Pharmacy Technician in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

As a Pharmacy Technician, you’re looking at a local market that offers a solid entry point but requires a strategic approach to long-term financial growth. In Pueblo, the median salary for Pharmacy Technicians is $39,381/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.93/hour. This places the city slightly below the national average of $40,300/year, but the cost of living here is your real advantage.

The job market itself is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 222 jobs in the metro area for Pharmacy Technicians. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is modest but steady, aligning with the national trend. This means you won't see the frenetic hiring spikes of a booming tech hub, but you also won't face the instability of an industry in decline.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown of the typical experience levels and what you can expect in the Pueblo market.

Experience Level	Pueblo Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$34,000 - $37,000/year	Retail dispensing, data entry, basic inventory, front-of-store customer service.
Mid-Level	$38,000 - $42,000/year	IV compounding (basic), insurance prior authorizations, training new hires, inventory management.
Senior/Lead	$43,000 - $48,000/year	Advanced sterile compounding (in a hospital or specialty pharmacy), pharmacy software management, supervising a team, complex billing.
Expert/Specialist	$49,000+ /year	Certified Compounded Sterile Preparations Technician (CCST), pharmacy informatics, regulatory compliance, consultant roles.

How does this compare to other Colorado cities?

• Pueblo: $39,381/year. Lower cost of living (92.4 index).
• Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metro: ~$44,000/year. Cost of living index ~110+.
• Colorado Springs: ~$41,500/year. Cost of living index ~105.
• Grand Junction: ~$40,100/year. Cost of living index ~98.

Insider Tip: In Pueblo, a Pharmacy Technician’s earning power isn’t just about the base salary. Many local employers (like Parkview Medical Center) offer differentials for evening, weekend, and night shifts, which can add $2-$4/hour to your base rate. This can be the difference between a median income and a comfortable living in this city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a gross annual income of $39,381, your take-home pay will be approximately $31,500-$32,500 after federal income tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and state income tax (Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax). This translates to a monthly take-home of about $2,625 - $2,708.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pueblo is $881/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, No Dependents):

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$881	A decent apartment in a safe area.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; Pueblo has hot summers.
Groceries	$300	Shopping at local stores like Safeway or Sprouts.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assume a used car; insurance is a key cost in CO.
Gas/Transportation	$150	Pueblo is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$200	If not fully covered by employer.
Entertainment/Personal	$200	Eating out, streaming, hobbies.
Savings/Debt	$250	Student loans, emergency fund.
TOTAL	$2,631

This budget is tight but manageable. It leaves almost no room for error, but the lower cost of living index (92.4) is what makes it possible. In a city with a 100+ index, this same salary would be severely strained.

Can you afford to buy a home?
On a $39,381 salary, it’s challenging but not impossible with careful planning. Pueblo’s median home price is around $250,000. A 20% down payment ($50,000) is out of reach for most, but FHA loans allow for 3.5% down ($8,750). Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be higher than your current rent, pushing your housing cost to over $1,400/month. This would require significant budget adjustments. For a Pharmacy Technician, buying a home is a long-term goal best pursued after several years of experience (reaching the senior level) and building savings, or with a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

The Pueblo market is dominated by a mix of hospital systems, national retail chains, and a few key regional players. Here are the specific employers you need to know:

1. Parkview Medical Center: The largest hospital in Pueblo. Their inpatient pharmacy is a major employer for technicians. They have a strong focus on sterile compounding (IV room). Hiring trends show they value technicians with IV certification (as required by USP <797>). They often post jobs on their website and local job boards.

2. St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center: Part of the Centura Health system. Similar to Parkview, they have a busy inpatient pharmacy. Being part of a larger network can offer more structured career paths and transfer opportunities to other Colorado facilities. They actively hire for both day and night shift roles.

3. CVS Pharmacy & Walgreens: Multiple locations throughout Pueblo (e.g., CVS on Northern Ave, Walgreens on Pueblo Blvd). These are the primary entry points for new technicians. They offer on-the-job training and often help with PTCB exam fees. Hiring is constant due to turnover. Insider Tip: Apply to both, but if you can, aim for the pharmacy inside a grocery store like King Soopers (Kroger). The workflow can be different, sometimes with less drive-thru pressure.

4. Safeway Pharmacy (Albertsons): Similar to CVS/Walgreens but often with a different corporate culture. They have a few locations in Pueblo and are a steady source of jobs.

5. Pueblo Community Health Center (PCHC): This is a critical access and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). They have a pharmacy that serves a diverse patient population. Working here often involves more direct patient interaction and assistance programs. Hiring is less frequent but offers a more mission-driven environment.

6. Local Independent Pharmacies: Pueblo has a handful of independent pharmacies, like Bessemer Pharmacy or Miner’s Drug. These are smaller, community-focused workplaces where you can get a wider range of experience. They may not post jobs online as often, so walking in with a resume can be effective.

Hiring Trend: There’s a growing need for technicians with specialized certifications (IV, chemotherapy) in hospital settings, while retail remains the largest volume of openings. Remote prior authorization specialist roles are also emerging, though they are more competitive.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado requires Pharmacy Technicians to be registered with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy. The process is straightforward but has specific steps.

1. Education: No state-mandated formal education, but most employers require a high school diploma/GED. Completing a PTCB-recognized education program (from an accredited community college or online provider) is highly recommended and can make you more competitive.
2. National Certification: While Colorado does not require national certification, virtually all employers in Pueblo do. You must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam or the ExCPT exam.
3. Application & Background Check: Once you pass the PTCB, you apply for registration with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy. You must submit a notarized application, pay the fee, and provide fingerprints for a state and federal background check.
4. Costs:
   • PTCB Exam Fee: $129
   • Colorado Board Application Fee: $75
   • Background Check/Fingerprinting: ~$50-$75
   • Total Initial Cost: ~$260 - $280
5. Timeline: From starting your study to receiving your official Colorado registration, expect a timeline of 3 to 6 months. This includes time to study for the PTCB, wait for exam results, process your application, and complete the background check.

Insider Tip: Parkview Medical Center and other large employers sometimes offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for employees seeking their PTCB certification. Ask about this during your interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacy Technicians

Pueblo’s neighborhoods vary significantly in price, safety, and commute. As a Pharmacy Technician, you’ll likely work at a hospital (central or south) or a retail pharmacy (scattered). Proximity to major roads like I-25, US 50, and Pueblo Blvd is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For
Pueblo West	Suburban, family-oriented, newer development. Longer commute to central Pueblo (15-20 mins). Quieter, more space.	$950 - $1,100	Technicians with families or those who want a suburban lifestyle and don’t mind a short drive.
South Side	Mixed residential and commercial. Close to St. Mary-Corwin and many retail pharmacies. Some apts. are older but affordable.	$750 - $900	Technicians working at St. Mary-Corwin or retail on the south side. Good balance of cost and location.
Central Pueblo	Historic, urban feel. Walkable to some amenities, close to PCHC and downtown. Older housing stock.	$700 - $850	Those who want to be near the action, avoid car dependency for errands, and work downtown.
North Side	Generally more affordable, but some areas have higher crime rates. Close to I-25 for easy access to Parkview.	$650 - $800	Budget-conscious individuals who prioritize a short commute to Parkview Medical Center.
Bessemer	Historic, densely populated. Close to downtown and Parkview. Very affordable, but homes are older.	$600 - $750	Young professionals and budget-focused individuals who work at Parkview and want a short commute.

Insider Tip: If you work at Parkview, the North Side or Bessemer offer the shortest commutes. If you work retail on Pueblo Boulevard, South Side or Central Pueblo are ideal. Always visit a neighborhood at different times of day before renting.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 6% is your baseline. To beat that average and increase your earnings, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jump comes from sterile compounding certification. In Pueblo, this is most valuable at Parkview or St. Mary-Corwin. Getting certified (often through employer-led training) can push you from the mid-level to the senior bracket ($43,000-$48,000).
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Retail to Hospital: Start in retail for foundational skills, then move to a hospital for specialized experience and higher pay.
  2. Inpatient to Specialty Pharmacy: Move from general hospital pharmacy to a dedicated oncology or specialty pharmacy service, often within the same hospital.
  3. Clinical Support: With experience, move into roles supporting pharmacists directly with clinical tasks, like medication therapy management.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain stable in hospitals and major retail chains. The most significant growth area is in specialty pharmacy (managing complex, high-cost medications) and remote pharmacy support. A technician in Pueblo with 10 years of experience, specializing in IV compounding and informatics, could realistically be earning $50,000-$55,000+.

Insider Tip: Network with pharmacy managers at local hospitals. Attend any free pharmacy seminars or events hosted by local healthcare organizations. Personal connections are powerful in Pueblo’s tight-knit professional community.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pueblo offers a stable, if not booming, market for Pharmacy Technicians. The key is aligning your career goals with the city's economic reality.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your $39,381 salary goes much further here than in Denver or coastal cities.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are capped compared to larger metros. Significant wealth accumulation is harder.
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from two major hospitals and multiple retail chains.	Limited Specialty Areas: Fewer niche pharmacy opportunities (e.g., major pediatric hospitals, research).
Manageable Commutes: No extreme traffic. Easy access to most workplaces by car.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Entry-Friendly: A good place to gain foundational experience without the high pressure of a major metro.	Modest Growth: The 6% job growth is steady but not dynamic.
Strong Community Feel: Pueblo has a distinct local culture.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife: Compared to Denver or Colorado Springs, options are more limited.

Final Recommendation:
Pueblo is an excellent choice for entry-level to mid-level Pharmacy Technicians who value a low cost of living, manageable hours, and a stable job. It’s ideal for those looking to start their career, pay down debt, or enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle. It is less ideal for technicians seeking rapid career advancement, top-tier salaries, or a bustling urban environment. If you can see yourself specializing in a hospital setting and enjoying Pueblo’s unique community, it can be a very fulfilling place to build your career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified before applying for jobs in Pueblo?
A: While Colorado state law doesn’t require national certification, 95% of job postings in Pueblo do. It’s a de facto requirement. Most employers won’t consider you without it. Plan to get your PTCB certification first.

Q: How competitive is the job market for Pharmacy Technicians in Pueblo?
A: Moderately competitive. There are 222 jobs in the metro, but with a limited number of applicants (due to the city’s size), you have a good chance if you are certified and have a decent resume. Be prepared to apply to multiple listings.

Q: Is it feasible to work at a hospital and live in Pueblo West?
A: Yes, but it’s a commute. Pueblo West is about 10-15 minutes from St. Mary-Corwin and 15-20 minutes from Parkview. The drive is straightforward on US 50 and I-25, but it adds time and gas cost to your day.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote or work-from-home pharmacy technician roles?
A: Yes, but they are less common in Pueblo. Some major hospital systems and insurance companies hire remote prior authorization and billing specialists. These roles are highly competitive and often require several years of prior in-person experience. They are a good long-term goal but not an immediate option for newcomers to the field.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job as a new Pharmacy Technician in Pueblo?
A: Use a three-pronged approach: 1) Check local job boards like the Pueblo Chieftain’s website and LinkedIn, 2) Apply directly on the career pages of Parkview, St. Mary-Corwin, CVS, and Walgreens, and 3) Network. If you’re applying to a retail pharmacy, walk into the store, ask for the pharmacy manager, and hand them your resume. Personal initiative is noticed.