Pharmacy Technician Salary in California
Pharmacy Technicians in California earn an average of $46,600 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.6% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$46,600
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.40
per hour
vs National
+15.6%
$40,300 national
Salary Range
$30,287
to $67,290
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$46,600
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$32,817
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Pharmacy Technician's salary of $46,600 has the purchasing power of $32,817 in an average-cost area.
Pharmacy Technician Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $54,416 | $26.16/hr | $35,389 | $77,770 | 446 |
| San Francisco, CA | $54,274 | $26.09/hr | $34,942 | $77,417 | 604 |
| San Diego, CA | $45,603 | $21.92/hr | $28,628 | $65,237 | 380 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $43,788 | $21.05/hr | $29,340 | $62,379 | 666 |
| Sacramento, CA | $41,621 | $20.01/hr | $27,462 | $61,635 | 388 |
| Riverside, CA | $39,898 | $19.18/hr | $25,962 | $59,300 | 414 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Pharmacy Technician Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,898 Pharmacy Technicians employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Pharmacy Technician Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$30,287
Starting salary for new Pharmacy Technicians
Median (50th Percentile)
$46,600
Mid-career Pharmacy Technician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$67,290
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$101,116 vs Pharmacy Technician
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$62,989 vs Pharmacy Technician
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$58,968 vs Pharmacy Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
+$24,021 vs Pharmacy Technician
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$2,450 vs Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Pharmacy Technician salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Pharmacy Technician Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Pharmacy Technician salary in California?
The average Pharmacy Technician salary in California is $46,600 per year ($22.40/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.6% above the national average of $40,300.
What is the highest paying city for Pharmacy Technicians in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Pharmacy Technicians in California, with a median salary of $54,416 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $39,898.
What is the salary range for Pharmacy Technicians in California?
Pharmacy Technician salaries in California range from $30,287 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $67,290 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $46,600 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.