Pharmacy Technician Salary in Chico, CA: $59,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Chico, CA earns a median $59,384/year (≈ $28.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $58,682 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Pharmacy technicians in Chico, CA, can expect a competitive median annual salary of $59,384 in 2026, surpassing the national median by 23.10%. The salary range reflects a wide spectrum of opportunities, from $40,858 at the 10th percentile to $76,170 at the 90th percentile, as reported in surveys based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Notably, those with the CSPT credential, skilled in sterile compounding, may see substantial salary enhancements that further distinguish them in the local market. This robust compensation framework highlights the demand for pharmacy technicians in Chico, emphasizing both their crucial roles in various healthcare settings and the specialized skills that can significantly impact earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,858 | $19.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,722 | $22.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,384 | $28.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,705 | $33.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,170 | $36.62 |
Median Salary Position
23.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,312 (2026 est.). At $59,384, the local median is 23.1% above the national median of $48,239.
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At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be above the median
How Chico Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Chico median: $59,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,759 | +6.50% more |
| National Average | $48,239 | +23.10% more |
Pharmacy Technicians in Chico, CA earn a median of $59,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.10% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 6.50% above the California state average of $55,759.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,384 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,682 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,020
2025 BLS Actual
$56,320
2026 Current Est.
$59,384
2019–2027 Growth
+45.5%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,614 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 30.9% from $43,020 (2019) to $56,320 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,614 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,594 (45.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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) | $40,858 – $47,722 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,722 – $59,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,384 – $68,705 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,705 – $76,170 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Chico
The job market for pharmacy technicians in Chico appears promising, with approximately 220 professionals currently employed in this sector. The higher cost of living index at 101.197 indicates that, while salaries are above the national average, they also reflect the economic conditions of the area. Retail pharmacy chains, such as CVS and Walgreens, typically offer competitive pay, but those working in hospital inpatient pharmacies or specialized roles often receive higher wages due to the requirements for specific certifications like CSPT and compliance with USP <797> and <800> standards. The variance in salaries can also be attributed to factors such as shift differentials and geographical wage scales. Those looking to maximize pharmacy technician pay in Chico should consider pursuing certifications, seeking specialized roles in hospital settings, or exploring positions that offer opportunities for overtime or evening hours.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
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 $56,320 for pharmacy techniciansin the Chico 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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