Pharmacy Job Applications – Apply at Drugstores & Pharmacy Chains

In most states, you can be hired as a pharmacy technician trainee without a prior license or certification. CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and most major chains train you on the job and assist with PTCB certification while you work. However, some states require licensure before working as a pharmacy technician — including California, Texas, and several others. Check your state pharmacy board’s requirements before applying. In all states, front-end cashier and retail associate positions require no pharmacy credentials.

CVS pharmacy technicians start at $15–$18/hr; Walgreens technicians start at $13–$18/hr. PTCB-certified technicians earn $18–$22/hr at both chains. CVS tends to pay slightly higher on the low end due to its structured pay grade system. Costco and Sam’s Club pay the most for pharmacy technicians — $17–$22/hr and $16–$20/hr respectively — but have fewer locations and more competitive hiring. If maximizing pay is the priority, Costco is the highest-paying retail pharmacy employer for technicians.

A pharmacy cashier handles payment transactions at the pharmacy counter with no specialized training required. A pharmacy technician fills prescriptions, counts medications, processes insurance claims, and manages controlled substance inventory — working directly alongside the licensed pharmacist. Technicians earn $2–$6/hr more than cashiers. Many front-end pharmacy cashiers transition to technician trainee roles after 3–6 months on the job. For the fastest path to a credential and higher pay, apply specifically for pharmacy technician trainee positions rather than front-end roles.

Yes — CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and most major chains cover the PTCB exam fee ($129 for the PTCE) for qualifying employees. Eligibility typically requires completing the chain’s internal training program and working a minimum number of hours. Some chains also provide paid study time during shifts and cover the cost of prep materials. Ask about certification support during your interview — it’s a standard benefit and a major differentiator for pharmacy employment over other retail jobs.

All major chains — CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, Kroger, Publix, and Costco — hire pharmacy technician trainees with no prior pharmacy experience. They provide structured on-the-job training that counts toward PTCB eligibility hours. For front-end cashier and retail associate roles, zero experience is required across all chains. Look for “pharmacy technician trainee” or “pharmacy tech intern” in job titles — these are specifically designed for first-time applicants and include full training programs.