Average Pharmacy Technicians Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Pharmacy Technicians in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area earn a compelling average annual salary of $61,070, significantly outpacing the national average of $44,160. This substantial difference is often attributed to the region's robust economy, higher demand for skilled healthcare professionals, and the general cost of doing business in a major West Coast hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,440.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,330 Pharmacy Technicians, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area demonstrates a solid presence in the healthcare sector. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable or growing demand as the region continues its economic development.
Salary Overview
The average Pharmacy Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+38.3%above the national average.
$29.4
$1,174
$5,089
Pharmacy Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing healthcare needs, and advancements in pharmacy services likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this dynamic market.
Pharmacy Technicians Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Pharmacy Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced technicians with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect these opportunities for advancement and specialization.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $47,760 | $23 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $45,803 | $22 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $59,960 | $28.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $76,338 | $36.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $78,440 | $37.7 |
Detailed Pharmacy Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,070 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher nominal wages translate directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals to maintain or improve their standard of living compared to many other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
5,330
Total Jobs
2.557
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.81x 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 0.81 indicates that Pharmacy Technicians are slightly less concentrated in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area than the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a healthy and established presence of these professionals, implying a competitive yet accessible job market for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Pharmacy Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $54,470↓ 11% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $52,150↓ 15% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $50,000↓ 18% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $56,530↓ 7% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $53,810↓ 12% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Pharmacy Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pharmacy Technicians make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Pharmacy Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $61,070. This typically ranges from $47,760 for entry-level positions to $78,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 38.3% higher than the national median of $44,160.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Pharmacy Technicianss?
Yes, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is a lucrative location for Pharmacy Technicians.Pharmacy Technicians here earn significantly more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Pharmacy Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($54,470) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $61,070, which is substantially higher than the national average of $44,160.
What is the Cost of Living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Cost of Living Index for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is 100, which is precisely the national average.
How many Pharmacy Technicians work in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?
There are approximately 5,330 Pharmacy Technicians employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Pharmacy Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market that is neither overly saturated nor scarce for Pharmacy Technicians.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,330 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 2.557 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Pharmacy Technicians Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Management Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacy Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA