Key points
- Walmart has elevated 3,000 pharmacy technician roles into higher-paying pharmacy operations team lead positions across the U.S.
- The new team lead roles pay an average of US$28 an hour, with top earnings reaching up to US$42 an hour, depending on location.
- Pharmacy technicians now earn US$22 an hour on average, with expanded pay ranges going up to US$40.50 an hour.
Walmart is putting more money and momentum behind its pharmacy workforce, rolling out higher pay ranges and elevating 3,000 roles across its U.S. pharmacy network as it expands its health and wellness business.
The retail giant announced that thousands of pharmacy technicians have been promoted into newly created pharmacy operations team lead positions, with average hourly pay rising to about US$28 and top earnings reaching as high as US$42 an hour, depending on location and performance.
The new roles are designed to take on day-to-day operational responsibilities, freeing up pharmacists to focus more on patient care.
At the same time, Walmart is widening pay ranges for pharmacy technicians, who currently earn an average of US$22 an hour.
Under the new structure, certified technicians can now earn up to US$40.50 an hour. The changes affect nearly 4,600 Walmart pharmacy locations nationwide and signal a broader push to strengthen in-store healthcare services.
Pharmacy teams play a frontline role for many Americans, handling everything from prescriptions and immunisations to everyday health advice, often serving as the most accessible healthcare professionals in local communities .
Beyond higher wages, Walmart is emphasising career progression. No college degree is required for pharmacy sales associates, technicians, or operations team leads, and the company covers the cost of certification for pharmacy technicians.
Since 2016, more than 22,000 associates have completed certification through Walmart-supported programmes, opening pathways into leadership roles and long-term careers .
Walmart executives say the investment is as much about improving patient experience as it is about compensation. By building stronger pharmacy teams and clearer career ladders, the company aims to make healthcare simpler and more accessible while retaining skilled workers in a highly competitive labour market .
The move comes as Walmart continues to expand its health and wellness footprint, positioning its pharmacies as a key pillar of growth and turning pharmacy technician roles into some of the most attractive hourly healthcare jobs in the retail sector.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri
