Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $22.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Bristol, RI runs $22.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,894 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,542 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, RI, the projected median pharmacy technician hourly rate for 2026 stands at $22.07, which is slightly below the national median of $23.19. This rate is indicative of the earning potential available to pharmacy technicians working various schedules, such as part-time roles for three days a week or per-diem positions that are common in hospitals or specialty pharmacy setups. With an hourly range spanning from $17.89 for entry-level positions to $28.47 for more experienced technicians, the pay reflects the diverse settings where pharmacy technicians can be employed, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV clean rooms, and mail-order fulfillment centers. These figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, showcasing the potential earnings across the profession while considering Bristol's specific market conditions.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.89 | $143.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.25 | $146.01 |
| Median (P50) | $22.07 | $176.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.74 | $181.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.47 | $227.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $22.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.07/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $45,903 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,482. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $882.74 | $3,825 | $45,903 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $529.65 | $2,295 | $27,542 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.10 | $1,530 | $18,361 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Bristol) | $22.07 |
| 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 Bristol, RI earn a median of $45,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $48,462.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.07/hr = $27,542/year (purchasing power: $27,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,903/year (purchasing power: $45,674).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Bristol grew 34.8% from $15.53/hr (2019) to $20.93/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.27/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Part-time pharmacy technicians working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $27,389 annually, revealing how the part-time path can be a viable option for some technicians who seek flexibility. For those entering the per-diem or agency workforce, pay rates typically range from $20 to $32 per hour, and more specialized roles, such as hospital sterile compounding, can command rates between $25 and $40. Travel pharmacy tech contracts can be particularly lucrative, with weekly payouts of $1,200 to $1,800, especially in shortage markets for sterile compounding positions. Hourly rates can also vary considerably based on employer type, with retail chains like CVS and Walgreens generally offering lower wages compared to hospitals and specialty pharmacies. While some pharmacy technicians may choose roles that offer lower hourly pay but come with benefits like health insurance, others might prefer higher pay without added perks. Effective negotiation strategies specific to Bristol’s job market can play a significant role in securing desirable hourly compensation.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Bristol?
Are pharmacy technicians in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Bristol?
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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