Pharmacy Technician in Alaska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Alaska
To become a licensed Pharmacy Technician in Alaska, you must register with the Alaska Board of Pharmacy. Key steps include having a high school diploma or GED (or being enrolled in a supervised training program), being at least 18 years old (with a pathway for 16-17 year olds in approved programs), and submitting an application with a $25 fee. While national certification (PTCB or NHA) is not mandatory for state licensure, it is highly recommended as it expands the scope of practice and is often preferred by employers. Licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 10 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacy Technician Requirements in Alaska
| Detail | Alaska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Alaska Board of Pharmacy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or GED, or currently enrolled in a supervised training program. |
| Exam | Not required for state licensure, but national certification (PTCB or NHA) is recognized and expands duties. ($129) |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 10.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age is 18, though a 16-17 pathway exists if enrolled in an approved/supervised training program. Applicants must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. A criminal background check is required. National certification (PTCB or NHA) is not required for initial licensure but is highly preferred by employers and allows for expanded duties under a two-tier classification system. The license fee is $25, and renewal fees can be $25 or prorated $12.50. |
Source: Alaska Board of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Alaska
The median pharmacy technician salary in Alaska is $50,440 per year, which is 16.1% above the national median of $43,460.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,650 |
| 25th | $46,870 |
| 50th (median) | $50,440 |
| 75th | $58,510 |
| 90th (experienced) | $64,600 |
Alaska employs approximately 870 pharmacy technicians.
Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook
AI Impact on Pharmacy Technicians
Low AI Exposure (Score: 0.01/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Alaska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Alaska's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.