Coeur d'Alene vs Pocatello: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Coeur d'Alene, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Pocatello, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,801▲ | $47,332 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.42▲ | $22.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,828▲ | $38,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,374▲ | $39,508 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,923▲ | $50,232 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,139▲ | $54,006 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Coeur d'Alene, ID offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello is $3,469 (7.33%). Coeur d'Alene's median is +5.31% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene spans $22,311,Pocatello spans $15,172. Coeur d'Alene 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, Pocatello ($53,238 effective) pays 3.01% more than Coeur d'Alene ($51,683 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coeur d'Alene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,801/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,139)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,238)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Coeur d'Alene grew 24.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.8% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$38,700 (2019) → $48,180 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$33,310 (2019) → $44,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Coeur d'Alene or Pocatello?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Pocatello as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Coeur d'Alene vs Pocatello?
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