Pharmacy Technician Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH: $40,973 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Cleveland Heights, OH earns a median $40,973/year (≈ $19.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Cleveland Heights's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $45,174 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland Heights, Ohio, pharmacy technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $40,973 in 2026. This figure reflects the local labor market's nuances and is significantly impacted by the demand for specialized credentials such as the CSPT (Certified Sterile Compounding Technician). The salary range for technicians spans from $33,632 at the lowest tier to $52,362 at the highest, indicating a diverse market with varying levels of compensation based on skills and certifications. When we consider these figures in light of the lower regional cost of living index of 90.7, it becomes clear that the pharmacy technician pay in Cleveland Heights, OH, falls approximately 15.06% below the projected national median of $48,239 for 2026, illustrating the competitive yet constrained local job market.
About the Cleveland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,632 | $16.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,384 | $16.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,973 | $19.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,867 | $21.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,362 | $25.18 |
Median Salary Position
15.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland Heights
In Cleveland Heights, OH, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,730 (2026 est.). At $40,973, the local median is 15.06% below the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Heights Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Cleveland Heights median: $40,973/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $43,175 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | -15.06% less |
Pharmacy Technicians in Cleveland Heights, OH earn a median of $40,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.06% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $43,175.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland Heights has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland Heights, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacy technician earning $40,973 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,174 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,836
2025 BLS Actual
$38,859
2026 Current Est.
$40,973
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Cleveland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,836 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,206 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,706 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,859 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,973 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,202 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland Heights metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $28,836 (2019) to $38,859 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,202 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,366 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland Heights 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) | $33,632 – $34,384 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,384 – $40,973 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,973 – $43,867 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,867 – $52,362 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Cleveland Heights
In this community, there are currently nine pharmacy technicians employed, which points to a modest workforce and potential job opportunities. The cost of living aims lower than the national average, meaning technicians can stretch their earnings further within the region. Among local employers, hospital pharmacies that require adherence to USP <797> and <800> standards may offer higher pay compared to retail chain positions at CVS or Walgreens. Additionally, those possessing a CSPT credential typically earn a premium, alongside potential pay raises through shift differentials and lead roles. Given the expanding responsibilities post-pandemic and a notable workforce shortage, pharmacy technicians looking to maximize their earnings should consider roles in inpatient care settings or pursuing specialized certifications. Understanding these dynamics can help upcoming technicians better navigate their salary expectations in Cleveland Heights.
More salary data for Cleveland Heights, OH:
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 $38,859 for pharmacy techniciansin the Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights 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