Boulder vs Commerce City: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Boulder, CO and Commerce City, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Commerce City, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,996▲ | $51,071 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.96▲ | $24.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,062▲ | $40,742 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,334▲ | $42,309 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,073▲ | $55,654 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,200▲ | $67,318 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Commerce City.
The salary gap between Boulder and Commerce City is $2,925 (5.73%). Boulder's median is +11.93% 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,Commerce City spans $26,576. Commerce 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, Boulder ($51,326 effective) pays 5.52% more than Commerce City ($48,639 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,996/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,200)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,326)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Commerce City if…
- ✓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 8.1% growth in Commerce City over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$37,080 (2019) → $51,210 (2025)
Commerce City, CO
$44,818 (2024) → $48,436 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Commerce City, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Boulder or Commerce City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Commerce City?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Commerce City as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Boulder vs Commerce 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