Cincinnati vs Cleveland: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,693▲ | $41,448 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.53▲ | $19.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,841▲ | $32,961 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,452 | $38,802▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,790 | $51,697▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,932 | $62,241▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,380 | 3,970▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Cleveland are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Cleveland is $1,245 (3.00%). Cincinnati's median is -11.50% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $23,091,Cleveland spans $29,280. Cleveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($44,766 effective) pays 1.44% more than Cleveland ($44,130 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,693/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,766)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,241)
- ✓Larger job market (3,970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Cincinnati grew 37.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$29,470 (2019) → $40,490 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$32,860 (2019) → $39,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Cincinnati or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Cleveland as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Cincinnati vs Cleveland?
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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