotiate since i have no experience. And also is my pto low. Some people have said that with no exp in hospital they get pto of like 7 dollars!! Can anyone in the hospital environment compare my salary and if it is at least descent. And if you can list your salarys and pto as well.

Penny in Lexington, Tennessee said: I'm thinking of starting pharmacy tech school in May, because I need the in class study. I really scared and I wonder if I'll get through the class. Can anyone give me advice on anything about this classes.
Thanks

iam attending penn foster and doing a home syudy. it is easy as long as you just study. i like it

i work in hospital and have been a pharmacy technician for two years. i would say lie about your experience just say you worked in hospital b4 they have to train you anyway. i did and i started out with 16.75 and hour and now i make 25 dollars a hour but i live in maryland where the pay is good. get the hell out of those other states all my friends ake 20 or above in md

OH AND BY THE WAY ANY WOMAN WANTING TO BE A PHARM TECH IN MD

AT THE CAROLINE CENTER WHERE I WENT THE CLASS IS FREE AND ITS ONLY 3 MONTHS

ITS AWESOME I PASSED MY FIRST TIME WITH A 755

I passed the PTCB with the score of 742. You just need to know what to study on the test and what area needs more attention to. The two areas need to be focused on the most is "Assist Pharmacist in Serving Patients and Maintain Med. Inventory Control Systems". Focus more attention to those 2 and you'll pass.

i planned on starting a pharmacy tech program in the fall, and if im lucky i would like to get a job in a hospital,and if they offered me 12/hr , no experience, i would be the happiest person in the world...otherwords that would be a blessing... i do planned on goin back to school for an associate's degree in medical laboratory technology, as well, but right now i have no job, and need something fast....

Duane said: Joe in Cary, Illinois

I work in Richmond, Va. and when I was started I was hired at 14.67/hr with 5 hrs pto bi-weekly. I have been there now for 5 years going on 6 and I am currently at 16.47/hr with 1.00/hr diff after 5pm and 10 pto hrs bi-weekly
I hope this helps you

I just got a job at walmart in richmond with no experience starting at ten an hr. I dont know if i should take the job or not. should the pay be more to start out at. I just finished my course and exam and just got licensed

VRose in Belle Glade, Florida said: It took me a really long time to find work...with no exp, I am
making $9.oo/hr...these people are real crappy about OT, they
do not give it unless its 100% needed. the district pharmacy manager is complaining to my pharmacist that I am not doing enough work with the computer...what do these people expect for a mere $9/hr??? it takes 1-2 hours to put up stock, and running back and forth to the register, I do some light computer tasks, along with counting pills and working the register all day...and when i asked to work at another store for hours, all i get is crazy looks "well, you cant work more then 32hours/ week..." and the other store is in need for some extra help...jesus
christ, what is wrong with these people...lets just let the store suffer without the extra help....

Let me guess... you work for CVS Pharmacy. Am I right??

john in Los Angeles, California said: I passed the PTCB with the score of 742. You just need to know what to study on the test and what area needs more attention to. The two areas need to be focused on the most is "Assist Pharmacist in Serving Patients and Maintain Med. Inventory Control Systems". Focus more attention to those 2 and you'll pass.

How much of the test was focused on the hospital pharmacy aspect of the study guide?

ugh in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: How much of the test was focused on the hospital pharmacy aspect of the study guide?

The main focus is mostly calculation and inventory. If you're good on both, then you're set to go. However; the test difficulty is set by your experience. So, if you have no experience in the workforce, the test might be set to an easier level for you. There isn't a lot of question about hospital. Do to my experience, there was a lot of I.V. question and laminar air-flow. I hope that helps...

Thanks a million!

CPHTII in Nashville, Tennessee said: i work in hospital and have been a pharmacy technician for two years. i would say lie about your experience just say you worked in hospital b4 they have to train you anyway. i did and i started out with 16.75 and hour and now i make 25 dollars a hour but i live in maryland where the pay is good. get the hell out of those other states all my friends ake 20 or above in md

What hospital do you work at? I also livein MD and cant find a job anywhere.

First off, for the people who pay for the liscense out of pocket and don't have experience I think that is crazy, but that is just my opinion. I went to Western Career College in California a 15 month program, I got certified, got my associates, and I had an internship, so I had the experience. I am now working at Oakland Children's Hospital and I started at $26/hr and I have been working there for only four months and I already have gotten a $2.50 raise! So now I make $28.50, so I think it's better to go to a vocational school, and if you can one that is recognized by the national pharmacy association (I forgot what it's called). In the end you have the experience and a degree and you are being taught by a liscensed pharmacist and you are nationally recognized so you learn more, and you could get a job over someone else applying for the same job because you have more experience, and the pay is much better. Like no one I graduated with has made less than 18/hr starting off, and some of them started in retail at Walgreens!

Also at inpatient hospitals you get so much OT, so if you want you can be guaranteed a six fig salary if you worked like 30hrs of overtime a year!

that is crazy low - starting pharmacy techs in hospitals should make between $20 and $25, plus i get 4 weeks PTO to start. Raises are not that great this year but i think you got ripped off!

I have no idea where to start or what to do....where to go, I live in Kansas soon to be moving to the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Does anyone know what schools offer the quickest certification program, or direct me where I can go to get good information.

Now that I've past my test, I can't find a job. No one wants to train you, they want you to have 6 months exp.

unkown in Lewisville, Texas said: I recently got hired in a hospital, with no IV experience, they trained me nad paid for me to get IV certified I get paid around 15 an hour, get a shift differntial of 2 per hour on evenings and 1 an hour for weekends, also for every 40 hours I work i get 9 hours pto and 3 hours sick pay. When I worked retail I only got paid 13 an hours and that was after 2 yrs. and this is in dallas

i work at a retail pharmacy but i'm getting bored of it i have 2 year experience and get paid 14.00/hr. is working at a hospital any different than at a retail pharmacy? i'm going to school for rn and want to get my cna also so i have a busy schedule but the thing about retail pharmacy is so slow where i work at and i want to do more things than the basic things you do at a retail. what are your suggestions? thanks, leslie

Aidenmurphy in Topeka, Kansas said: I have no idea where to start or what to do....where to go, I live in Kansas soon to be moving to the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Does anyone know what schools offer the quickest certification program, or direct me where I can go to get good information.

all the classes here cost lots of $ from 1000 to 13000 at a colleges like remington what i did was bought a book at barnes and noble and studied my butt off and took the test, but i got hired as a trannie first before i even passed the test and when i passed my test i was bumped up to certified tech, you also need to register with the state and to take the test and register will cost you around 200 plus the book was around 100. but also check out community colleges they have them for around 800 for the full course. hope this helped

Yes us did help. Thank you. I think I am going with Remington. I THINK that's one. Plus I was told that with the class you also will be IV certified. That's a plus!

Anna in Fort Knox, Kentucky said: Think about it this way... YOU didn't pay nearly a grand and spend 6 months of your life going to school and getting proper certification and THEY had to train you from scratch which wastes their time but they GAVE YOU A CHANCE ANYWAY!

If you're going to be UNGRATEFUL for your salary, QUIT! Work a job that people who went to school don't deserve it over you. Try McDonalds.

Geez...take a chill pill...

I got a job at Fred's, It's only part time and it pays 8.50, but it's a job and it will let me get some training. I've not started yet.

Ladyv in Chicago, Illinois said:

I would be willing to make you some extra cash LadyV, I live near chicago. If interested please contact me. Thanks, BB

BBMMRR in Naperville, Illinois said: I would be willing to make you some extra cash LadyV, I live near chicago. If interested please contact me. Thanks, BB

Hi BBMMRR, I saw your last post and was interested in any job leads you may have for those living in Chicago. If you could give me any advice or info, I would be very grateful. Thank you

-JenV

You are absolutely right.
I work for CVS for 11$ an hour..
I have PTCB & state both certification. my work place is crazy. People are mean & sick.
I am having bad dreams at night. there are problems & problems. I am tired of listening to all the complains all day & CVS is keep pushing us to do better !!
I don't know what they want?
I am trying to get a hospital pharmacy tech job..
I hope it will be a bit better than my present with a better pay..

I've been a tech for 8 years and I'm looking into working at an Infusion Center. Does anyone have any tips? What about working at an Prison?