Walmart Raises Wages for Pharmacy Technicians

Walmart is increasing pay for pharmacy technicians, introducing 3,000 new leadership roles with hourly wages reaching up to $40.50, many of which don’t even need a college degree.

This Arkansas-based retail behemoth, which recently saw its market value soar past $1 trillion, employs around 35,000 pharmacy technicians and 15,000 pharmacists across approximately 4,600 pharmacies in the U.S.

Historically, pharmacy technicians earned about $22 an hour. So, this new pay structure could represent a staggering increase of around 84% at the top end.

However, it’s important to note that not every pharmacy employee qualifies for the $40.50 wage, as pay rates differ based on qualifications and geographical location.

With this new model, pharmacy operations team leaders are looking at an average hourly wage of $28, with a maximum potential of $42, plus bonuses that may vary by location.

Higher wages are being concentrated in areas with elevated living costs. Certified pharmacy technicians currently earn about $3 more per hour compared to their non-certified counterparts, and Walmart will cover the costs for certification.

Interestingly, Walmart does not require a college degree for roles such as pharmacy salesperson, technician, or operations team leader, which could make these high-paying healthcare jobs more accessible for many.

These new leadership positions will be crucial in managing the daily operations of the pharmacy, allowing pharmacy managers and pharmacists to focus more on patient care.

The pay increase is part of a larger attempt to expand Walmart’s pharmacy team and increase staffing amidst rising demand for pharmacy services this year.

Since 2016, more than 22,000 employees have obtained pharmacy technician certification, paving the way for better pay and leadership roles.

This investment is framed as a long-term strategy to create career pathways within Walmart, while also broadening its health and wellness services across the nation.