Pharmacy Technician Jobs in California
Pharmacy Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in retail pharmacy chains, large hospital systems, and specialty infusion and oncology pharmacies, with openings at every level from entry-level trainees to senior compounding and oncology technicians. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, where employers like Kaiser Permanente, Walgreens, and CVS Health maintain large California footprints. The most in-demand specialties are IV compounding, specialty pharmacy, and ambulatory care. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Summary: The Pharmacy Technician-One (1) Inpatient assists in all aspects of drug distribution within the scope of responsibility. Maintains records and computer data related to patients and medications. Functions in accordance with pharmacy law and written guidelines of the pharmacy department. These services may be provided for both the LLUMC and LLUCH hospitals. Performs other duties as needed.
Education and Experience: Associate's Degree in Pharmacy Technology or completed a course of training specified by the Board required. Minimum one year of hospital pharmacy experience preferred.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Able to write legibly speak; assemble, troubleshoot and calibrate patient care equipment and perform technical age-specific patient care activities as required; use computer and software programs necessary to the position.
- Able to communicate effectively, and professionally with others, be assertive and consistent in following policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure, collaborate with others; accept direction.
- Able to communicate effectively in English in person, in writing and on the telephone; perform basic math functions essential to position; think critically; organize and prioritize workload; manage multiple assignments effectively; work well under pressure, problem solve; recall information; pay close attention to detail; document legibly.
- Able to distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place/patient care; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records, and written documents necessary to position; discern temperature variances through touch.
Licensures and Certifications: California Pharmacy Technician license required.
Job Summary: The Pharmacy Technician-One (1) Inpatient assists in all aspects of drug distribution within the scope of responsibility. Maintains records and computer data related to patients and medications. Functions in accordance with pharmacy law and written guidelines of the pharmacy department. These services may be provided for both the LLUMC and LLUCH hospitals. Performs other duties as needed.
Education and Experience: Associate's Degree in Pharmacy Technology or completed a course of training specified by the Board required. Minimum one year of hospital pharmacy experience preferred.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Able to write legibly speak; assemble, troubleshoot and calibrate patient care equipment and perform technical age-specific patient care activities as required; use computer and software programs necessary to the position.
- Able to communicate effectively, and professionally with others, be assertive and consistent in following policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure, collaborate with others; accept direction.
- Able to communicate effectively in English in person, in writing and on the telephone; perform basic math functions essential to position; think critically; organize and prioritize workload; manage multiple assignments effectively; work well under pressure, problem solve; recall information; pay close attention to detail; document legibly.
- Able to distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place/patient care; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records, and written documents necessary to position; discern temperature variances through touch.
Licensures and Certifications: California Pharmacy Technician license required.
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Find Pharmacy Technician JobsPharmacy Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- CVS Health318
- Walgreens192
- Loma Linda University Health12
- Safeway12
- Albertsons4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services360
- Retail214
- Education21
- Distribution & Wholesale4
- Technology & Software4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in pharmacy technician jobs across California.
- Active California Pharmacy Technician registration issued by the California State Board of Pharmacy
- National certification as a CPhT through PTCB or NHA ExCPT preferred or required
- Proficiency with pharmacy management software such as PioneerRx, QS/1, or Epic Willow
- Accurate medication counting, labeling, and order entry with strong attention to detail
- Customer service experience in a high-volume retail or clinical pharmacy environment
- Ability to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
Pharmacy Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a pharmacy technician in California?
You must register with the California State Board of Pharmacy before working as a pharmacy technician in California. Registration requires completing a Board-approved training program or equivalent work experience, passing a background check, and submitting a registration application. Most employers also expect national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association, and California law requires registered technicians to maintain continuing education to keep their registration current.
How much do pharmacy technicians make in California?
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 pharmacy technicians in California?
Employers hiring pharmacy technicians in California right now include CVS Health, Walgreens, and Loma Linda University Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of integrated health systems, specialty pharmacy networks, and high-volume retail chains means steady year-round openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most pharmacy technician jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco have the most pharmacy technician openings in California right now. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through their large hospital systems and retail pharmacy presence, while San Francisco's concentration of academic medical centers, specialty infusion providers, and integrated health networks like Kaiser Permanente keeps demand strong in the Bay Area as well.
Are there remote pharmacy technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Pharmacy technician work is largely hands-on, involving medication preparation, order entry at a dispensing station, and direct support of licensed pharmacists on site. About 1% of pharmacy technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to be concentrated in prior authorization, specialty pharmacy call centers, and prescription verification roles that don't require physical dispensing.
How can I get hired as a pharmacy technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is enrolling in a California State Board of Pharmacy-approved training program, completing it, and applying for your California pharmacy technician registration before your first job search. Large California employers like Kaiser Permanente and CVS Health run new-hire training pipelines designed for candidates without prior dispensing experience. Candidates coming from adjacent roles such as medical assistant, pharmacy clerk, or pharmacy cashier have a strong footing, and obtaining national CPhT certification before applying gives an edge over equally inexperienced candidates.
Where can I find and apply to pharmacy technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to pharmacy technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across retail pharmacies, hospital systems, specialty infusion providers, and ambulatory care clinics. Find roles that fit your experience level and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 612+ Pharmacy Technician Jobs in California
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