Top compounding pharmacies
Curious about the best compounding pharmacy to work at as a pharmacy technician? We’ve compiled a database of top pharmacies, including supplementary data such as Glassdoor ratings, employee count, and more. Whether you’re a certified pharmacy technician looking for your next role or curious about the pharmacy tech job market, we’ve got you covered.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician can take anywhere from 4 months to over 2 years, depending on the path you take.
In terms of educational requirements, pharmacy tech jobs require at least a high school diploma, and many people choose to take additional courses or pursue a pharmacy technician associate’s degree before getting certified. Completing a 2-year associate’s program can better prepare you for the scientific and technical knowledge needed to pass your PTCE or ExCPT and succeed in your professional role. Many people also spend time gaining on-the-job experience as a pharmacy tech trainee or apprentice. Both the PTCB and NHA certifications require a specified number of hours of work experience (500 for PTCB, 1,200 for NHA) or an equivalent training program.
No matter what you choose to do pre-certification, be sure to allocate at least a few months to prepare for the PTCB or NHA exam.
What is a compounding pharmacy?
You’re likely familiar with large retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, but compound pharmacies are smaller companies that synthesize special medications or natural remedies for patients. Retail pharmacies differ from compounding pharmacies in that they are licensed to dispense a large number of FDA-approved drugs. Compounding pharmacies, on the other hand, are used to fill prescriptions for medications customized for specific needs. They can also be used to quickly produce high-demand medications similar to drugs already on the market during shortages.
What do compounding pharmacy technicians do?
The duties of a compounding pharmacy technician are similar to those of pharmacy techs in commercial settings or private healthcare facilities, including processing prescriptions and ensuring proper drug storage. A primary difference is that pharmacy technicians at compound pharmacies typically do not interact with patients or customers as often as other techs. These technicians also prepare compounded medications using sterile and non-sterile processes, and those interested can get a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician credential through PTCB.
How much do compounding pharmacy technicians make?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for compounding pharmacy technicians is $45,210.
Pharmacy technicians in specialized workplaces like compounding pharmacies tend to make higher salaries than those working in retail. Here’s a chart of median wages for pharmacy technicians in top industries from May 2024:
| Industry | Median pharmacy technician salary |
|---|---|
| Ambulatory healthcare services | $49,920 |
| Hospitals | $49,310 |
| General merchandise retailers | $46,180 |
| Grocery and specialty food retailers | $38,810 |
| Pharmacies and drug retailers | $37,900 |
Average salaries for pharmacy technicians vary from state to state, so take a look at the compounding pharmacy tech jobs near you to get a better sense of your earning potential.
List of top compounding pharmacies
Below is a list of the top compounding pharmacies to work as a pharmacy technician. We added each company’s job board below to make it easy for you to find your next role as a CPhT. Read on for the top compounding pharmacies for pharmacy technicians:
Amber Compounding Pharmacy
- Website: https://amber-pharmacy.com/join-us.html
- Employees: 200
- Headquarters: Omaha, Nebraska.
- Job board: https://amber-pharmacy.com/join-us.html
- Glassdoor rating: 3.8
Amber Compounding Pharmacy is a Singapore-based healthcare provider specializing in evidence-based, customized medications. Founded in 2008 by Jayne Wee, who was inspired by personal family experiences with conventional medicine limitations, the company operates both retail and compounding pharmacies in Singapore and Malaysia. Their team of specialized pharmacists collaborates with doctors, veterinarians, naturopaths, and healthcare practitioners to develop personalized solutions for patients who need medications tailored by dosage, strength, or form. Amber focuses on dermatology, nutritional compounding, herbal and veterinary medicine, and also supports treatments in areas like pain, hair loss, bio-identical hormones, psychiatry, and paediatrics. Their services include sourcing hard-to-find or discontinued medicines and complying with strict quality standards, including ISO9001 accreditation and adherence to USP <795> and <797> guidelines. The pharmacy is regulated by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority. Amber maintains a strong internal quality control system, with checks across all stages of compounding and regular potency testing. Their in-house R&D team, led by Dr Ong Wee Kiat, works with academic institutions such as Monash University Malaysia and University of Nottingham Malaysia to innovate and validate formulations. Amber encourages a dynamic and supportive work environment and is actively hiring for roles such as pharmacists, compounding technicians, formulation development, customer service, business development, logistics, and administrative support. The company values curiosity, autonomy, high standards, and team engagement, making it a viable employer for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians seeking roles in precision medicine and compounding pharmacy.
CAPS Pharmacy
- Website: https://www.capspharmacy.com/en.html
- Employees: 800
- Headquarters: 6580 Snowdrift Road, Suite 100 Allentown, PA, 18106
- Job board: https://www.capspharmacy.com/en/company/careers.html
- Glassdoor rating: 2.4
Central Admixture Pharmacy Services, Inc. (CAPS), founded in 1991, operates the largest network of outsourcing admixture pharmacies in the United States. Headquartered in the U.S., CAPS provides compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) to hospitals and outpatient facilities nationwide from 23 pharmacy locations. Each CAPS facility is licensed by state authorities and registered with the FDA, offering both custom and standardized admixture services, including parenteral nutrition, pre-filled anesthesia syringes, cardioplegia, and standardized drug delivery. Pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians play key roles in CAPS operations, with pharmacists managing each site and overseeing teams trained on standardized procedures. CAPS facilities operate year-round, with services that include daily dispensing and delivery of patient-specific and non-patient-specific CSPs. CAPSLink™, the company's proprietary web-based ordering system, integrates with pharmacy management software, streamlining order review and preparation. Pharmacy staff use automated and barcoded manual systems to ensure ingredient accuracy and product safety. A dedicated quality assurance team of chemists and microbiologists monitors environmental conditions and conducts regular validations, separate from production teams, with quarterly reports provided to clients. CAPS helps client pharmacies reduce waste, manage drug shortages, reallocate labor, and control supply costs. For pharmacy students or aspiring technicians, CAPS represents a strong employer offering structured roles in sterile compounding and pharmacy operations, along with a workplace culture grounded in trust, accountability, and diversity.
Fagron Compounding Pharmacies
- Website: https://fagron.com/
- Employees: 3,700
- Headquarters: 201 W. 5th Street, Suite 1250, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
- Job board: https://fagron.jobsmarket.site/pages/en-gb/jobs?searchCriteria[0][key]=keywords&searchCriteria[0][values][]=pharmacist
- Glassdoor rating: 3.4
Fagron is a global leader in pharmaceutical compounding and sterile outsourcing services, offering customized medication solutions to meet individual patient needs. Founded in the Netherlands in 1990, Fagron operates in over 30 countries across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific, with a network of more than 80 locations and over 4,100 employees. Its services support hospitals, pharmacies, prescribers, and the broader healthcare industry by enabling the creation of medications that may not be available commercially, whether due to unique dosage requirements, allergies, or discontinued drug formulations. With over 450 pharmacists, Fagron emphasizes quality, safety, and innovation in all aspects of its operations. Career opportunities at Fagron span a wide range of roles, including formulation, compounding, business development, logistics, and regulatory support. The company fosters an entrepreneurial, fast-paced culture that values autonomy, collaboration, and personal development. Its “Fagron Feel Good” program promotes mental, physical, and social wellbeing, while its global team benefits from a competitive compensation package, hybrid work options, and strong internal growth opportunities. Fagron also invests in research and development and maintains sterile and non-sterile compounding facilities in several countries, including the Netherlands, the United States, Belgium, and South Africa. For pharmacy professionals and technicians looking to work in a dynamic, international environment that centers on personalizing medicine, Fagron presents a compelling and mission-driven workplace.
Nephron Pharmaceuticals
- Website: https://nephronpharm.com/
- Employees: 850
- Headquarters: West Columbia, South Carolina
- Job board: https://nephronpharm.com/careers/
- Glassdoor rating: 2.3
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, headquartered in West Columbia, South Carolina, manufactures generic respiratory medications used in the treatment of asthma and COPD. Its products serve a wide range of customers including hospitals, pharmacies, long-term care facilities, home care providers, and mail-order pharmacies. Nephron actively seeks to grow its workforce and offers a range of opportunities suited for pharmacy professionals, including apprenticeships for pharmacy technician training. In partnership with Midlands Technical College and Apprenticeship Carolina, employees can pursue a Pharmacy Technician certificate through a paid program that combines classroom instruction, online learning, and practical experience. The company emphasizes internal development through thorough onboarding, Boot Camp training, and on-the-job training led by expert staff. Employees benefit from a robust package including medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k), paid time off, life insurance, disability protection, and discounted gym memberships. Nephron also features an in-house pharmacy offering low-cost medications and health products to employees and their families. Women represent 53% of Nephron’s workforce and hold many key management and advanced-degree roles, with the company recognized as a certified woman-owned business by the National Women Business Owners Corporation. Nephron is deeply embedded in South Carolina’s life sciences industry, contributing to the state’s economy and employing a large workforce at its Lexington County campus, which spans over 700,000 square feet following a recent $215.8 million expansion. For aspiring students interested in entering the pharmaceutical industry, especially in pharmacy technician roles, Nephron presents a clear pathway combining employment, training, and education.
Olympia Pharmacy
- Website: https://www.olympiapharmacy.com/
- Employees: 130
- Headquarters: 6700 Conroy Windermere Road, Suite 155. Orlando, FL 32835
- Job board: https://www.olympiapharmacy.com/careers/
- Glassdoor rating: 3.6
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Olympia Pharmaceuticals is a compounding pharmacy and pharmaceutical manufacturer that supports both 503A and 503B operations, allowing it to serve both patient-specific and office-use needs across the United States. Operating from two state-of-the-art facilities, Olympia offers a broad range of wellness-focused products, including IV nutrition therapies, weight management solutions, vein care medications, hormone replacement therapies, and treatments for sexual health and age-related conditions. Olympia is FDA-registered as a 503B outsourcing facility, which allows it to prepare medications for physician office use in compliance with national and state regulations. The company emphasizes high standards in compounding by employing qualified staff, using advanced equipment, and sourcing quality sterile and non-sterile chemicals to meet or exceed regulatory standards. Olympia requires all employees to work onsite in support of its mission to ensure transparent collaboration across departments and maintain consistent quality in pharmaceutical preparation. For pharmacy students or graduates interested in clinical compounding and wellness-oriented pharmaceuticals, Olympia represents a potential employer with a focus on innovation, health optimization, and strict adherence to regulatory compliance.
SCA Pharma
- Website: https://scapharma.com/
- Employees: 500
- Headquarters: 1901 Kellett Road Little Rock, AR 72206
- Job board: https://scapharma.com/careers/
- Glassdoor rating: 2.3
SCA Pharma is a specialized FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility that supplies sterile admixtures and pre-filled syringes to hospitals and health systems across the United States. With headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas and a larger facility in Windsor, Connecticut, SCA Pharma operates more than 100,000 square feet of sterile compounding and manufacturing space that meets or exceeds FDA cGMP guidelines. The company employs over 500 staff members nationwide, including licensed pharmacists and quality personnel who support its growing operations. SCA Pharma consistently recruits for roles in pharmacy, manufacturing, quality, IT, and sales, with a policy of promoting from within and a commitment to workplace inclusivity. The Little Rock facility was among the first in the 503B sector to adopt rapid sterility testing, while Windsor houses modern cleanrooms and labs built to FDA standards. Pharmacists working at SCA Pharma help deliver over 5,800 shipments per month and ensure the preparation of medications across 15 product categories. The company emphasizes quality, service, and value in its business model, offering hospitals a dependable outsourcing option that reduces waste and labor costs while improving inventory and supply chain management. Through its team-focused culture and patient-centered approach, SCA Pharma supports hospital pharmacy teams by freeing up in-house staff to focus more on direct patient care. Led by CEO Scott Luce, whose experience spans over 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry, the company continues to expand its national reach while maintaining a sharp focus on safety, compliance, and customer support. Aspiring pharmacy professionals may find SCA Pharma a compelling choice for careers in sterile compounding within a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.
Strive Compounding Pharmacy
- Website: https://www.strivepharmacy.com/careers
- Employees: 245
- Headquarters: 1275 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233
- Job board: https://www.strivepharmacy.com/careers
- Glassdoor rating: 4.0
Strive Compounding Pharmacy offers a compelling opportunity for those pursuing pharmacy-related careers, particularly in the area of personalized medicine. With a business model centered on customized treatments for patients’ unique health conditions, Strive supports a broad range of pharmacy services including hormone therapy, weight management, dermatology, and even veterinary medicine. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians here work closely with healthcare providers to compound medications tailored to individual needs, rather than relying on mass-produced drugs. The company emphasizes adaptability, innovation, collaboration, and resilience in its culture, welcoming professionals who are passionate about moving away from one-size-fits-all care. Employees often describe Strive as a place where they’ve reconnected with their purpose in healthcare, and where teamwork and patient focus are central. Strive maintains a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing through comprehensive health benefits, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement planning with employer matching, and financial wellness programs such as health savings accounts. Additional perks include life insurance, short-term disability coverage, generous paid time off, pet insurance, certification reimbursement, and even scrubs and meal stipends. Located across various sites in the U.S. and continuing to expand, Strive seeks pharmacy professionals who are eager to be part of a mission-driven team aiming to transform how medicine is delivered. The company prioritizes both professional development and a sense of community, making it a fitting choice for those who value patient care and a collaborative workplace environment.
Triangle Compounding
- Website: https://trianglecompounding.com/
- Employees: 50
- Headquarters: 3700 Regency Parkway, Suite 140, Cary, NC 27518
- Job board: https://trianglecompounding.com/about-us/career-opportunities/
- Glassdoor rating: N/A
Triangle Compounding Pharmacy is a specialized compounding pharmacy that prepares customized medications for both human and veterinary patients. Located in the United States and accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB), the pharmacy has passed an extensive on-site inspection and meets or exceeds national standards for quality and safety. Their pharmacists prepare individualized prescriptions, such as capsules, injectables, topicals, and other dosage forms, based on a written prescription from a licensed provider. These customized medications are offered by the pharmacy to patients requiring a different strength, formulation, or ingredient exclusion not available in commercially manufactured drugs. Triangle emphasizes continuous quality improvement, uses high-grade chemicals and equipment, and employs a highly qualified team. The pharmacy offers services to patients, providers, and medical facilities, along with free or expedited shipping options. Their workplace culture supports pharmacists and pharmacy technicians through competitive compensation, insurance benefits, PTO, holidays, and a 401K/profit-sharing plan. Triangle’s mission is to support patient wellness through high-quality, personalized compounded medications, making it a potential career option for pharmacy students or graduates interested in customized care and patient-specific therapy.
Valor Compounding
- Website: https://valorcompounding.com/
- Employees: 48
- Headquarters: 2461 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
- Job board: https://valorcompounding.com/open-jobs/
- Glassdoor rating: 4.8
Valor Compounding Pharmacy provides a specialized career pathway for pharmacy professionals interested in customized patient care. The company’s focus on sterile and non-sterile compounding allows pharmacists and technicians to help meet unique patient needs, such as adjusting non-standard doses, substituting allergenic ingredients, or replicating unavailable commercial medications. Valor's commitment to reinventing compounding is evident in its quick turnaround times, typically two to four days compared to the industry average of seven, and its proactive, communicative service model aimed at reducing patient anxiety. For those seeking a supportive work environment, Valor offers a range of benefits including 100% coverage for dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, 60% medical premium coverage, a 401(k) plan with matching, wellness benefits, cell phone reimbursement, paid holidays, and up to 13 days of PTO. Operational hours are limited to weekdays between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, with some business operations roles available as hybrid or fully remote. Valor supports professional growth through structured development programs, regular performance evaluations, and consistent check-ins between employees and supervisors. The company culture emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and accountability through the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), ensuring team members are aligned in purpose and goals. Based in California and serving patients nationwide, Valor seeks pharmacy professionals who are innovative, detail-oriented, and passionate about transforming the compounding experience. The company’s investment in state-of-the-art technology and its dedicated regulatory team underscore its focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence, making it a promising workplace for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians looking to make a meaningful impact.
How to get a pharmacy technician certification
A pharmacy technician certification paves the way to an accessible, fulfilling career in healthcare. Becoming a pharmacy tech is an excellent decision for those with outstanding organizational, technical, and people skills. If you’re looking for a job that combines patient care with a fast-paced pharmacy environment, then this role may be a great fit for you.
Before you can start applying for roles as a certified pharmacy technician, you will need to take a certification test. There are two major exams that will grant you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). The PTCE is distributed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and this certification is better suited for people seeking roles in hospital or clinical settings. The ExCPT is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is geared toward those who plan on working at a retail pharmacy.
The PTCE and the ExCPT differ in the number of questions, the time allotted for the exam, and their respective scaled score ranges. The passing score for the PTCE is 1400, while the passing score for the ExCPT is 390.
Here’s a breakdown of exam details for the PTCE and the ExCPT:
| PTCE | ExCPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 90 | 100 |
| Time | 2 hours | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Scaled score range | 1000 – 1600 | 200 – 500 |
| Passing score | 1400 | 390 |
These exams test your knowledge of pharmacology, drug safety and controlled substances, and pharmacy law and regulations. While hospitals and similar healthcare facilities tend to prefer the PTCB certification, an NHA certification can help fast-track you to a job at a retail pharmacy, especially if you have prior retail experience.
If you’ve already taken and passed your certification exam, congrats! You are one step closer to a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.
Conclusion
There are many compounding pharmacies, and it’s important to choose a place to work that’s committed to patient and customer care, as well as professional development.
Pharmacy technicians at these companies are expected to provide excellent, trusted service in prescription processing, drug compounding, and medication management. A job at any of these locations would be a significant step in your compounding pharmacy technician career path.
All of these firms are worth considering for a job, but be sure to do further research on their websites and Glassdoor profiles to find the right fit for you. And if you’re wondering how to get started on obtaining your pharmacy tech certification, you can learn more about CPhT exams and start your prep.
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