Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Wayne, NJ: $26.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Wayne, NJ runs $26.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Wayne's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,647 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wayne, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for pharmacy technicians is $26.16, which is significantly higher than the national median of $23.19. This competitive hourly rate reflects the demand for pharmacy technicians working in various settings, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital sterile compounding areas compliant with USP <797> and <800>, and specialty pharmacy production lines. Those looking to work part-time, perhaps three days a week, can anticipate earning approximately $2,008 monthly before taxes if they work 24 hours, while per-diem technicians can expect to see variations in pay based on their environment. While entry-level positions may start at around $21.28 per hour, those with specialized skills and experience in settings like hospital sterile compounding can earn as much as $35.03 per hour, illustrating an expansive range of earning potential in the region.
About the Wayne 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) | $21.28 | $170.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.71 | $173.68 |
| Median (P50) | $26.16 | $209.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.77 | $230.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.03 | $280.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wayne
Based on $26.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.16/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wayne, NJ can expect to earn approximately $54,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,392. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wayne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wayne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,046.39 | $4,534 | $54,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $627.83 | $2,721 | $32,647 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.55 | $1,814 | $21,765 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Wayne) | $26.16 |
| 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 Wayne, NJ earn a median of $54,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.80% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $55,582.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.16/hr = $32,647/year (purchasing power: $28,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,412/year (purchasing power: $47,233).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Wayne grew 34.8% from $18.41/hr (2019) to $24.81/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.58/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 Wayne 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 Wayne
For pharmacy technicians considering part-time work in Wayne, the decision to work a 24-hour week provides an annual income that may appeal to those balancing other responsibilities. Comparing this income to that of full-time technicians reveals a striking difference, as full-time individuals will typically earn a more stable salary. Many per-diem pharmacy technicians often operate within a billing range of $20 to $32 per hour, while those specializing in hospital settings may see rates escalate between $25 and $40 per hour, driven by the current demand in the field. Various employers like CVS and Walgreens often offer different hourly rates and may provide benefits, leading some technicians to choose slightly lower pay for health insurance options. Understanding local market rates and negotiating accordingly can greatly enhance earning potential for pharmacy techs in Wayne, ensuring they align their compensation with their professional context and expertise.
More salary data for Wayne, 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 Wayne. 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 Wayne 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