Columbus vs Youngstown: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Columbus, OH and Youngstown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Youngstown, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,701▲ | $43,230 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.93▲ | $20.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,064▲ | $36,366 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,171▲ | $38,528 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,771▲ | $49,030 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,120▲ | $50,316 |
| Total Employed | 3,480▲ | 690 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Youngstown.
The salary gap between Columbus and Youngstown is $4,471 (10.34%). Columbus's median is -1.12% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $27,056,Youngstown spans $13,950. Columbus 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, Columbus ($49,965 effective) pays 1.01% more than Youngstown ($49,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,701/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,120)
- ✓Larger job market (3,480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,965)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Youngstown if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Columbus grew 46.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.5% growth in Youngstown over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$30,790 (2019) → $45,240 (2025)
Youngstown, OH
$27,980 (2019) → $41,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Youngstown, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Columbus or Youngstown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Youngstown?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Youngstown as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Columbus vs Youngstown?
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