Salem vs Tigard: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Salem, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tigard, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,050▲ | $53,275 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.47▲ | $25.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,914▲ | $42,684 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,399▲ | $44,272 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,531▲ | $58,189 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,518▲ | $70,444 |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tigard.
The salary gap between Salem and Tigard is $1,775 (3.33%). 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,Tigard spans $27,760. Tigard 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, Salem ($53,112 effective) pays 2.29% more than Tigard ($51,925 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 Tigard 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 Tigard over the same period.
Salem, OR
$43,350 (2019) → $52,210 (2025)
Tigard, OR
$47,880 (2024) → $50,526 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tigard, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Salem or Tigard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tigard?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tigard as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Salem vs Tigard?
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