Boulder vs Centennial: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Boulder, CO and Centennial, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Centennial, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,996 | $54,235▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.96 | $26.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,062▲ | $40,709 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,334▲ | $43,152 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,073▲ | $58,287 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,200 | $76,300▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Centennial, CO offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boulder.
The salary gap between Boulder and Centennial is $239 (0.44%). Centennial's median is +12.43% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $26,138,Centennial spans $35,591. Centennial 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, Centennial ($51,652 effective) pays 0.64% more than Boulder ($51,326 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Centennial if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,235/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,300)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,652)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Boulder grew 38.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Centennial over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$37,080 (2019) → $51,210 (2025)
Centennial, CO
$47,089 (2024) → $51,437 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Centennial, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Boulder or Centennial?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Centennial?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Centennial as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Boulder vs Centennial?
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