Final answer:
The minimum salary to be considered in the top 8% of pharmacy techs is found using the z-score for the 92nd percentile. Using a z-score of approximately 1.41 and the given mean and standard deviation, the minimum salary is calculated to be $36,230.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the minimum salary that would put a pharmacy tech in the top 8%, we can use the concept of a z-score from a normal distribution. Given the mean (μ) is $32,000 and the standard deviation (σ) is $3,000, we want to find the corresponding salary at the 92nd percentile (100% - 8% = 92%).
The z-score for the 92nd percentile is approximately 1.41. We can then use the z-score formula:
Z = (X - μ) / σ
Rearranging the formula to solve for X, we get:
X = Z × σ + μ
X = 1.41 × $3,000 + $32,000
X = $4,230 + $32,000 = $36,230
Therefore, to be in the top 8% of pharmacy tech salaries, one would need to earn at least $36,230.