Des Moines vs Kennewick: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Des Moines, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,639▲ | $57,011 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.67▲ | $27.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,026 | $49,314▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,548 | $51,212▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,652▲ | $64,466 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,531 | $78,331▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines and Kennewick are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Kennewick is $2,628 (4.61%). Des Moines's median is +23.63% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $29,505,Kennewick spans $29,017. Des Moines 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, Kennewick ($56,966 effective) pays 2.59% more than Des Moines ($55,530 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,639/year)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,331)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,966)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Des Moines grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Des Moines, WA
$55,332 (2024) → $56,562 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$45,100 (2019) → $54,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Des Moines or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Kennewick as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Des Moines vs Kennewick?
Related Comparisons
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