Pharmacy Technician Salary in Washington
Based on 8K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$58,900
$28.32/hr
vs National Average
$45,424
+29.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $79K
8K employed in Washington
Understanding the Pharmacy Technician salary in Washington reveals a strong earning potential for these vital healthcare professionals. The median annual salary sits at $58,900, positioning Washington significantly above the national average by approximately 30%. With a robust 8,150 workers employed in this field, the state offers a substantial and active job market for pharmacy technicians.
Several factors contribute to the variation within the Pharmacy Technician salary in Washington. Experience level is a primary driver, with more seasoned technicians typically earning towards the higher end of the $47,270 to $79,090 range. Location within the state, whether in metropolitan hubs or more rural areas, along with the specific type of pharmacy (e.g., retail, hospital, mail-order), also influences compensation.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacy Technician in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,270 |
| 25th percentile | $50,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,900 |
| 75th percentile | $67,630 |
| 90th percentile | $79,090 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,740 |
| 2023 | $53,070 |
| 2024 | $56,140 |
| 2025 | $58,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,796 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,740 | $38,744 |
| 2023 | $53,070 | $41,026 |
| 2024 | $56,140 | $42,875 |
| 2025 | $58,900 | $45,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,796 | $47,657 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,630 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,090 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacy Technician Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Pharmacy Technician ($58,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacy Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +1014.3% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +748.9% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +714.0% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +546.6% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +482.6% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +477.3% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +417.7% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +397.3% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +365.9% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +295.5% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +188.2% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +187.8% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Pharmacy Technician in Washington?
- The median salary for a Pharmacy Technician in Washington is $58,900 per year, which translates to approximately $28 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with Washington-based technicians earning 29.7% more.
How much can a Pharmacy Technician in Washington expect to make?
- The salary range for Pharmacy Technicians in Washington falls between $47,270 and $79,090 annually. The median salary sits comfortably within this range at $58,900 per year.
Is the salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Washington higher than the national average?
- Yes, Pharmacy Technicians in Washington earn substantially more than the national average. Their median salary of $58,900 per year is 29.7% higher than the national median.
What is the hourly wage for a Pharmacy Technician in Washington?
- Pharmacy Technicians in Washington typically earn an average of $28 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary of $58,900.