Columbia vs Lexington Park: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Columbia, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,551▲ | $46,373 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.34▲ | $22.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,119 | $37,305▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,141▲ | $38,507 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,849▲ | $50,116 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,911▲ | $57,749 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, MD offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington Park.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington Park is $2,178 (4.70%). Columbia's median is +0.65% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $28,792,Lexington Park spans $20,444. Columbia 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, Lexington Park ($46,023 effective) pays 3.61% more than Columbia ($44,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,911)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,023)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Columbia grew -2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$47,201 (2024) → $46,046 (2025)
Lexington Park, MD
$38,830 (2024) → $43,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Columbia or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Lexington Park as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Columbia vs Lexington Park?
Related Comparisons
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