Hastings vs Lincoln: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Hastings, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hastings, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,063 | $48,650▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.71 | $23.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,751 | $39,308▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,959 | $40,036▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,889 | $52,214▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,678▲ | $53,933 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.
The salary gap between Hastings and Lincoln is $5,587 (12.97%). Lincoln's median is +0.85% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hastings spans $20,927,Lincoln spans $14,625. Hastings 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, Lincoln ($53,122 effective) pays 12.87% more than Hastings ($47,063 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,678)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,650/year)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,122)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Hastings grew 14.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.4% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Hastings, NE
$35,708 (2024) → $40,841 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$30,680 (2019) → $46,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hastings, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Hastings or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hastings and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Hastings to Lincoln as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Hastings vs Lincoln?
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