Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $24.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Manchester, CT runs $24.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,015 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Manchester, Connecticut, pharmacy technicians earn a median hourly rate of $24.05, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.19. This pay level translates well for part-time workers who may operate three days a week, allowing them to earn a respectable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. For part-time technicians, especially those working in various settings—retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV clean rooms, and specialty pharmacy compounding areas—this hourly pay can significantly impact their financial stability. Entry-level technicians might start at $18.68 per hour, while top earners in the field can reach an impressive $32.11 per hour, highlighting the growth potential in this profession as they gain experience and specialized certifications.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.68 | $149.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.60 | $156.81 |
| Median (P50) | $24.05 | $192.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.40 | $211.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.11 | $256.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $24.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.05/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $50,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,861. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.03 | $4,169 | $50,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.22 | $2,501 | $30,015 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.81 | $1,668 | $20,010 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Manchester) | $24.05 |
| 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 Manchester, CT earn a median of $50,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 0.90% above the Connecticut state average of $49,585.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.05/hr = $30,015/year (purchasing power: $27,818).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,026/year (purchasing power: $46,363).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Manchester grew 34.8% from $16.93/hr (2019) to $22.81/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.36/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Part-time pharmacy technicians working a 24-hour week typically bring in around $28,053 annually, which can be a practical option for those seeking a balance between work and personal priorities. For per-diem or agency roles, the compensation can range from $20 to $32 per hour, offering a flexible work arrangement that many technicians find appealing. Specialty roles, especially in sterile compounding, can yield even higher pay, with rates reaching $40 per hour. However, it’s essential to consider the employer types in Manchester as hourly rates can vary—retail chains, hospital inpatient pharmacies, and long-term care pharmacies have different pay structures. While some technicians accept lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, those interested in maximizing their earnings should negotiate effectively. Observing local market trends and aligning with certifications such as PTCB and CSPT can also help in securing better hourly rates tailored to one's expertise in this changing job environment.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Manchester 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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