Average Pharmacy Technicians Salary in Washington
Pharmacy Technicians in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $57,890, significantly surpassing the national average of $44,160. This higher compensation is largely driven by Washington's robust economy and the specialized demands placed on healthcare professionals within the state. The cost of living also plays a role, necessitating higher wages to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,370.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 9,260 Pharmacy Technicians, Washington demonstrates a substantial presence in this vital healthcare sector. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 2.615 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a healthy demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Pharmacy Technicians in Washington earns+31.1%above the national average.
$27.8
$1,113
$4,824
Pharmacy Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Pharmacy Technician salaries in Washington have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in pharmaceutical services, and inflation likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these essential workers.
Pharmacy Technicians Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Pharmacy Technicians in Washington typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced technicians with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay clearly signify the career advancement opportunities and the rewards associated with gaining expertise and tenure in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $45,550 | $21.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $43,418 | $20.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $56,140 | $27 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $72,363 | $34.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $74,370 | $35.8 |
Detailed Pharmacy Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,295
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The nominal average salary of $57,890 in Washington presents a mixed picture when viewed against the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the salary is substantially higher than the national average, the cost of living is also 15.1% above the national average. This means that while Washington offers higher pay, a portion of that increase is offset by the higher expenses associated with living in the state.
Job Market Context
9,260
Total Jobs
2.615
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.83x 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 0.83 indicates that Pharmacy Technicians are slightly less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals. The demand, as reflected by jobs per 1,000 workers, remains steady, implying a balanced job market where skilled technicians are valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Pharmacy Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $61,070↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $53,750↓ 7% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $54,470↓ 6% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $56,530↓ 2% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $50,870↓ 12% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Pharmacy Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pharmacy Technicians make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Pharmacy Technicians in Washington is $57,890. This typically ranges from $45,550 for entry-level positions to $74,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 31.1% higher than the national median of $44,160.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Pharmacy Technicianss?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Pharmacy Technicians.Pharmacy Technicians in Washington earn significantly above the national average salary. Although the cost of living is higher, the substantial salary increase generally provides a strong financial advantage.
Is Washington a good place to live for Pharmacy Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($61,070) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's Pharmacy Technician salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Washington is $57,890, which is considerably higher than the national average of $44,160.
What is the concentration of Pharmacy Technicians in Washington?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.83 for Pharmacy Technicians, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Washington affect the salary?
Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living is a key factor contributing to the elevated salary for Pharmacy Technicians.
What is the total number of Pharmacy Technicians in Washington?
There are approximately 9,260 Pharmacy Technicians employed in Washington state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,260 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 2.615 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 Washington
- All Occupations Salary in Washington
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Browse All Jobs in Washington →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacy Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington