📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Pharmacy Technician Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$55,976
per year
Median
$53,662
per year
Hourly
$26.91
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$41,335
25th Percentile — Junior$48,660
50th Percentile — Median$53,662
75th Percentile — Senior$65,139
90th Percentile — Top Earners$70,036
💡 Top-earning Pharmacy Technicians in California make up to $70,036 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$48.8k
2021
$50.1k
2022
$51.5k
2023
$53.0k
2024
$54.5k
2025
$56.0k
2026
📈 Pharmacy Technician salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.8% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Pharmacy Technician Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $86,763 +55.0% High
San Diego $82,844 +48.0% High
San Jose $96,279 +72.0% High
San Francisco $103,556 +85.0% High
Fresno $60,454 +8.0% High
Sacramento $68,291 +22.0% High
Long Beach $81,165 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $60,454 +8.0% High
Anaheim $79,486 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $78,366 +40.0% High
Riverside $71,649 +28.0% High
Stockton $66,052 +18.0% High
Irvine $86,763 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $66,052 +18.0% High
Modesto $62,693 +12.0% High
Fontana $68,291 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $64,372 +15.0% High
Glendale $82,844 +48.0% High
Fremont $89,562 +60.0% High
🔍
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Pharmacy Technicians. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $55,976 per year, California's Pharmacy Technician salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $41,335–$48,660, while experienced Pharmacy Technicians can command $65,139–$70,036.

Looking ahead, the Pharmacy Technician profession in California is projected to grow at 2.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Pharmacy Technician salary in California is $55,976 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $39,420.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Pharmacy Technicians the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Pharmacy Technician employment.
  • At $55,976/year, California Pharmacy Technician salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $39,420/year.