Kennewick vs Tacoma: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Kennewick, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,011 | $63,577▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.41 | $30.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,314▲ | $48,637 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,212 | $51,656▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,466 | $72,664▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,331 | $90,845▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Tacoma is $6,566 (11.52%). Tacoma's median is +31.80% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $29,017,Tacoma spans $42,208. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($59,196 effective) pays 3.92% more than Kennewick ($56,966 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,577/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,845)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,196)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Kennewick grew 19.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$45,100 (2019) → $54,070 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$56,564 (2024) → $60,297 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Kennewick or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Tacoma as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Kennewick vs Tacoma?
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