Pharmacy Technician in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Iowa
To become a certified pharmacy technician in Iowa, individuals must first register as a pharmacy technician trainee with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy before commencing employment. Within one year of trainee status, national certification through the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) is required, along with a high school diploma or GED and completion of an approved training program. The application fee for certified pharmacy technician registration is $40, and renewal is required every two years, aligning with national certification renewal which typically requires 20 continuing education hours.
Pharmacy Technician Requirements in Iowa
| Detail | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Iowa Board of Pharmacy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or GED and national certification (PTCB or NHA). Completion of a pharmacy technician training program accredited by ASHP, an accredited college, or an approved pharmacy employer is also required. |
| Exam | PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129) |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Must register as a pharmacy technician trainee before starting work in a pharmacy. National certification is required within one year of trainee status. Background checks are expected. |
Source: Iowa Board of Pharmacy
License Tiers
Iowa offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Technician Trainee | N/A |
| Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | N/A |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Iowa
The median pharmacy technician salary in Iowa is $41,380 per year, which is 4.8% below the national median of $43,460.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $34,880 |
| 25th | $37,240 |
| 50th (median) | $41,380 |
| 75th | $47,230 |
| 90th (experienced) | $52,530 |
Iowa employs approximately 4,480 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 Iowa Worth It?
Factors to consider: Iowa's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.