Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Waukesha, WI: $24.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Waukesha, WI runs $24.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Waukesha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the projected hourly pay for pharmacy technicians in 2026 is $24.28, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $23.19. This competitive rate offers a solid income for part-time workers who might typically engage in 24-hour work weeks, allowing them to earn a substantial income while balancing other commitments. The hourly range for pharmacy technicians in the area spans from $18.73 for entry-level positions to $31.23 for the top earners, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibilities in different settings such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital pharmacy environments, and specialized operations like compounding and long-term care pharmacies.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.73 | $149.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.61 | $156.89 |
| Median (P50) | $24.28 | $194.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.94 | $207.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.23 | $249.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukesha
Based on $24.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.28/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukesha, WI can expect to earn approximately $50,508 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,139. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukesha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukesha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $971.31 | $4,209 | $50,508 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.79 | $2,525 | $30,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.53 | $1,684 | $20,203 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Waukesha) | $24.28 |
| 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 Waukesha, WI earn a median of $50,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 5.40% above the Wisconsin state average of $47,914.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.28/hr = $30,305/year (purchasing power: $32,446).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,508/year (purchasing power: $54,077).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Waukesha grew 34.8% from $17.09/hr (2019) to $23.03/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.60/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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha
When considering part-time work, a pharmacy technician employed three days a week could expect to bring home approximately $30,178 annually, a figure that can contrast sharply with full-time earnings. Per diem opportunities are also available, where pharmacy personnel might charge between $20 and $32 per hour, depending on the role and organization. Positions in sterile compounding tend to offer higher pay, ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, particularly in travel assignments that can pay $1,200 to $1,800 weekly for hospitals facing technician shortages. The hourly pay varies significantly across employer types; technicians working in retail chains may encounter different compensation compared to those in hospitals or specialty pharmacies. Additionally, many technicians must weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and stability against the potential for higher earnings when working without benefits. For those negotiating hourly wages in Waukesha, understanding employer demands and regional salary trends can provide a strategic advantage.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Waukesha in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Waukesha?
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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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha 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