Boston vs Somerville: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Boston, MA and Somerville, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Somerville, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,441 | $49,645▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.78 | $23.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,552▲ | $39,179 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,765▲ | $40,770 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,025▲ | $53,706 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,280▲ | $64,970 |
| Total Employed | 7,370▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Boston and Somerville are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boston and Somerville is $204 (0.41%). Somerville's median is +2.91% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $38,728,Somerville spans $25,791. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Somerville ($45,756 effective) pays 0.20% more than Boston ($45,666 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,280)
- ✓Larger job market (7,370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Somerville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,645/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,756)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Boston grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.8% growth in Somerville over the same period.
Boston, MA
$36,060 (2019) → $46,890 (2025)
Somerville, MA
$52,790 (2024) → $47,084 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Somerville, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Boston or Somerville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Somerville?
Should I relocate from Boston to Somerville as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Boston vs Somerville?
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