Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $25.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Boulder, CO runs $25.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,996 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,397 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the projected pharmacy technician hourly pay stands at $25.96, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.19. This competitive hourly rate is advantageous for both part-time pharmacy technicians and those engaged in per-diem work across various settings, such as retail pharmacies and hospital pharmacies. For a pharmacy technician working three days a week, spending about 24 hours on the job, this wage allows for considerable flexibility in their schedule while ensuring a stable income. The hourly compensation for pharmacy technicians in Boulder varies widely, ranging from $20.71 at entry-level positions to $33.28 for experienced professionals at the top of the pay scale. This data is drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the growing demand in the healthcare sector, particularly in light of recent workforce trends.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.71 | $165.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.24 | $185.91 |
| Median (P50) | $25.96 | $207.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.84 | $238.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.28 | $266.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $25.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.96/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $53,995 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,151. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,038.37 | $4,500 | $53,995 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $623.02 | $2,700 | $32,397 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $415.35 | $1,800 | $21,598 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Boulder) | $25.96 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $53,996 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.93% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.60% above the Colorado state average of $52,628.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.96/hr = $32,397/year (purchasing power: $30,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,995/year (purchasing power: $51,325).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Boulder grew 38.1% from $17.83/hr (2019) to $24.62/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.37/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
Examining the earning potential for part-time pharmacy technicians can reveal a striking contrast to full-time counterparts. Working 24 hours per week at $25.96 per hour could lead to an annual income around $32,000, while full-time positions typically offer more in terms of consistent pay and additional benefits. Per-diem pharmacy technicians in Boulder can often find themselves earning anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour, depending on the specific job role and setting, with those involved in sterile compounding even accessing travel contracts that yield $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. The hourly pay fluctuates across varying employer types, with retail giants like CVS and Walgreens often at the lower end compared to specialty pharmacies focusing on compounding, which command higher wages. Some pharmacy technicians might prioritize higher hourly rates in exchange for fewer benefits, while others may opt for steady employment offering health insurance. Negotiation can significantly influence these decisions; candidates in Boulder should focus on their unique qualifications such as PTCB certification and expertise in USP <797> and <800> compliance when discussing pay rates with potential employers.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
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 Boulder. 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