Corvallis vs Salem: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Corvallis, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Corvallis, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,005 | $55,050▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.48 | $26.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,041▲ | $42,914 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,103 | $49,399▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,417▲ | $65,531 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,277▲ | $70,518 |
| Total Employed | 110 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Corvallis.
The salary gap between Corvallis and Salem is $2,045 (3.86%). Salem's median is +14.12% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Corvallis spans $28,236,Salem spans $27,604. Corvallis 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, Salem ($53,112 effective) pays 4.23% more than Corvallis ($50,958 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Corvallis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,277)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,050/year)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,112)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Corvallis grew 18.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Corvallis, OR
$42,460 (2019) → $50,270 (2025)
Salem, OR
$43,350 (2019) → $52,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Corvallis, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Corvallis or Salem?
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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