Pharmacy Technician Salary in Minneapolis, MN: $51,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Minneapolis, MN earns a median $51,159/year (≈ $24.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Minneapolis's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 104.8), that paycheck buys what $48,806 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, pharmacy technicians in Minneapolis, MN, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $51,159, which is approximately 6.05% above the national median of $48,239. Salary offerings will vary significantly based on the setting and experience, with compensation ranging from $40,320 at the lower end (P10) to $65,151 at the upper end (P90). Official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data reflect the impact of market dynamics like shift differentials and an overnight retail premium that can enhance earnings for those willing to work non-traditional hours. The variety of employment settings, from retail pharmacies to hospital inpatient pharmacies, influences how much pharmacy technicians can make and indicates a healthy job market with competitive pay opportunities in Minneapolis.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,320 | $19.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,183 | $22.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,159 | $24.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,739 | $27.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,151 | $31.33 |
Median Salary Position
6.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, MN, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,831 (2026 est.). At $51,159, the local median is 6.05% above the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Minneapolis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Minneapolis Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Minneapolis median: $51,159/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Minneapolis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $51,057 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $48,239 | +6.05% more |
Pharmacy Technicians in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $51,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.05% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 0.20% above the Minnesota state average of $51,057.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Minneapolis has a cost of living 4.82% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Minneapolis, MN has a cost-of-living index of 104.822 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,159 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,806 — a 4.6% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,510
2025 BLS Actual
$48,520
2026 Current Est.
$51,159
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Minneapolis metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 26.0% from $38,510 (2019) to $48,520 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,433 (40.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis 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) | $40,320 – $46,183 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,183 – $51,159 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,159 – $57,739 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,739 – $65,151 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Minneapolis
With around 4,670 pharmacy technicians employed in the Minneapolis area, the local job market indicates strength and a demand for skilled labor. The cost of living index stands at 104.822, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power of pharmacy technicians must be evaluated in light of higher living costs. Among the key employers, retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens typically offer lower pay compared to hospital settings, where pharmacy technicians involved in sterile compounding (USP <797> / <800> compliant) often command higher wages. Variations in salary across different roles can also hinge on factors like CSPT certification stipends, lead pay, and shift differentials—indicating a robust framework for maximizing earning potential in Minneapolis. Understanding the nuances of pharmacy technician pay in this market can empower technicians to seek roles and certifications that align with higher pay trajectories.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
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 $48,520 for pharmacy techniciansin the Minneapolis 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