Pharmacy Technician Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$47,410
$22.79/hr
vs National Average
$45,424
+4.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $74K
1K employed in District of Columbia
The median pharmacy technician salary in District of Columbia is $47,410 per year, which is approximately 4% above the national average. With around 1,130 pharmacy technicians currently employed in the district, this represents a stable career path in the healthcare sector. Salaries in this field typically range from $41,300 to $74,100 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and workplace setting.
Several factors influence pharmacy technician compensation in the District of Columbia. Experience level, certification status, and employer type—whether in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or clinical settings—play significant roles in determining pay. Additionally, the cost of living in the district and demand for healthcare professionals in the region contribute to salary variations. Technicians with advanced certifications or specialized training often command higher wages within this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacy Technician in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,300 |
| 25th percentile | $46,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,410 |
| 75th percentile | $59,470 |
| 90th percentile | $74,100 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,090 |
| 2023 | $46,520 |
| 2024 | $45,670 |
| 2025 | $47,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,216 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,090 | $38,744 |
| 2023 | $46,520 | $41,026 |
| 2024 | $45,670 | $42,875 |
| 2025 | $47,410 | $45,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,216 | $47,155 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,470 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $74,100 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacy Technician Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Pharmacy Technician ($47,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacy Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +571.2% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +460.5% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +392.3% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +370.9% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +327.3% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +286.2% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +284.8% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +227.2% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +223.6% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +189.4% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +186.6% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +185.0% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for pharmacy technicians in the District of Columbia is $47,410 per year, or $23 per hour. This is 4.4% higher than the national average, making it a competitive market for this profession in DC.
What is the salary range for pharmacy technicians in DC?
- Pharmacy technicians in the District of Columbia earn between $41,300 and $74,100 annually, depending on experience, employer, and qualifications. This $32,800 range shows significant earning potential as technicians advance in their careers.
Is the pharmacy technician salary in DC above the national average?
- Yes, the District of Columbia offers above-average compensation for pharmacy technicians, with a median salary that is 4.4% higher than the national average. At $47,410 per year, DC-based technicians earn more than their counterparts in most other locations.
How many pharmacy technicians are employed in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 1,130 pharmacy technicians currently employed in the District of Columbia, representing a solid job market in the region.