Pharmacy Technician Salary in Surprise, AZ: $49,449 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Surprise, AZ earns a median $49,449/year (≈ $23.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Surprise's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $50,202 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, pharmacy technicians in Surprise, Arizona, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $49,449, which reflects a competitive position relative to the national median of $48,239. The salary range for this occupation in the city spans from $39,351 at the 10th percentile to $67,428 at the 90th percentile. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, incorporating state-level assessments and regional economic conditions. Notably, those possessing the CSPT credential, which demonstrates sterile compounding expertise, often have enhanced earning potential, leading to more lucrative roles, particularly within hospital settings. As the demand for skilled technicians continues to grow, especially post-pandemic, employers in Surprise are increasingly recognizing the value added by specialized training and certifications.
About the Surprise Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,351 | $18.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,036 | $19.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,449 | $23.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,869 | $26.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,428 | $32.41 |
Median Salary Position
2.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Surprise
In Surprise, AZ, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,077 (2026 est.). At $49,449, the local median is 2.51% above the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Surprise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Surprise Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Surprise median: $49,449/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Surprise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $49,548 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | +2.51% more |
Pharmacy Technicians in Surprise, AZ earn a median of $49,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $49,548.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Surprise has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Surprise, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacy technician earning $49,449 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,202 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,802
2025 BLS Actual
$46,898
2026 Current Est.
$49,449
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,981 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,311 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,281 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,898 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,449 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,139 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Surprise metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $34,802 (2019) to $46,898 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,139 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,337 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Surprise 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,351 – $41,036 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,036 – $49,449 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,449 – $54,869 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,869 – $67,428 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Surprise
The job market for pharmacy technicians in Surprise remains robust, with approximately 31 professionals currently employed in the area. Given the cost of living index of 98.5, the economic environment allows for a relatively favorable purchasing power for these salaries. Notably, retail chains like CVS and Walgreens represent significant employers, but those working in hospital pharmacy settings, especially in sterile compounding roles, generally command higher wages. Factors that contribute to the variations in pay include niche certifications like CSPT, shift differentials for night work, and the wage discrepancies between hospital and retail chains. To maximize earnings in this dynamic market, prospective pharmacy technicians should consider obtaining relevant credentials and seeking positions that leverage their specialties in compounding or other high-demand areas.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,898 for pharmacy techniciansin the Surprise metropolitan area. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Surprise 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