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Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant Jobs in California

As an entry level Pharmacy Production Clerk at AmeriPharma, you will be responsible for supporting ... Inventory Management: Assist with keeping track of inventory levels, placing orders when needed ...

As an entry level Pharmacy Production Clerk at AmeriPharma, you will be responsible for supporting ... Inventory Management: Assist with keeping track of inventory levels, placing orders when needed ...

As an entry level Pharmacy Production Clerk at AmeriPharma, you will be responsible for supporting ... Inventory Management: Assist with keeping track of inventory levels, placing orders when needed ...

This entry-level position is ideal for candidates with a passion for healthcare who are looking to ... Medical Assistant provides basic nursing care to patients under the direct supervision of a ...

Medical Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24 - $28.09/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for candidates with a passion for healthcare who are looking to ... Participate in cross-training for Front Office duties, assisting Referral Coordinator and Pharmacy ...

This entry-level position is ideal for candidates with a passion for healthcare who are looking to ... Participate in cross-training for Front Office duties, assisting Referral Coordinator and Pharmacy ...

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Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant information

See California salary details

$13

$18

$24

How much do entry level pharmacy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level pharmacy assistant in California is $18.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level pharmacy assistant do?

An entry level pharmacy assistant supports pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with daily tasks such as greeting customers, answering phones, handling cash register transactions, and restocking shelves. They may also help with labeling and packaging medications, maintaining inventory, and processing prescriptions under supervision. This role is essential for ensuring a smooth workflow in the pharmacy and providing quality customer service. Entry level pharmacy assistants typically receive on-the-job training and work under the direct supervision of licensed pharmacists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level pharmacy assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant, you need strong attention to detail, basic knowledge of pharmaceuticals, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pharmacy management systems, point-of-sale software, and inventory tracking tools is often required. Excellent customer service, communication, and organizational skills help you interact effectively with both customers and pharmacists. These abilities ensure accurate medication handling, efficient workflow, and a positive experience for patients and colleagues.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level pharmacy assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level pharmacy assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a fast-paced environment, learning to use pharmacy software, and ensuring accuracy while dispensing medications. It's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with pharmacists and customers, and ask questions when unsure. Many pharmacies provide on-the-job training and encourage teamwork, which can help new assistants quickly build confidence and competence in their responsibilities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician?

AspectEntry Level Pharmacy AssistantPharmacy Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingCertification or diploma often preferred; some states require licensing
Work EnvironmentRetail pharmacies, hospitals, clinicsRetail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, stocking shelves, data entryPreparing medications, managing inventory, billing
Employer & Industry UsageCommon entry point in pharmacy settingsMore specialized, with increased responsibilities

In summary, Entry Level Pharmacy Assistants typically require minimal formal credentials and focus on customer service and basic tasks. Pharmacy Technicians often need certification and handle more complex responsibilities like medication preparation, making them a more advanced role within the pharmacy industry.

How to be an entry level pharmacy assistant with no experience?

To become an entry-level pharmacy assistant with no experience, focus on obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent and consider completing a pharmacy technician training program or certification. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with pharmacy software are helpful, and some employers provide on-the-job training for new hires.

Is it difficult to become an entry level pharmacy assistant?

Becoming an entry level pharmacy assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some basic training, which can often be completed quickly. The role involves learning pharmacy operations, customer service skills, and possibly obtaining certification, but it generally does not require extensive experience or advanced education.

What qualifications do you need for an entry level pharmacy assistant?

Entry level pharmacy assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer candidates with basic knowledge of pharmacy operations, customer service skills, and familiarity with pharmacy software; certification is not usually required but can be advantageous.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Pharmacy Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,283 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Pharmacy Technician II - Oncology Infusion - Per Diem - Varied - Torrey Pines

La Jolla, CA


Scripps Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

This is a casual/per diem position with 10-hour varied shifts in Torrey Pines. The Infusion Center is open Monday through Friday with occasional Saturdays. Training is 2-3 days per week for the first month, then at least two shifts per two-week pay period. May float based on staffing needs. 

Join the Scripps Health team and work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-centered healthcare. Receive endless appreciation while you build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations nationwide.

Why join Scripps Health?

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated:

  • Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
  • Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2025.
  • Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
  • Beckers Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2024 list of 150 top places to work in health care.
  • We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
  • Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

Why join this team?

Scripps Health has five outpatient infusion centers (Hillcrest, Encinitas, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo and Torrey Pines), offering chemotherapy services using the latest techniques to maximize effectiveness and comfort. The team structure at our Infusion Centers provide a clear path for growth opportunities including entry level Pharmacy Technician I, Technician II, and Specialists. 

Pharmacy Technician II responsibilities include:

  • Works under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and is responsible for performing technical duties that support safe, efficient, and accurate medication preparation and distribution. 

  • The role requires demonstrated competency beyond entry level, including sterile compounding, hazardous medication preparation, inventory oversight, and the ability to independently perform complex workflows. 

  • May assist with mentoring pharmacy technician I as assigned. 

  • Performs more advanced pharmacy technician duties that may include overseeing the workflow of the main pharmacy, assisting tech specialists, performing unit inspections, sealing/locking emergency trays or carts, and checking the work of other technicians (tech-check-tech) responsibilities based on site specific needs.

Experience/Specialized Skills:

  • High school diploma or equivalent. 
  • 1 year experience as a pharmacy technician with a minimum of 6 months' experience in current practice environment or in sterile compounding 

Required Certification/Registration: 

  • Current California Pharmacy Technician License. 
  • Certification by a National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (CPhT) required within 6 months of hire. 

Preferred Education/Course(s)/Training: 

  • 2 years' experience in relevant practice area is preferred

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About Scripps Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a nationally recognized health system, Scripps Health is committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. Through collaboration and innovation, our healthcare professionals lead the frontier in caring for our community. With a culture centered around teamwork, each laboratory site serves as a resource of support for each other, setting our laboratories as the benchmark for standardization.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1924


What Scripps Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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