Salem vs Sherwood: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Salem, OR and Sherwood, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Sherwood, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,050▲ | $51,924 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.47▲ | $24.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,914▲ | $42,193 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,399▲ | $43,036 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,531▲ | $54,604 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,518▲ | $67,210 |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sherwood.
The salary gap between Salem and Sherwood is $3,126 (6.02%). Salem's median is +14.12% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $27,604,Sherwood spans $25,017. Salem 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, Salem ($53,112 effective) pays 4.95% more than Sherwood ($50,608 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,518)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,112)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Sherwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Salem grew 20.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in Sherwood over the same period.
Salem, OR
$43,350 (2019) → $52,210 (2025)
Sherwood, OR
$46,665 (2024) → $49,245 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sherwood, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Salem or Sherwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Sherwood?
Should I relocate from Salem to Sherwood as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Salem vs Sherwood?
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