Denver vs Aurora: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Denver, CO and Aurora, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Aurora, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,743▲ | $52,563 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.83▲ | $25.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,696▲ | $39,839 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,736▲ | $42,382 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,937▲ | $58,535 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,109 | $72,687▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,260▲ | 54 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Denver and Aurora is $1,180 (2.24%). Denver's median is +11.41% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $26,413,Aurora spans $32,848. Aurora 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, Denver ($50,805 effective) pays 1.49% more than Aurora ($50,060 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,743/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,805)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,687)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Denver grew 35.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.1% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Denver, CO
$37,720 (2019) → $50,970 (2025)
Aurora, CO
$47,445 (2024) → $49,851 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Aurora, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Denver or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Denver to Aurora as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Denver vs Aurora?
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