Certified Pharmacy Technician Jobs in California
Certified Pharmacy Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated across retail pharmacy chains, large integrated health systems, and specialty and compounding pharmacies serving one of the nation's largest patient populations. The biggest hiring activity runs through Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where employers like CVS Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Walgreens maintain major California operations and hire at every level from entry-level bench technicians through lead and supervisory roles. Oncology pharmacy, sterile compounding, and specialty medication management are the sub-areas drawing the most consistent openings right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 111+ Certified Pharmacy Technician jobs
Job Title: Pharmacy Technician
Department: Pharmacy
Work Site: Climate controlled warehouse with concrete floor
Job Code: Medium
I. Job Summary
Assists Pharmacist to fill, dispense prescriptions for customers. Assists customers at counter, retrieves prescriptions, rings up customers. Orders and stocks drugs, supplies, and over-the-counter merchandise.
Updates patient records and inventory, processes invoices, and makes accounting entries using computerized system.
II. Identification of Job Functions
Essential Functions and Tasks:
Assists customers at counter and retrieves filled prescriptions. Rings up orders. Receives payment,
1) makes change, processes checks, credit and debit charges. Provides prompt and courteous customer service. Answers phones, directs customers to product location. Preserves customer confidentiality.
5%
Assists Pharmacist in updating patient profile and entering prescription information into the pharmacy
2) computer to extent allowable by State law. Preserves patient confidentiality. Answers phones and provides prompt and courteous member service including answering questions at pharmacy window, directing members to product location. 50%
Assists Pharmacist in filling prescriptions by bringing stock bottles, counting, pouring, re-stocking,
3) labeling, and pricing prescriptions under direct Pharmacist’s supervision. Prepares third-party insurance claims, to the extent allowable by State law. 35%
4) Processes invoices and makes accounting entries using computerized system. Less than 5%
5) Orders, receives, tags, and stocks prescription drugs and supplies. Follows product storage procedures and standards. Less than 5%
Orders and stocks special Over-the-counter items and supplies which are kept behind counter in
6) Pharmacy Department. Marks product number on unmarked items using marking gun. Orders, receives, tags, and stocks prescription drugs and supplies (those allowable by state law). Follows product storage procedures and standards. Less than 5%
Cleans department by sweeping, mopping, spraying, wiping, and dusting. Empties trash and operates
7) trash compactor and cardboard baler. Follows security and safety procedures, including securing department by appropriately storing or disposing of confidential documents and by using proper disposal methods for immunization supplies. Less than 5%
8) Regular and reliable attendance at your assigned location.
Non-Essential Functions and Tasks:
1) Assists with front end duties as directed by Pharmacist-in-Charge.
2) Assists in other departments of the warehouse as directed by Pharmacist-in-Charge.
III. Qualification Standards
Education/Training: High School Diploma or GED required. Completed State, National, or NACDS technical training as required by State.
National, State, or NACDS certification, registration, or license as Pharmacy Technician as required by State. Hazard Communication and JHA (initial assignment), Professionals
Licenses/Certifications: HIPAA Training (prior to beginning work in department), Costco Hazardous Materials DOT Training Course: Part 1 (within 30 days and then every year), Hazmat Universal Waste Training-Short Version (within 30 days and then every year), Option STOP Training (within 30 days), MethGuard (within 30 days).
Experience: Pharmacy experience preferred.
Knowledge/Skills: Computer, math, insurance billing, and customer service skills preferred.
IV. Operation of Vehicles, Equipment, or Machinery
During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
Computer, phone, fax, printer, manual pallet jack
Cash register, hand held / tabletop scanner
Computerized order/inventory system, cash register
Hand held scanner, trash compactor, cardboard baler
V. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequency Key (Based on 8 hour shift):
N = Never
F = Frequently (2-1/2 to 5 hours)
O = Occasionally (under 2-1/2 hours)
C = Continuously (over 5 hours)
Posture/Movement/Sensory:
During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
Sitting N Kneeling O Sitting N Kneeling N
Walking F Climbing O Walking O Climbing O
Standing F Reaching: Standing F Reaching:
Bending O Above Shoulders O Bending O Above Shoulders O
Squatting O At/Below Shoulders C Squatting O At/Below Shoulders F
Visual Demands: Ability to read handwritten prescriptions, small print on drug enclosures. Ability to read product labels on upper shelves. Field of vision to avoid co-workers in high-traffic area. Ability to distinguish color for safe dispensing.
Auditory Demands: Hearing to assist customers and converse with coworkers in person and by phone.
Other Physical Demands: Finger dexterity for repetitive opening and closing of plastic and paper bags.
Strength
0-10 lbs. 11-25 lbs. 26-50 lbs. 51-75 lbs. >75 lbs. Max.
Lift/lower below O O N N N 25 lbs
waist (3,5,7) (3,5) Case of Lactate Ringer
Lift/lower between O O 25 lbs
waist and chest (3,5,7) (3,5) N N N Case of Lactate Ringer
Lift/lower above
Shoulder N N N N N N/A
Carry O O (3,5,7) (3,5) N N N
25 lbs
Case of Lactate Ringer
Push O (3,5,7) N
O 33 lbs/force
(7) N N Open Baler
Pull O N O N N 46 lbs/force (3,5,7) (7) Close Baler
Hand/Foot Movement
During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
Simple grasp (< 8# of force) F Simple grasp (< 8# of force) F
Power grasp (>8# of force) O Power grasp (>8# of force) O
Finger/fine manipulation F Finger/fine manipulation O
Pushing / Pulling with hands O Pushing / Pulling with hands O
Foot controls N Foot controls N
Repetitive hand motions F Repetitive hand motions O
Safety: Equipment/ Training/ Attire: On-going Company provided safety training commencing on hire date. Cushion floor mats. Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials.
VI. Mental and Psychological Demands:
During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
BASIC WORK: Essential Functions
1) Follow verbal instruction. X X
2) Follow written instructions. X X
3) Maintain the established work pace. X X
4) Adhere to established work and safety procedures. X X
5) Respond appropriately to direction and evaluation. X X
ATTENTION TO TASK/DETAILS:
6) Perform simple and/or repetitive tasks. X X
7) Perform complex and/or varied tasks. X X
8) Organize tasks and set priorities. X X
9) Perform and/or direct multiple tasks simultaneously. X X
INTERACTION WITH OTHERS:
10) Work cooperatively with coworkers. X X
11) Interact and deal with customers or the public. X X
12) Give training and/or instruction X
13) Direct or supervise others X
14) Maintain composure under all circumstances. X X
DECISION MAKING:
15) Use basic problem-solving techniques. X X
16) Work autonomously, or with minimal supervision. X X
17) Make independent judgments and decisions based on data/ circumstances.
VII. Environmental Conditions:
Condition During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
Exposure to weather N O Parking lot
Extreme cold (non-weather related) N N
Extreme heat (non-weather related) N N
Wet and/or humid (non-weather related) N N
Atmospheric conditions N N
Noise intensity level N N
Vibration N N
Toxic/caustic chemicals O Chemotherapy medications O Cleaning spills
Proximity to moving mechanical parts N N
Exposure to electrical shock N N
Other environmental conditions:
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $31.90 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
Pharmacy Technician Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Customer Service: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Pharmacy Technician License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
_*It is Costco’s intent to fully comply with its duty to provide reasonable accommodations to allow people with disabilities to apply for and perform their jobs.
Job Title: Pharmacy Technician
Department: Pharmacy
Work Site: Climate controlled warehouse with concrete floor
Job Code: Medium
I. Job Summary
Assists Pharmacist to fill, dispense prescriptions for customers. Assists customers at counter, retrieves prescriptions, rings up customers. Orders and stocks drugs, supplies, and over-the-counter merchandise.
Updates patient records and inventory, processes invoices, and makes accounting entries using computerized system.
II. Identification of Job Functions
Essential Functions and Tasks:
Assists customers at counter and retrieves filled prescriptions. Rings up orders. Receives payment,
1) makes change, processes checks, credit and debit charges. Provides prompt and courteous customer service. Answers phones, directs customers to product location. Preserves customer confidentiality.
5%
Assists Pharmacist in updating patient profile and entering prescription information into the pharmacy
2) computer to extent allowable by State law. Preserves patient confidentiality. Answers phones and provides prompt and courteous member service including answering questions at pharmacy window, directing members to product location. 50%
Assists Pharmacist in filling prescriptions by bringing stock bottles, counting, pouring, re-stocking,
3) labeling, and pricing prescriptions under direct Pharmacist’s supervision. Prepares third-party insurance claims, to the extent allowable by State law. 35%
4) Processes invoices and makes accounting entries using computerized system. Less than 5%
5) Orders, receives, tags, and stocks prescription drugs and supplies. Follows product storage procedures and standards. Less than 5%
Orders and stocks special Over-the-counter items and supplies which are kept behind counter in
6) Pharmacy Department. Marks product number on unmarked items using marking gun. Orders, receives, tags, and stocks prescription drugs and supplies (those allowable by state law). Follows product storage procedures and standards. Less than 5%
Cleans department by sweeping, mopping, spraying, wiping, and dusting. Empties trash and operates
7) trash compactor and cardboard baler. Follows security and safety procedures, including securing department by appropriately storing or disposing of confidential documents and by using proper disposal methods for immunization supplies. Less than 5%
8) Regular and reliable attendance at your assigned location.
Non-Essential Functions and Tasks:
1) Assists with front end duties as directed by Pharmacist-in-Charge.
2) Assists in other departments of the warehouse as directed by Pharmacist-in-Charge.
III. Qualification Standards
Education/Training: High School Diploma or GED required. Completed State, National, or NACDS technical training as required by State.
National, State, or NACDS certification, registration, or license as Pharmacy Technician as required by State. Hazard Communication and JHA (initial assignment), Professionals
Licenses/Certifications: HIPAA Training (prior to beginning work in department), Costco Hazardous Materials DOT Training Course: Part 1 (within 30 days and then every year), Hazmat Universal Waste Training-Short Version (within 30 days and then every year), Option STOP Training (within 30 days), MethGuard (within 30 days).
Experience: Pharmacy experience preferred.
Knowledge/Skills: Computer, math, insurance billing, and customer service skills preferred.
IV. Operation of Vehicles, Equipment, or Machinery
During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
Computer, phone, fax, printer, manual pallet jack
Cash register, hand held / tabletop scanner
Computerized order/inventory system, cash register
Hand held scanner, trash compactor, cardboard baler
V. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequency Key (Based on 8 hour shift):
N = Never
F = Frequently (2-1/2 to 5 hours)
O = Occasionally (under 2-1/2 hours)
C = Continuously (over 5 hours)
Posture/Movement/Sensory:
During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
Sitting N Kneeling O Sitting N Kneeling N
Walking F Climbing O Walking O Climbing O
Standing F Reaching: Standing F Reaching:
Bending O Above Shoulders O Bending O Above Shoulders O
Squatting O At/Below Shoulders C Squatting O At/Below Shoulders F
Visual Demands: Ability to read handwritten prescriptions, small print on drug enclosures. Ability to read product labels on upper shelves. Field of vision to avoid co-workers in high-traffic area. Ability to distinguish color for safe dispensing.
Auditory Demands: Hearing to assist customers and converse with coworkers in person and by phone.
Other Physical Demands: Finger dexterity for repetitive opening and closing of plastic and paper bags.
Strength
0-10 lbs. 11-25 lbs. 26-50 lbs. 51-75 lbs. >75 lbs. Max.
Lift/lower below O O N N N 25 lbs
waist (3,5,7) (3,5) Case of Lactate Ringer
Lift/lower between O O 25 lbs
waist and chest (3,5,7) (3,5) N N N Case of Lactate Ringer
Lift/lower above
Shoulder N N N N N N/A
Carry O O (3,5,7) (3,5) N N N
25 lbs
Case of Lactate Ringer
Push O (3,5,7) N
O 33 lbs/force
(7) N N Open Baler
Pull O N O N N 46 lbs/force (3,5,7) (7) Close Baler
Hand/Foot Movement
During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
Simple grasp (< 8# of force) F Simple grasp (< 8# of force) F
Power grasp (>8# of force) O Power grasp (>8# of force) O
Finger/fine manipulation F Finger/fine manipulation O
Pushing / Pulling with hands O Pushing / Pulling with hands O
Foot controls N Foot controls N
Repetitive hand motions F Repetitive hand motions O
Safety: Equipment/ Training/ Attire: On-going Company provided safety training commencing on hire date. Cushion floor mats. Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials.
VI. Mental and Psychological Demands:
During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
BASIC WORK: Essential Functions
1) Follow verbal instruction. X X
2) Follow written instructions. X X
3) Maintain the established work pace. X X
4) Adhere to established work and safety procedures. X X
5) Respond appropriately to direction and evaluation. X X
ATTENTION TO TASK/DETAILS:
6) Perform simple and/or repetitive tasks. X X
7) Perform complex and/or varied tasks. X X
8) Organize tasks and set priorities. X X
9) Perform and/or direct multiple tasks simultaneously. X X
INTERACTION WITH OTHERS:
10) Work cooperatively with coworkers. X X
11) Interact and deal with customers or the public. X X
12) Give training and/or instruction X
13) Direct or supervise others X
14) Maintain composure under all circumstances. X X
DECISION MAKING:
15) Use basic problem-solving techniques. X X
16) Work autonomously, or with minimal supervision. X X
17) Make independent judgments and decisions based on data/ circumstances.
VII. Environmental Conditions:
Condition During Essential Functions During Non-Essential Functions
Exposure to weather N O Parking lot
Extreme cold (non-weather related) N N
Extreme heat (non-weather related) N N
Wet and/or humid (non-weather related) N N
Atmospheric conditions N N
Noise intensity level N N
Vibration N N
Toxic/caustic chemicals O Chemotherapy medications O Cleaning spills
Proximity to moving mechanical parts N N
Exposure to electrical shock N N
Other environmental conditions:
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $31.90 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
Pharmacy Technician Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Customer Service: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Pharmacy Technician License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
_*It is Costco’s intent to fully comply with its duty to provide reasonable accommodations to allow people with disabilities to apply for and perform their jobs.
See All 111+ Certified Pharmacy Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsCertified Pharmacy Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Certified Pharmacy Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Walgreens107
- Walmart3
- Costco Wholesale1
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail111
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in certified pharmacy technician jobs across California.
- Active California State Board of Pharmacy technician registration required
- National certification through PTCB or NHA strongly preferred or required
- Experience with pharmacy dispensing software such as QS/1 or PioneerRx
- Ability to accurately process and verify prescriptions under pharmacist supervision
- Strong attention to detail and knowledge of drug names, dosages, and interactions
- Clear background check result meeting California Board of Pharmacy standards
Certified Pharmacy Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a certified pharmacy technician in California?
You must register with the California State Board of Pharmacy before working as a pharmacy technician, and registration requires completing a California Board-approved training program or gaining equivalent hours of experience under a licensed pharmacist. Most California employers also expect national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association. There is no separate California state exam, but the Board registration and national certification together are the standard path employers require.
How much do certified pharmacy technicians make in California?
Certified pharmacy technicians in California earn a median of about $55,110 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $42,850 for the lowest 10% to over $81,190 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire certified pharmacy technicians in California?
Employers hiring certified pharmacy technicians in California right now include Walgreens, Walmart, and Costco Wholesale, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's size means both large retail chains and major integrated health systems like Kaiser Permanente run continuous hiring cycles throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most certified pharmacy technician jobs?
San Francisco, San Jose, and Berkeley account for the most certified pharmacy technician openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through their concentration of large hospital systems, retail pharmacy chains, and specialty clinics, while the Bay Area reflects strong demand from integrated health networks and growing specialty and oncology pharmacy operations tied to its major academic medical centers.
Are there remote certified pharmacy technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of certified pharmacy technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, because most technician work requires physical presence at a dispensing counter, cleanroom, or hospital pharmacy. The portions of the role most compatible with remote work are prior authorization processing, pharmacy benefit coordination, and specialty medication patient support.
How can I get hired as a certified pharmacy technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a California State Board of Pharmacy-approved training program, which qualifies you for registration and makes you eligible to apply for trainee or entry-level technician roles at retail chains and health system pharmacies. Kaiser Permanente and large retail operators like CVS and Walgreens in California regularly hire technicians in training. Candidates coming from cashier, customer service, or medical assistant roles often transition successfully, and having your national certification application in progress gives you a clear edge over applicants with no credentials at all.
Where can I find and apply to certified pharmacy technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to certified pharmacy technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across retail, health system, specialty, and compounding settings. Find the roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly.
See All 111+ Certified Pharmacy Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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