Raleigh vs Wake Forest: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,639▲ | $46,707 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.39▲ | $22.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,928▲ | $38,504 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,563▲ | $39,274 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,138 | $51,759▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,604 | $63,180▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,430▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wake Forest is $1,932 (4.14%). Raleigh's median is +0.83% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $19,676,Wake Forest spans $24,676. Wake Forest 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, Wake Forest ($49,901 effective) pays 0.70% more than Raleigh ($49,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,639/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,180)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,901)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Raleigh grew 40.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.3% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$32,770 (2019) → $46,130 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$35,067 (2024) → $44,297 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Raleigh or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wake Forest as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Raleigh vs Wake Forest?
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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