Cranston vs Providence: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Cranston, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cranston, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,422▲ | $46,183 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.80▲ | $22.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,498 | $39,846▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,750 | $40,658▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,217 | $53,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,011▲ | $61,250 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 2,240▲ |
Verdict
Cranston, RI offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Providence.
The salary gap between Cranston and Providence is $1,239 (2.68%). Cranston's median is -1.69% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cranston spans $26,513,Providence spans $21,404. Cranston 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, Cranston ($47,186 effective) pays 3.98% more than Providence ($45,378 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cranston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,422/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,011)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,186)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Cranston grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Providence over the same period.
Cranston, RI
$41,288 (2024) → $44,975 (2025)
Providence, RI
$36,880 (2019) → $43,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cranston, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Cranston or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cranston and Providence?
Should I relocate from Cranston to Providence as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Cranston vs Providence?
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