Boston vs Salem: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Boston, MA and Salem, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,441▲ | $47,191 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.78▲ | $22.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,552▲ | $39,857 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,765▲ | $40,655 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,025▲ | $49,627 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,280▲ | $63,238 |
| Total Employed | 7,370▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Boston and Salem is $2,250 (4.77%). Boston's median is +2.49% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $38,728,Salem spans $23,381. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($45,666 effective) pays 4.99% more than Salem ($43,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,441/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,280)
- ✓Larger job market (7,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,666)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Boston grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Boston, MA
$36,060 (2019) → $46,890 (2025)
Salem, MA
$50,180 (2024) → $44,756 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Boston or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Salem?
Should I relocate from Boston to Salem as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Boston vs Salem?
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov