Ankeny vs Iowa City: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Ankeny, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,959 | $45,866▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.62 | $22.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,038 | $39,044▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,339 | $42,102▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,107 | $53,015▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,059 | $66,870▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ankeny.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Iowa City is $907 (2.02%). Iowa City's median is -4.92% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $25,021,Iowa City spans $27,826. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($50,122 effective) pays 0.78% more than Ankeny ($49,733 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,866/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,870)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,122)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Ankeny grew 21.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$35,141 (2024) → $42,639 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$37,100 (2019) → $43,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Ankeny or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ankeny and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Ankeny to Iowa City as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Ankeny vs Iowa City?
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