Pharmacy Technician Salary in California
Based on 40K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$55,110
$26.50/hr
vs National Average
$45,424
+21.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $81K
40K employed in California
Pharmacy Technician salary in California averages $55,110 annually, positioning the state as a lucrative market for this profession. With nearly 40,000 pharmacy technicians employed across California, salaries here run 21% above the national average. The state's compensation reflects its higher cost of living and robust healthcare infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for professionals in this field.
Several factors influence pharmacy technician compensation in California, including experience level, certifications, and employer type. Retail pharmacies, hospital settings, and specialty clinics typically offer different pay scales, with experienced technicians earning significantly more. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and additional responsibilities like management duties also impact where salaries fall within the $42,850 to $81,190 range.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacy Technician in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,850 |
| 25th percentile | $46,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $55,110 |
| 75th percentile | $65,590 |
| 90th percentile | $81,190 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pharmacy Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pharmacy Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pharmacy Technicians in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,230 | 10K |
| Educational Services | $60,840 | 1K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $55,540 | 30 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $50,470 | 107K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,440 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacy Technician in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,050 |
| 2023 | $49,880 |
| 2024 | $49,640 |
| 2025 | $55,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,417 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,050 | $38,744 |
| 2023 | $49,880 | $41,026 |
| 2024 | $49,640 | $42,875 |
| 2025 | $55,110 | $45,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,417 | $48,149 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $55,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,190 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacy Technician Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Pharmacy Technician ($55,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacy Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +541.4% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +469.6% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +446.6% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +430.6% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +390.9% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +357.3% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +288.6% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +269.9% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +265.3% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +236.8% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +205.8% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +201.1% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacy technicians make in California?
- Pharmacy technicians in California earn a median salary of $55,110 per year, or $26 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 21.3% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for pharmacy technicians in California?
- Pharmacy technician salaries in California range from $42,850 at the lower end to $81,190 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer type.
Is pharmacy technician a well-paying job in California?
- Yes, pharmacy technician positions in California are well-compensated compared to the national average, paying 21.3% more than the typical U.S. pharmacy technician salary. With a median salary of $55,110 annually, it offers solid earning potential in the healthcare field.
How many pharmacy technicians work in California?
- There are approximately 39,860 pharmacy technicians currently employed in California, making it a significant portion of the healthcare workforce in the state.