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Average Pharmacy Technicians Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Pharmacy Technicians in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $55,000. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $44,160, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs that influence compensation. The specialized nature of pharmaceutical care and the specific economic landscape of the region contribute to this favorable pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,000 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,470.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 280 Pharmacy Technicians, Santa Cruz-Watsonville presents a moderately sized but stable employment market. The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests that the concentration of these professionals is nearly at the national average, implying consistent demand that aligns with broader industry trends. This stability indicates a robust job market for skilled Pharmacy Technicians in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,000

The average Pharmacy Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+24.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.4

Weekly

$1,058

Monthly

$4,583

Pharmacy Technicians Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Salary progression for Pharmacy Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville typically scales with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$39,170$18.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$41,250$19.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$49,420$23.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$68,750$33.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$81,470$39.2

Detailed Pharmacy Technicians Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,000

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,000

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $55,000 in Santa Cruz-Watsonville aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Pharmacy Technician's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain often associated with higher nominal salaries in more expensive locales.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

2.868

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.91x the national average concentration of Pharmacy Technicians jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a concentration of Pharmacy Technicians that is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals. The job market is competitive but not excessively so, providing a balanced environment for both employers seeking talent and technicians seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Pharmacy Technicians

CitySalaryDist.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Pharmacy Technicians Salary$71,550↑ 30%26 mi
Salinas, CA Pharmacy Technicians Salary$53,360↓ 3%30 mi
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Pharmacy Technicians Salary$67,520↑ 23%58 mi
Modesto, CA Pharmacy Technicians Salary$53,200↓ 3%73 mi
Vallejo, CA Pharmacy Technicians Salary$59,400↑ 8%79 mi

Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Hiring Pharmacy Technicianss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacy Technicians make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?

The median annual salary for a Pharmacy Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $55,000. This typically ranges from $39,170 for entry-level positions to $81,470 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 24.5% higher than the national median of $44,160.

Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a lucrative place for Pharmacy Technicians?

Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA offers lucrative opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians.Pharmacy Technicians in this area earn an average of $55,000 annually, which is notably higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the location financially attractive.

Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Pharmacy Technicians?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($71,550) and Salinas, CA.

How does the Santa Cruz-Watsonville salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $55,000, which is approximately 24.5% higher than the national average of $44,160.

What is the concentration of Pharmacy Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?

The Location Quotient for Pharmacy Technicians in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is 0.91, indicating a concentration that is slightly below the national average. This suggests a stable, but not overly saturated, job market.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the $55,000 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.

What is the total number of Pharmacy Technicians in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area?

There are approximately 280 Pharmacy Technicians employed in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area, representing a significant local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 2.868 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacy Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA