Downey vs Los Angeles: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Downey, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Downey, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,435▲ | $53,521 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.13▲ | $25.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,547 | $41,986▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,587 | $47,638▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,616 | $66,332▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,630 | $83,139▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 13,130▲ |
Verdict
Downey and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Downey and Los Angeles is $2,914 (5.44%). Downey's median is +16.99% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Downey spans $37,083,Los Angeles spans $41,153. Los Angeles 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, Downey ($49,898 effective) pays 5.88% more than Los Angeles ($47,128 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Downey if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,435/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,898)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,139)
- ✓Larger job market (13,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Downey grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Downey, CA
$59,550 (2024) → $53,523 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$44,090 (2019) → $50,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Downey, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Downey or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Downey and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Downey to Los Angeles as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Downey vs Los Angeles?
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