Is it because it does not require a degree? Because past knowing medical terminology, it is a 'low-skill' job? Is it because we are just assistants to the bigger, smarter pharmacists.

That's basically it, and it won't really change until techs start taking on far more responsibility than they do now. Think of all the non-clinical tasks pharmacists are required to do in many places now. Companies won't suddenly start paying more just out of kindness.

Also, often by the time long-term techs have attained one of the few high paying specialized jobs available they don't even have "Pharmacy Tech" as part of their title or responsibilities anymore.