Pharmacist asks Walgreens to pay techs $20/hr

The Millennial Pharmacist (@millennialrx) has amassed a sizeable TikTok following for his consistent posts about working in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly those with salary and employment information for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

In a recent viral video, TikToker blew up the hourly wage range that Walgreens offers pharmacy technicians. He explained that the reason for America’s current shortage of pharmacists is the relatively low payouts that Walgreens and other pharmacies expect workers to pay.

“So I found out why there is a shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians,” the TikToker said to launch the clip.

@millennialrx The media should be saying “Large pharmacy chains don’t know the basics of hiring employees” #pharmacy #pharmacist #pharmacytiktok #walgreens #trending #fyp #millennialrx ♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling

He explained that he received a message from a Walgreens recruiter in his LinkedIn inbox and used a green screen effect to display the message behind him.

“So, I think it’s really important that when you hire a recruiter, they know who to recruit,” he said. “But in case anyone cares, Walgreens pays for pharmacy technicians.”

The news showed that Walgreens charged $18.50 per hour for “unlicensed” pharmacy technicians, $19.50 for “certified technicians” and $20.75 for “Sr. Pharmacist.” All positions are increased by $1 after 90 days.

“And, Walgreens, if you want me to be a pharmacy technician with my PhD in pharmacy, we’ll definitely have to negotiate a bit just because that won’t pay my student loans,” the TikToker concluded.

He added in the video’s caption, “The media should be saying, ‘Big pharmacy chains don’t know the basics of hiring employees.'”

In the comments section of his video, The Millennial Pharmacist urged viewers to be transparent about their salaries so they can secure higher-paying positions.

“On this site we like to discuss pay transparency and if you’re making less than a tech then you need to look for a new job,” he wrote.

In response, many commenters shared their salaries.

“I’m one of the better paid techs where I work for $15 an hour… It’s a decent wage for our rural area. Still not enough,” shared one viewer.

“I’m a senior tech and I’ve been working there for 2 years and I can’t even make it,” wrote another.

Other TikTokers said they make more than the wages posted in The Millennial Pharmacist’s video, but still believe they are underpaid.

“I’m getting 25 and still don’t think it’s enough for the amount of work,” said one viewer.

The Daily Dot emailed The Millennial Pharmacist for further comment.

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