Pharmacy Technician Salary in Centennial, CO: $54,235 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Centennial, CO earns a median $54,235/year (≈ $26.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Centennial's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $51,652 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Centennial, Colorado, the projected median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in 2026 reaches $54,235, representing a competitive edge over the national median of $48,239. This figure is bolstered by shift differentials and the overnight retail premium, which can notably increase overall earnings for those taking on less desirable hours. Salary estimates indicate a range from $40,709 at the lower end to $76,300 for top earners, showcasing a dynamic local job market. These projections, based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the value placed on pharmacy technicians in the area, serving as an incentive for individuals considering this career path in Centennial.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,709 | $19.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,152 | $20.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,235 | $26.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,287 | $28.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,300 | $36.68 |
Median Salary Position
12.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Centennial
In Centennial, CO, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,591 (2026 est.). At $54,235, the local median is 12.43% above the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Centennial: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Centennial Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Centennial median: $54,235/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Centennial Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $52,656 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $48,239 | +12.43% more |
Pharmacy Technicians in Centennial, CO earn a median of $54,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.43% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 3.00% above the Colorado state average of $52,656.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Centennial has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Centennial, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,235 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,652 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,170
2025 BLS Actual
$51,437
2026 Current Est.
$54,235
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,463 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,307 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,089 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,437 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,235 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,186 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Centennial metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $38,170 (2019) to $51,437 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,186 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,016 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial 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) | $40,709 – $43,152 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,152 – $54,235 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,235 – $58,287 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,287 – $76,300 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Centennial
The job market for pharmacy technicians in Centennial is supported by a relatively small workforce of 16 professionals, allowing for a tight-knit community of specialists. A cost-of-living index of 105 suggests that living expenses are somewhat elevated compared to the national average, making the salary a crucial factor in maintaining purchasing power. Various employers including retail chains like CVS and Walgreens, along with specialized healthcare providers, offer competitive wages with significant variation. Factors influencing compensation include the setting of employment—hospital environments, particularly those requiring compliance with USP <797> and <800> standards, typically provide higher wages. To maximize earning potential in Centennial, pharmacy technicians may consider pursuing the CSPT credential, seeking positions that offer shift differentials or bonuses for night shifts, and leveraging the current demand for technicians in both retail and hospital settings.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
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 $51,437 for pharmacy techniciansin the Centennial 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 Centennial 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