Medical Assistant vs. Pharmacy Technician Salary: Which is More?

Medical assistants and pharmacy technicians are two of the most popular health care careers. But which one pays more? We compare salaries to find out.

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Job Description

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled health professional who performs both clinical and administrative duties in a healthcare setting. They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other medical staff to provide patient care and support. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for filling prescriptions, maintaining pharmacy inventory, and providing customer service in a healthcare setting. They work closely with pharmacists to ensure that patients receive the medications they need.

Salary

In this article, we are going to compare the salaries of Medical assistants and pharmacy technicians. We will compare the median hourly wage, annual salary, and job outlook for these two health care positions.

As of May 2018, the median hourly wage for Medical Assistants was $15.61. The median annual salary was $32,480. The job outlook for medical assistants is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The median hourly wage for pharmacy technicians was $15.02 as of May 2018. The median annual salary was $31,290. The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 7% from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Education and Training

Medical assistants and pharmacy technicians are both important members of the healthcare team. They both require some level of education and training, but there are some differences between the two.

Medical assistants typically need to complete a one- or two-year accredited program, while pharmacy technicians usually need to complete a one- or two-year program at a community college or vocational school. After they complete their education and training, medical assistants can take a certification exam, but this is not required in all states. Pharmacy technicians must be certified in all states.

In terms of salary, medical assistants typically earn more than pharmacy technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in 2018, while the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $32,700.

Job Outlook

Medical assistants and pharmacy technicians are both in high demand due to the aging Baby Boomer population and the growing need for health care services.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, also faster than the average for all occupations.

While job prospects are good for both medical assistants and pharmacy technicians, medical assistants typically earn a higher salary. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $32,480 in 2017, while pharmacy technicians earned a median annual salary of $31,750.

Pros and Cons

Medical assistants and pharmacy technicians are both in high demand occupations. They both provide important services to patients and play a vital role in the healthcare industry. But which one is the better career choice?

Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks, from taking patient medical histories and vitals to scheduling appointments and handling insurance paperwork. They usually work in doctors’ offices, clinics, or hospitals.

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients. They also perform tasks such as verifying insurance coverage, preparing medications for dispensing, and answering patient questions. Pharmacy technicians usually work in pharmacies, drugstores, or hospitals.

Both occupations have their pros and cons. Medical assistants typically need only a high school diploma or equivalent, while pharmacy technicians usually need to complete a formal training program. Medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $32,480, while pharmacy technicians earn a median annual salary of $35,920.

So, which is the better career choice? It really depends on your own individual skillset and preferences. If you like working with people and enjoy performing a variety of tasks, then medical assisting might be the right career for you. If you’re interested in more specialized work with medications and have good detail-oriented skills, then working as a pharmacy technician might be a better fit.

Medical Assistant vs. Pharmacy Technician: Which is More?

When it comes to medical assistant vs. pharmacy technician salary, which pays more? The answer may surprise you.

Medical assistants are health care professionals who perform administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. They work alongside physicians, nurses, and other health care workers.

Pharmacy technicians are trained professionals who dispense drugs and provide other services under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

While both medical assistants and pharmacy technicians play an important role in the health care industry pharmacy technicians typically earn higher salaries than medical assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $32,700 in 2018, while the median annual salary for medical assistants was $30,590.

The Bottom Line

In the United States medical assistants make a median hourly wage of $15.21. On the other hand, pharmacy technicians earn a median hourly wage of $15.86.

When it comes to salary, pharmacy technicians make more money than medical assistants. However, both positions offer a good salary and are expected to grow at a similar rate over the next decade.