CVS Health and Walgreens together operate over 17,000 locations across the United States, making them two of the most accessible employers in the country. Beyond standard retail positions, both companies offer a unique entry point into the healthcare industry: pharmacy technician roles that start at $18–25/hr, often with on-the-job certification training and no prior experience required.
For workers interested in a career path that bridges retail and healthcare, these two companies provide something most retailers cannot — a stepping stone into a licensed profession with growing demand.
Positions and Salary
| Position | CVS Pay | Walgreens Pay | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier / Store Associate | $15–18/hr | $15–18/hr | None |
| Shift Lead / Supervisor | $17–21/hr | $17–21/hr | 6–12 months |
| Beauty Advisor | $16–19/hr | $16–19/hr | None |
| Pharmacy Technician | $18–25/hr | $18–25/hr | None (train on the job) |
| Pharmacy Technician (Certified) | $20–28/hr | $20–28/hr | CPhT certification |
The pharmacy technician track is where these companies differentiate from standard retail employers. Starting at $18–25/hr with no experience and the opportunity to earn certification on the job, this position offers a clear path into healthcare — a sector with strong long-term demand.
Pharmacy Technician: A Career Entry Point
Both CVS and Walgreens hire pharmacy technicians without prior certification and provide training programs that lead to the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
What the role involves: Assisting pharmacists with prescription processing, inventory management, customer consultations, and insurance billing. The work is detail-oriented and patient-facing — a combination that builds transferable healthcare skills.
Certification path: New pharmacy technicians complete on-the-job training over several months, then take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Both CVS and Walgreens cover the cost of the exam. Once certified, pay increases by $2–4/hr, and the credential is portable to hospitals, clinics, and other pharmacies.
Long-term career options: Certified pharmacy technicians can advance to lead technician, pharmacy operations manager, or use the experience as a foundation for pharmacy school. The pharmacy technician credential is also increasingly valued in hospital settings, where pay ranges from $22–30/hr.
Benefits Comparison
| Benefit | CVS Health | Walgreens |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | After 30 days (FT) | After 30 days (FT) |
| Employee Discount | 20% on CVS brand, 10% other | 15–25% on Walgreens brand |
| Tuition Assistance | Up to $5,250/yr | Up to $5,000/yr |
| 401(k) Match | Yes | Yes |
| Part-Time Benefits | Limited | Limited |
Both companies offer similar benefits packages. CVS has a slight edge in tuition reimbursement ($5,250 vs $5,000) and employee discount structure. Walgreens offers a marginally higher discount on its own brand products. The practical difference between the two is minimal for most employees.
How to Apply
CVS: Apply at jobs.cvshealth.com. Search by location and position type. Pharmacy technician listings are separate from retail positions — search specifically for “pharmacy technician” to find those openings.
Walgreens: Apply at jobs.walgreens.com. The process is similar: online application, assessment, interview, background check. Walgreens tends to hire in batches for pharmacy technician positions when multiple openings exist.
Timeline: 1–3 weeks from application to start for retail positions. Pharmacy technician positions may take slightly longer due to additional screening and licensing requirements.
Why Choose Pharmacy Over Standard Retail
Standard retail cashier positions at CVS and Walgreens pay $15–18/hr — comparable to other retailers but without the wage premiums offered by Costco, Target, or Amazon. The primary reason to choose CVS or Walgreens over other retail employers is access to the pharmacy technician career path.
Pharmacy technician roles pay $18–25/hr starting, increase with certification, and provide credentials that transfer to higher-paying healthcare settings. For workers who want to enter healthcare without a college degree, this is one of the most accessible routes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need certification to become a pharmacy technician?
No. Both CVS and Walgreens hire pharmacy technicians without prior certification and provide on-the-job training. Certification (CPhT) is earned after completing training and passing the national exam. Both companies cover the exam cost.
Which is better: CVS or Walgreens?
The differences are minimal. Pay, benefits, and career opportunities are comparable. The better choice typically comes down to which company has locations and open positions closer to the applicant’s location. If both are equally accessible, CVS has a slight edge in tuition reimbursement.
Is pharmacy technician work hard?
The work is detail-oriented and requires accuracy in prescription processing. It is less physically demanding than warehouse or stocking roles but more mentally demanding than cashier positions. The pace increases during flu season and open enrollment periods. Comfort with multitasking and customer interaction is important.
Can I work part-time as a pharmacy technician?
Yes. Many pharmacy technician positions are available part-time, particularly at locations with extended pharmacy hours. Part-time pharmacy technicians earn the same hourly rate but may have limited access to health benefits.
