Los Angeles vs Torrance: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Torrance, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Torrance, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,521 | $56,692▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.73 | $27.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,986 | $42,141▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,638▲ | $44,967 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,332▲ | $64,219 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,139▲ | $79,515 |
| Total Employed | 13,130▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Torrance are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Torrance is $3,171 (5.92%). Torrance's median is +17.52% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $41,153,Torrance spans $37,374. Los Angeles 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, Torrance ($50,126 effective) pays 6.36% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,139)
- ✓Larger job market (13,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Torrance if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,692/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,126)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Los Angeles grew 15.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.1% growth in Torrance over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$44,090 (2019) → $50,760 (2025)
Torrance, CA
$59,821 (2024) → $53,767 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Torrance, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Los Angeles or Torrance?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Torrance?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Torrance as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Los Angeles vs Torrance?
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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