Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $26.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Fresno, CA runs $26.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,050 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,029 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, California, the projected pharmacy technician hourly pay for 2026 is $26.47, significantly higher than the national average of $23.19. This attractive rate caters to both part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians working in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospital IV clean rooms that comply with USP <797/800>, and specialty pharmacy environments. For individuals employed part-time, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate can provide a solid income, especially considering the entry-level range starts at roughly $19.41 and extends to $37.05 for top earners. With health systems and pharmacies facing labor shortages post-2020, roles are available in multiple areas, allowing flexibility and ample opportunities for those seeking to enter the field or transition between environments.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.41 | $155.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.83 | $182.62 |
| Median (P50) | $26.47 | $211.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.34 | $250.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.05 | $296.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $26.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.47/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,759. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,058.62 | $4,587 | $55,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $635.17 | $2,752 | $33,029 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.45 | $1,835 | $22,019 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Fresno) | $26.47 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
Pharmacy Technicians in Fresno, CA earn a median of $55,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.12% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.20% below the California state average of $55,719.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.47/hr = $33,029/year (purchasing power: $32,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,048/year (purchasing power: $53,885).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Fresno grew 36.9% from $18.33/hr (2019) to $25.10/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.91/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fresno metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.44% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacy Technician in Fresno
Considering part-time positions, a pharmacy technician working 24 hours per week can anticipate an annual income of about $33,890, significantly less than if they were full-time. On the other hand, per diem pharmacy technician pay in Fresno typically ranges from $20 to $32 per hour, and those working in sterile compounding scenarios can earn up to $40 per hour. Additionally, pharmacy technicians taking on travel contracts can bring home weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800, reflecting the ongoing demand in shortage markets. Different employer types also influence pay structures, with retail chains and long-term care pharmacies having varied budgets and compensation packages. Technicians often face a trade-off between accepting lower hourly rates that include benefits versus higher pay that may lack compensation coverage. Understanding these nuances can aid in negotiating rates effectively within Fresno’s pharmacy scene, especially in light of changes in the industry.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacy technicians in Fresno. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.44%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacy technicians (SOC 29-2052).
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov