Salem vs Worcester: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Salem, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,191 | $48,513▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.69 | $23.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,857▲ | $39,772 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,655 | $41,079▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,627 | $62,526▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,238 | $73,755▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,160▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Worcester is $1,322 (2.80%). Worcester's median is +0.57% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $23,381,Worcester spans $33,983. Worcester 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, Worcester ($47,319 effective) pays 8.79% more than Salem ($43,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,513/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,755)
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,319)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Salem grew -10.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.3% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Salem, MA
$50,180 (2024) → $44,756 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$31,670 (2019) → $46,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Salem or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Salem to Worcester as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Salem vs Worcester?
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