Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,499▲ | $46,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.35▲ | $22.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,531 | $38,317▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,900 | $40,004▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,333▲ | $51,033 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,700▲ | $60,733 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 1,990▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach is $179 (0.39%). Chesapeake's median is -3.61% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $33,169,Virginia Beach spans $22,416. Chesapeake 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, Virginia Beach ($47,294 effective) pays 4.96% more than Chesapeake ($45,057 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,499/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,700)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,294)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Chesapeake grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$42,683 (2024) → $44,100 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$32,020 (2019) → $43,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Chesapeake or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Virginia Beach as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach?
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