Pharmacy Technician Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $56,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $56,079/year (≈ $26.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $48,680 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacy technicians in Elizabeth, New Jersey, can expect a median annual salary of $56,079 in 2026, which represents a significant 16.25% increase over the national median of $48,239. The local salary range for this role extends from $45,388 at the 10th percentile to $77,750 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a robust demand for skilled professionals. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the growing opportunities for pharmacy technicians amid heightened industry needs. The inclusion of specialized credentials, such as the CSPT certification for sterile compounding, can further enhance earning potential, especially in environments that require advanced skills. Demand in Elizabeth's job market suggests competitive compensation, particularly in settings that prioritize compliance with USP standards.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,388 | $21.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,285 | $22.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,079 | $26.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,988 | $30.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,750 | $37.38 |
Median Salary Position
16.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,362 (2026 est.). At $56,079, the local median is 16.25% above the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $56,079/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $55,579 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $48,239 | +16.25% more |
Pharmacy Technicians in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $56,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $55,579.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,079 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,680 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,468
2025 BLS Actual
$53,186
2026 Current Est.
$56,079
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,805 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,932 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,130 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $39,468 (2019) to $53,186 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,130 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,662 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $45,388 – $47,285 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,285 – $56,079 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,079 – $62,988 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,988 – $77,750 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Elizabeth
The job market in Elizabeth currently employs around 25 pharmacy technicians, indicating a modest but stable demand within the area. The cost of living index stands at 115.2, significantly above the national average, which impacts the take-home purchasing power for pharmacy technician pay in Elizabeth, NJ. Traditionally, hospital settings tend to offer higher salaries than retail chains like CVS and Walgreens, particularly for those with sterile compounding experience. The disparities in wages often arise from factors like shift differentials, with overnight roles in pharmacies commanding higher rates, or the added stipends for CSPT certifications. To maximize earning potential, pharmacy technicians should consider gaining experience in specialty or hospital pharmacies, as well as exploring opportunities for additional certifications that align with industry standards. A proactive approach in honing specific skills and credentials will lead to better job prospects and compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
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 $53,186 for pharmacy techniciansin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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