Lafayette vs Shreveport: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Lafayette, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,366 | $47,332▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.37 | $22.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,169 | $39,150▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,141 | $41,132▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,588 | $51,623▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,131 | $59,489▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 640 |
Verdict
Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Shreveport is $4,966 (11.72%). Shreveport's median is -1.88% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $14,962,Shreveport spans $20,339. Shreveport 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, Shreveport ($55,838 effective) pays 14.94% more than Lafayette ($48,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,332/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,489)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,838)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Lafayette grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$32,060 (2019) → $40,180 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$34,950 (2019) → $44,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Lafayette or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Shreveport as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Lafayette vs Shreveport?
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