Ithaca vs Rochester: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Ithaca, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,543▲ | $43,167 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.86▲ | $20.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,547 | $39,814▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,554▲ | $40,826 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,731▲ | $49,061 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,962▲ | $52,994 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 1,830▲ |
Verdict
Ithaca, NY offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Ithaca and Rochester is $4,376 (10.14%). Ithaca's median is -1.44% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ithaca spans $21,415,Rochester spans $13,180. Ithaca 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, Ithaca ($46,017 effective) pays 3.44% more than Rochester ($44,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,543/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,962)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,017)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Ithaca grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Ithaca, NY
$35,980 (2019) → $45,090 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$31,030 (2019) → $40,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ithaca, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Ithaca or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ithaca and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Ithaca to Rochester as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Ithaca vs Rochester?
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