Oakland vs Sacramento: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Oakland, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oakland, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,297▲ | $61,651 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.39▲ | $29.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,965▲ | $46,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,246▲ | $50,906 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,756 | $81,547▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,073▲ | $87,642 |
| Total Employed | 78 | 2,820▲ |
Verdict
Oakland, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Oakland and Sacramento is $3,646 (5.91%). Oakland's median is +35.36% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland spans $43,108,Sacramento spans $40,742. Oakland 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, Sacramento ($57,796 effective) pays 0.11% more than Oakland ($57,734 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,297/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,073)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,796)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Oakland grew -1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Oakland, CA
$63,158 (2024) → $61,928 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$43,600 (2019) → $58,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oakland, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Oakland or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Oakland to Sacramento as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Oakland vs Sacramento?
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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