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Pharmacy Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Pharmacy Associate information

See California salary details

$8

$32

$76

How much do pharmacy associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmacy associate in California is $32.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pharmacy associate?

Pharmacy Associates are healthcare professionals who assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service in a pharmacy setting. Their responsibilities often include preparing prescriptions, answering customer questions, handling cash registers, and maintaining records. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a pharmacy, working closely with pharmacists and patients alike. Pharmacy Associates must pay close attention to detail and follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pharmacy associate?

To thrive as a Pharmacy Associate, you need a solid understanding of pharmaceutical terminology, medication dispensing processes, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with on-the-job or formal pharmacy technician training. Familiarity with pharmacy management systems, prescription processing software, and sometimes certification such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) are commonly required. Strong organization, attention to detail, teamwork, and customer service skills set outstanding associates apart. These abilities ensure safe, accurate medication handling and positive patient experiences in a regulated healthcare environment.

How does a pharmacy associate typically collaborate with pharmacists and other team members in a retail pharmacy setting?

Pharmacy Associates work closely with pharmacists by assisting with prescription processing, handling customer inquiries, and managing inventory. They often serve as the first point of contact for customers, ensuring efficient service while maintaining compliance with regulations. Collaboration with pharmacy technicians and other associates is essential for accurate medication dispensing and maintaining a smooth workflow. This teamwork helps create a supportive environment where patient safety and satisfaction are prioritized.

What is the difference between Pharmacy Associate vs Pharmacy Technician?

AspectPharmacy AssociatePharmacy Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; certification often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentRetail pharmacies, hospitals, clinicsRetail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, stocking shelves, administrative tasksPreparing medications, data entry, insurance processing

Pharmacy Associates and Pharmacy Technicians often work together in pharmacy settings. While both roles require similar credentials and work in similar environments, Pharmacy Technicians typically have more specialized responsibilities like medication preparation and processing insurance claims. Pharmacy Associates usually focus on customer service and administrative support, making them a vital part of the pharmacy team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmacy jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pharmacy jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pharmacy Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pharmacy Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Pharmacy Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,370 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Pharmacy Associate

986 Degrees Corporation dba 986 Pharmacy

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$23.40 - $35.10/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

986 Degrees Corporation is recruiting on behalf of all 986 Pharmacies. 986 Pharmacy is the hiring entity, not 986 Degrees Corporation.

Hiring Locations:

  • San Gabriel, CA (Retail Pharmacy)
    • Language Requirement: Mandarin
  • Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA (Retail Pharmacy)
    • Language Requirement: Cantonese


Job Summary:

This position is the first point of contact for patients within the pharmacy and is responsible for entering and accessing information from the pharmacy system, processing payments, adjudicating claims with third party payers, and assisting pharmacy staff with processing fills. The Associate may also make deliveries to patients’ homes and medical facilities and handles Provider and Patient Relations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Processing Prescriptions

  • Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate; requests missing information as appropriate and retrieves the patient’s pharmacy record(s) for verification by pharmacist. Process prescription refills to include refill confirmation when appropriate, review pending refills with the supervising pharmacist, generate refill documentation, and process third party claims adjudication.
  • Completes prior authorizations.
  • Enter prescription information into computer databases; accesses, processes, and retrieves data from the pharmacy system, including speed codes and drug interaction data, as state and federal laws permit.
  • Establish and maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients, and notations for pharmacists’ review.
  • Transfer medication from vials to the appropriate number of sterile, disposable syringes, using aseptic techniques.
  • Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
  • Clean and help maintain equipment or work areas and sterilize glassware and maintain all required temperature logs, according to prescribed methods.
  • Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications, and type and affix labels.
  • Prepare prescriptions for home delivery; account for delivery receipts from driver for all delivered prescriptions; delivers medications to patients’ homes or medical facilities, as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Highschool Diploma or Equivalent required
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmacy
  • Valid driver's license

Benefits We Offer:

  • Paid Vacation Time
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match up to 4%
  • Health Insurance coverage, including Medical, Dental, and Vision


If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact (888) 986-7666.


Pharmacy Hours of Operation:
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun: Closed