Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island
To become a Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island, you must obtain a state license through the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. There are two levels of licensure: Pharmacy Technician I (entry-level, requiring enrollment in a board-approved training program) and Pharmacy Technician II (requiring national certification via the PTCB or ExCPT exam). All applicants must be at least 18 years old (with exceptions for high school students in career exploration programs) and possess a high school diploma or GED. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for technicians licensed in other states with equivalent requirements.
Pharmacy Technician Requirements in Rhode Island
| Detail | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or GED, or currently enrolled in a high school or vocational training program that awards such degree or certificate. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) required for Technician II. For Technician I, completion of a board-approved or employer-based training program is required. |
| Exam | PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129) |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 10.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18, with an exception for high school students in career exploration programs. Applicants must not have been convicted of any felony for violations involving controlled substances, subject to waiver by the Board. An NABP e-Profile ID is required for renewal. A background check may be expected. Licenses expire annually on June 30th. Pharmacy Technician I has limited duties and works under direct supervision. Pharmacy Technician II has expanded duties. |
Source: Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy
License Tiers
Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Technician I | N/A |
| Technician II | N/A |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Rhode Island
The median pharmacy technician salary in Rhode Island is $37,730 per year, which is 13.2% below the national median of $43,460.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,210 |
| 25th | $37,330 |
| 50th (median) | $37,730 |
| 75th | $48,200 |
| 90th (experienced) | $54,070 |
Rhode Island employs approximately 1,720 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 Rhode Island Worth It?
Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.