Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $27.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in San Rafael, CA runs $27.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,549 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,924 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, California, pharmacy technicians earn a median hourly rate of $27.18, significantly higher than the national median of $23.19. This impressive figure positions local pharmacy techs favorably, especially for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. Working three days a week, a pharmacy technician could expect to bring home approximately $1,018 weekly, which translates to an annual income that remains competitive relative to full-time counterparts. Entry-level technicians may start around $21.47 per hour, while top earners can command rates as high as $35.54. These hourly figures reflect a range of workplaces, from bustling retail pharmacies and hospital clean rooms to automated fulfillment centers and specialty compounding facilities, all of which cater to San Rafael's diverse pharmaceutical needs.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.47 | $171.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.35 | $178.83 |
| Median (P50) | $27.18 | $217.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.45 | $235.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.54 | $284.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $27.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.18/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,539 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,619. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,087.30 | $4,712 | $56,539 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $652.38 | $2,827 | $33,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.92 | $1,885 | $22,616 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (San Rafael) | $27.18 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $56,549 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.23% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.50% above the California state average of $55,713.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.18/hr = $33,924/year (purchasing power: $29,994).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,539/year (purchasing power: $49,991).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in San Rafael grew 34.8% from $19.13/hr (2019) to $25.78/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.66/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Analyzing the earning potential further reveals that part-time pharmacy technicians working 24 hours a week would make about $53,488 annually, substantially less than their full-time peers yet allowing for greater flexibility. Per-diem pharmacy technicians in San Rafael often bill between $20 and $32 per hour, with hospital sterile compounding roles fetching between $25 and $40 per hour. Travel contracts in high-demand areas can earn between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available. Earnings can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; for instance, retail pharmacy chains tend to offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital inpatient pharmacies or long-term care facilities, which may provide better compensation linked with health benefits. Understanding the balance between hourly pay and employee benefits is essential, as many technicians face trade-offs related to hourly wages versus benefits. For those negotiating pay in San Rafael, emphasizing certification, such as the PTCB, and specialized skills related to USP <797> and <800> compliance could provide an edge in securing better compensation.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in San Rafael 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 Rafael. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Rafael is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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