Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $27.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in San Diego, CA runs $27.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,476 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Diego, the 2026 median hourly pay for pharmacy technicians is projected to be $27.63, significantly higher than the national median of $23.19. This elevated hourly rate reflects the city's cost of living and the growing demand for skilled technicians in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and specialty compounding areas. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, this income translates to approximately $1,760 weekly, offering a practical wage for those balancing multiple responsibilities. The hourly pay range for pharmacy technicians in San Diego extends from $22.46 at the entry level to $41.15 for the most experienced professionals, highlighting considerable earning potential depending on experience and specific work environments.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.46 | $179.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.29 | $194.35 |
| Median (P50) | $27.63 | $221.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.84 | $270.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.15 | $329.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $27.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.63/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $57,461 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,150. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,105.01 | $4,788 | $57,461 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $663.01 | $2,873 | $34,476 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.00 | $1,915 | $22,984 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (San Diego) | $27.63 |
| 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 San Diego, CA earn a median of $57,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.13% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 3.10% above the California state average of $55,737.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.63/hr = $34,476/year (purchasing power: $30,814).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,461/year (purchasing power: $51,356).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in San Diego grew 32.5% from $19.77/hr (2019) to $26.20/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.13/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 San Diego 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 San Diego
A three-day workweek for a pharmacy technician yields substantial earnings, hitting about $45,920 annually, which can provide a solid foundation while allowing for flexibility in personal schedules. For those considering per diem pharmacy technician pay in San Diego, rates can vary widely depending on the job setting. Per diem technicians might charge between $20-$32/hr, while those in sterile compounding at hospitals can expect $25-$40/hr. Travel contracts for hospital roles can offer compelling remuneration, with weekly pay ranging from $1,200-$1,800. Specifically, the type of employer influences hourly wages; retail chains like CVS and Walgreens tend to offer lower rates than hospital pharmacies or specialty pharmacies like Accredo. Some technicians may prioritize benefits over higher hourly rates, making informed negotiation skills crucial in San Diego’s job market, especially with a growing emphasis on PTCB certification and compliance in the industry.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in San Diego in 2026?
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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 San Diego. 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