Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Fuquay-Varina, NC: $22.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Fuquay-Varina, NC runs $22.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Fuquay-Varina's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,936 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for pharmacy technicians in 2026 is $22.38, which is slightly lower than the national median of $23.19. This rate offers a concrete opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers, commonly found in various settings such as retail pharmacies, specialty compounding environments, and hospital clean rooms. For those seeking part-time positions, working three days a week may yield a stable income, while per-diem roles can provide flexibility and potentially higher pay rates contingent on demand and specialty. The hourly pay range for pharmacy technicians spans from $17.82 at the entry level to as much as $27.95 for top earners. These figures suggest competitive entry points for individuals beginning their careers in the pharmaceutical field.
About the Fuquay-Varina Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.82 | $142.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.24 | $153.94 |
| Median (P50) | $22.38 | $179.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.57 | $188.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.95 | $223.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fuquay-Varina
Based on $22.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.38/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fuquay-Varina, NC can expect to earn approximately $46,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,862. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fuquay-Varina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fuquay-Varina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $895.40 | $3,880 | $46,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.24 | $2,328 | $27,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.16 | $1,552 | $18,624 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Fuquay-Varina) | $22.38 |
| 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 Fuquay-Varina, NC earn a median of $46,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $47,366.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.38/hr = $27,936/year (purchasing power: $29,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,561/year (purchasing power: $49,744).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Fuquay-Varina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Fuquay-Varina grew 34.8% from $15.75/hr (2019) to $21.23/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.60/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 Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina
Considering the benefits of part-time employment, a pharmacy technician working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $27,814 annually, showcasing a sustainable income relative to their schedule. For those in per-diem roles, the pay can greatly fluctuate; typical hourly rates range from $20 to $32, with hospital sterile compounding positions commanding $25 to $40 per hour, especially in high-need areas. Additionally, travel pharmacy technician contracts can offer compensation reaching $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, underscoring the significant salary variations based on employer type—be it retail giants like CVS and Walgreens or specialized facilities. The decision between accepting a lower hourly rate with benefits versus a higher pay without insurance can create a complex decision-making process for technicians. Therefore, when negotiating, understanding local market conditions in Fuquay-Varina can empower pharmacy technicians to advocate for better hourly wages and conditions, ensuring they find a role that aligns with their financial and professional goals.
More salary data for Fuquay-Varina, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Fuquay-Varina in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Fuquay-Varina?
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Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fuquay-Varina?
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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 Fuquay-Varina. 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 Fuquay-Varina 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