Pharmacy Technician Salary in Compton, CA: $55,202 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Compton, CA earns a median $55,202/year (≈ $26.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $48,808 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, pharmacy technicians in Compton, California, can expect a median annual salary of $55,202, reflecting a significant boost compared to the national median of $48,239. Salary figures in this area offer a wide range, with entry-level positions starting around $41,438 and experienced technicians earning up to $71,527. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, signal a strong job market driven by the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians. The notable discrepancy in pay between hospital sterile compounding, which commands higher wages, and retail pharmacy roles suggests that choosing the right employment setting can substantially influence earnings in Compton.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,438 | $19.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,093 | $22.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,202 | $26.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,414 | $28.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,527 | $34.38 |
Median Salary Position
14.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,089 (2026 est.). At $55,202, the local median is 14.43% above the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Compton Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Compton median: $55,202/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,760 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | +14.43% more |
Pharmacy Technicians in Compton, CA earn a median of $55,202 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.43% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.00% below the California state average of $55,760.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,202 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,808 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,851
2025 BLS Actual
$52,354
2026 Current Est.
$55,202
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,851 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,117 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,249 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,354 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,202 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,205 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $38,851 (2019) to $52,354 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,205 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,354 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $41,438 – $47,093 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,093 – $55,202 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,202 – $59,414 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,414 – $71,527 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Compton
As of 2026, the local job market supports around 25 pharmacy technicians, reflecting a competitive environment bolstered by a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicating elevated living expenses. Employers such as hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies typically offer higher wages compared to retail chains like CVS or Walgreens. The salary variance largely stems from factors including the setting of practice—hospital environments often pay more than retail—alongside certifications like the CSPT credential, which can yield stipends. Additionally, opportunities for shift differentials during nights and weekends, as well as lead roles, can further enhance pay. For those looking to maximize their pharmacy technician pay in Compton, pursuing certifications and seeking employment in high-demand areas such as sterile compounding could be particularly advantageous.
More salary data for Compton, 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 $52,354 for pharmacy techniciansin the Compton 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 Compton 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