Amherst vs Boston: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Amherst, MA and Boston, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amherst, MA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,532 | $49,441▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.33 | $23.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,839 | $40,552▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,209▲ | $41,765 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,574 | $65,025▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,389 | $79,280▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 7,370▲ |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Amherst.
The salary gap between Amherst and Boston is $909 (1.87%). Boston's median is +2.49% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amherst spans $23,550,Boston spans $38,728. Boston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($45,666 effective) pays 2.09% more than Amherst ($44,730 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amherst if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,441/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,280)
- ✓Larger job market (7,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,666)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Amherst grew -10.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Boston over the same period.
Amherst, MA
$51,607 (2024) → $46,028 (2025)
Boston, MA
$36,060 (2019) → $46,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amherst, MA
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Amherst or Boston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amherst and Boston?
Should I relocate from Amherst to Boston as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Amherst vs Boston?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov