Denver vs Fort Collins: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,743▲ | $52,351 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.83▲ | $25.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,696▲ | $40,995 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,736▲ | $47,986 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,937▲ | $59,626 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,109▲ | $63,127 |
| Total Employed | 3,260 | N/A |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Denver and Fort Collins is $1,392 (2.66%). Denver's median is +11.41% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $26,413,Fort Collins spans $22,132. Denver 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, Fort Collins ($51,767 effective) pays 1.89% more than Denver ($50,805 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,743/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,109)
- ✓Larger job market (3,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,767)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Denver grew 35.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.5% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Denver, CO
$37,720 (2019) → $50,970 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$35,580 (2019) → $49,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I relocate from Denver to Fort Collins as a pharmacy technician?
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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