Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacy Technicians considering Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

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Career Guide: Pharmacy Technician in Sioux Falls, SD

As a career analyst who’s watched the Sioux Falls healthcare sector evolve over the last decade, I can tell you this city is a hidden gem for allied health professionals. It’s not a sprawling medical mecca like the Twin Cities, but it’s a tightly networked, steady market with a low cost of living that makes a $39,127 median salary go significantly further than in most places.

This guide cuts through the fluff. We’re looking at the real numbers, the specific employers, and the neighborhoods you should actually consider if you’re moving here. Whether you’re fresh out of training or a veteran looking for a change, here’s the unfiltered reality of being a Pharmacy Technician in Sioux Falls.

The Salary Picture: Where Sioux Falls Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. In the Sioux Falls metro area, the median salary for Pharmacy Technicians is $39,127/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.81/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $40,300/year, but that’s misleading without context. The cost of living here is 9.7% lower than the national average (a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 vs. 100), so your paycheck effectively has more purchasing power.

The job market is stable. With 412 pharmacy tech jobs in the metro and a 6% growth projection over the next decade, you’re looking at a consistent demand that outpaces many other rural regions. The growth is driven by an aging population, the expansion of retail health clinics, and the major hospital systems consolidating their pharmacy operations.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes for Sioux Falls
Entry (0-2 yrs)	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.38 - $17.31	Common in retail chains and large hospital systems for new hires. Often starts with on-the-job training.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19	Where the median ($39,127) falls. Certified Techs (CPhT) with some hospital experience hit this range.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$43,000 - $48,000	$20.67 - $23.08	Often found in lead tech roles, specialty pharmacy (like Sanford’s oncology), or compounding.
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$48,000 - $55,000+	$23.08 - $26.44+	Pharmacy supervisor, inventory specialist, or roles in clinical research support at the major hospitals.

Compared to Other SD Cities:

• Sioux Falls ($39,127): The highest volume of jobs, most diverse opportunities (retail, hospital, specialty).
• Rapid City ($36,800): Fewer jobs (~180), more seasonal fluctuations tied to tourism, but a great option if you prefer the Black Hills lifestyle.
• Aberdeen ($34,500): Much smaller market (~50 jobs), lower salary, but extremely low cost of living.

Sioux Falls is the clear choice for career mobility and salary potential within the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $39,127 is a gross figure. Let’s get real about your monthly budget. In South Dakota, you benefit from no state income tax, which is a major boost.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $3,260 ($39,127 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + FICA): ~$550
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$2,710

Monthly Expenses:

• Average 1-BR Rent: $884 (Sioux Falls Metro Average)
• Utilities & Internet: $180 - $220
• Groceries: $300 - $400
• Car Payment/Insurance: $350 - $500 (Essential in Sioux Falls; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $150 - $250
• Misc/Entertainment: $200 - $300

Total Estimated Expenses: $2,064 - $2,604

Monthly Savings/Discretionary: $106 - $646

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with a caveat. The median home price in Sioux Falls is around $280,000. With a 10% down payment ($28,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would be roughly $1,600/month (including taxes and insurance). That’s about $700 more than the average rent. On a $39,127 salary, you’d be spending over 50% of your take-home pay on housing, which is not advisable. Homeownership is feasible with a dual-income household, but as a single tech, renting is the more financially sound choice until you advance to a senior role ($45k+) or partner up.

Where the Jobs Are: Sioux Falls's Major Employers

Sioux Falls is a healthcare town. The two giants are Sanford Health and Avera Health, but don’t overlook the retail giants and niche players. Here are the primary employers, with insider tips on how to approach them.

1. Sanford Health: The largest employer in the region. Their main campus is a sprawling complex in the heart of the city. They operate a massive central pharmacy, specialty pharmacies (oncology, transplant), and outpatient retail pharmacies.

   • Hiring Trend: Constant. They hire in waves, often tied to fiscal year cycles (July). Their central pharmacy is a high-volume environment—great for learning but intense.
   • Insider Tip: Apply directly on their careers portal. Mention “patient-centered care” and experience with automated dispensing cabinets (like Omnicell) on your resume.

2. Avera Health: Sanford’s primary competitor, with its flagship Avera McKennan Hospital downtown. Avera has a strong network of community hospitals and clinics across the region.

   • Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on techs who can float to multiple clinics. They value certification (CPhT) highly.
   • Insider Tip: Avera’s culture is notably faith-based and community-focused. Tailor your cover letter to their mission. Their main hospital is in the McKennan area, a great central location.

3. Walmart & Hy-Vee: These are the two largest retail pharmacy employers. Walmart’s pharmacies are high-volume, efficient, and often pay toward certification. Hy-Vee is a Midwestern staple known for better benefits for full-time techs.

   • Hiring Trend: High turnover means constant openings, especially at the 41st Street and Louise Avenue locations.
   • Insider Tip: For Hy-Vee, walk into the store and ask to speak with the pharmacy manager. Face-to-face initiative is still valued in Sioux Falls retail.

4. Lewis Drug: A beloved South Dakota-based pharmacy chain with 13 locations in the area. Lewis is known for a more personal touch and a less corporate feel than the big boxes.

   • Hiring Trend: Lower turnover. Openings are less frequent but stable when they occur.
   • Insider Tip: Lewis often hires from within. Start as a pharmacy clerk if you’re not yet certified and show they want to promote you.

5. VA Health Care System (Sioux Falls): The VA has a clinic and a small pharmacy. Federal jobs are competitive and come with excellent benefits and a pension.

   • Hiring Trend: Very slow. Openings are rare and filled through USAJobs.gov.
   • Insider Tip: Patience is key. These jobs are worth the wait. Tailor your resume to the federal format and highlight any prior military service or work with veterans.

6. Specialty Pharmacies: Companies like Orion Specialty Pharmacy or Briova Specialty Pharmacy (part of OptumRx) have a presence here. They focus on complex disease states (hepatitis C, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis).

   • Hiring Trend: Niche but growing. Requires prior experience or interest in clinical pharmacy.
   • Insider Tip: These roles pay more ($45k+). Find them on LinkedIn. Highlight any experience with prior authorizations, insurance billing, or patient outreach.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota does not require national certification to work as a Pharmacy Technician, but it is strongly preferred and often required by employers. The state licensure process is straightforward and managed by the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Application: Complete the state application form. The fee is $50.
2. Background Check: A state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check is required. This costs approximately $40-$50.
3. Education: No formal education is mandated, but most employers require a high school diploma or GED.
4. On-the-Job Training: You must be registered and working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Your employer will typically provide the initial training documentation.

Timeline & Costs:

• No Certification (On-the-Job Trainee): You can be hired and work while your state license is processed (1-2 weeks). However, your pay will be at the lower end of the entry-level scale.
• With National Certification (CPhT): This is the golden ticket. The PTCE or ExCPT exam costs $129. Having this on day one will qualify you for higher starting pay and open more doors. Total Estimated Cost: $219-$229 (State License + Certification Exam).
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs as soon as you have a state license (1-2 weeks). If you’re not certified, expect to spend 1-3 months on the job before your employer sponsors your certification.

Insider Tip: Even if the job posting doesn’t require CPhT, get certified. It makes you more mobile between employers and is essential for any hospital job. The Sanford and Avera systems actively encourage and sometimes pay for techs to get certified.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacy Technicians

Sioux Falls is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your commute tolerance, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1-BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown / McKennan	Walkable, historic, near Avera McKennan. Young professional vibe.	$950 - $1,200	Techs working at Avera or downtown clinics who want nightlife and walkability.
Near South / Southeast	Family-friendly, established homes, close to Sanford hospital. Quiet.	$800 - $1,000	Techs working at Sanford’s main campus. Easy 10-15 min commute via 41st St or Minnesota Ave.
Southwest (41st St / Louise Ave)	Retail hub (Walmart, Target, malls), newer apartments, busy.	$850 - $1,100	Techs at retail pharmacies or who prioritize shopping/convenience. Short commute to many employers.
Northwest (I-29 / 26th St)	Growing, newer subdivisions, quieter. Commute to downtown is 15-20 mins.	$800 - $1,050	Techs looking for more space, newer builds, and don’t mind a short drive.
East Side (Harter / Mathews Ave)	Affordable, a mix of older and newer homes. Decent access to both hospitals.	$750 - $950	Budget-conscious techs. Commute is manageable (15 mins to either hospital).

Insider Tip: Traffic in Sioux Falls is minimal, but winter weather is not. Living within a 15-minute drive of your job is a huge quality-of-life benefit from November to March. The Near South and East Side offer the best balance of affordability and proximity to major hospitals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a real threat in a small market if you don’t plan. Here’s how to advance.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Certification (CPhT): The baseline for advancement. +5-10% to starting salary.
• Sterile Compounding: Getting your Sterile Compounding Certification (e.g., through PCCA) is a major differentiator. This is critical for hospital IV rooms and specialty pharmacies. Can boost salary to $45,000+.
• Lead Technician / Supervisor: Requires 5+ years of experience and strong leadership skills. Manages inventory, staff schedules, and regulatory compliance. $48,000 - $55,000.
• Clinical Pharmacy Technician: Working closely with pharmacists on patient counseling, medication therapy management (MTM), and data entry for clinical trials. Usually requires experience and additional training. $45,000 - $52,000.
• Pharmacy Informatics: The tech side of pharmacy automation and software (Epic Willow, Cerner). Plentiful jobs within Sanford and Avera’s IT departments. Requires tech acumen. $50,000 - $65,000.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 6% growth rate, you will see more jobs. However, the role is evolving. Automation will handle more dispensing, pushing techs toward patient-facing, clinical, and data management roles. The techs who will thrive in Sioux Falls in 2033 are those who embrace technology, specialize in sterile compounding or informatics, and build strong relationships with pharmacists and patients. The small-town network means your reputation matters—a lot.

The Verdict: Is Sioux Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $39,127 salary feels more like $50,000 in a larger city.	Salary Cap: Top-end pay is lower than national averages. You will likely plateau below $60,000 without moving into management or IT.
Stable Job Market: Two massive health systems and a growing population ensure steady demand.	Limited Specialties: Fewer niche roles (e.g., pediatric oncology pharmacy) compared to major metros.
Low Stress: Minimal traffic, manageable commutes, and a generally calmer pace of life.	Weather: Harsh, long winters with snow and ice can be a major lifestyle adjustment.
Strong Sense of Community: You’re not a number. At places like Lewis Drug or smaller clinics, you’ll know patients by name.	Cultural/Entertainment Scene: It’s improving, but you won’t find the diversity of food, music, or arts of a larger city.
Clear Path to Homeownership: With dual income, buying a home is attainable within a few years.	Car Dependency: You absolutely need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.

Final Recommendation:
Sioux Falls is an ideal career launchpad or landing spot for pharmacy technicians who prioritize stability, affordability, and quality of life over maximum salary potential. It’s perfect for those who are early in their career, want to gain broad experience at major health systems, and dream of owning a home without crushing debt. It’s less suitable for those seeking the highest possible earning potential or who thrive on the constant energy of a massive city.

If you’re a practical, resilient person who doesn’t fear snow and values community, Sioux Falls offers a compelling and financially sound career path.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to get a job in Sioux Falls?
No, South Dakota does not require national certification. However, 90% of competitive jobs will require or strongly prefer CPhT certification. It’s worth the investment of time and money to get certified before you apply, as it will significantly increase your starting salary and options.

2. How long does it take to get a job here?
With certification, you can expect to find a job in 1-2 months. Without certification, it may take longer, and you’ll be limited to smaller retail pharmacies or large-hospital training programs, which are more competitive.

3. Is the winter weather a deal-breaker?
It depends on your tolerance. You will need a reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle and winter gear. Commutes can be slower, and you’ll need to learn to drive in snow. For many, the trade-off for the low cost of living and clean summers is worth it.

4. Can I transfer my out-of-state license to South Dakota?
South Dakota doesn’t have a formal “reciprocity” for pharmacy techs since licensure is managed at the state level. You will need to apply for a new South Dakota license ($50), but your previous work experience will be valued. The process is quick if you have a clean record.

5. Are there part-time or flexible schedules available?
Yes, especially in retail pharmacy (Walmart, Hy-Vee). Hospital roles at Sanford and Avera often have 12