Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Old Bridge, NJ: $26.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Old Bridge, NJ runs $26.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Old Bridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,950 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Old Bridge, New Jersey, pharmacy technicians can expect a competitive hourly rate of $26.40, significantly higher than the national median of $23.19. This rate indicates that those working part-time, such as three days a week, would earn a respectable income that can support their living expenses, especially given the area's above-average cost of living. Entry-level positions typically start around $21.84 per hour, while experienced technicians can command rates as high as $35.77. With various settings available, from retail pharmacy counters to hospital IV clean rooms, the diverse environment offers unique opportunities for technicians at different stages in their careers. These hourly rates, estimated from annual salary data, reflect the demand and growth of the profession as the region adapts to an evolving healthcare landscape.
About the Old Bridge Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.84 | $174.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.46 | $179.67 |
| Median (P50) | $26.40 | $211.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.34 | $226.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.77 | $286.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Old Bridge
Based on $26.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.40/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Old Bridge, NJ can expect to earn approximately $54,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,683. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Old Bridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Old Bridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,056.09 | $4,576 | $54,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.65 | $2,746 | $32,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.43 | $1,831 | $21,967 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Old Bridge) | $26.40 |
| 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 Old Bridge, NJ earn a median of $54,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.84% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.20% below the New Jersey state average of $55,583.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.40/hr = $32,950/year (purchasing power: $28,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,917/year (purchasing power: $47,671).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Old Bridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Old Bridge grew 34.8% from $18.58/hr (2019) to $25.04/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.84/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 Old Bridge 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 Old Bridge
For pharmacy technicians looking to maximize their earning potential, part-time work can yield substantial income; those working a typical 24-hour week could bring home approximately $33,024 annually, compared to the earnings of full-time technicians. Per-diem positions often provide flexibility with varying rates, ranging from $20 to $32 per hour for general roles, while hospital sterile compounding opportunities can reach between $25 and $40 an hour, making per diem pharmacy technician pay in Old Bridge quite attractive. Moreover, traveling pharmacy tech contracts, particularly in critical shortage areas, can offer enticing weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800. Despite the allure of higher hourly rates, many pharmacy technicians may opt for less pay in exchange for health benefits and job security offered by larger employers such as CVS or Rite Aid. When negotiating wages, technicians should consider their specific work environment, the demand for their skills, and certifications like the CSPT credential, which can aid in securing a better rate.
More salary data for Old Bridge, NJ:
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 Old Bridge. 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 Old Bridge 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