Cleveland vs Kettering: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Cleveland, OH and Kettering, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Kettering, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,448 | $46,808▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.93 | $22.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,961 | $37,695▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,802 | $39,150▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,697 | $52,371▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,241 | $64,148▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,970▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Kettering, OH offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Kettering is $5,360 (12.93%). Kettering's median is -2.97% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $29,280,Kettering spans $26,453. Cleveland 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, Kettering ($51,607 effective) pays 16.94% more than Cleveland ($44,130 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Kettering if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,808/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,148)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,607)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Cleveland grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Kettering over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$32,860 (2019) → $39,310 (2025)
Kettering, OH
$33,661 (2024) → $44,393 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Kettering, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Cleveland or Kettering?
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Should I relocate from Cleveland to Kettering as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Cleveland vs Kettering?
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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