Elizabeth vs Trenton: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Elizabeth, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,079▲ | $40,173 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.96▲ | $19.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,388▲ | $37,526 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,285▲ | $38,855 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,988▲ | $50,506 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,750▲ | $59,985 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Elizabeth, NJ offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Elizabeth and Trenton is $15,906 (39.59%). Elizabeth's median is +16.25% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabeth spans $32,362,Trenton spans $22,459. Elizabeth 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, Elizabeth ($48,680 effective) pays 25.03% more than Trenton ($38,935 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabeth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,079/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,750)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,680)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Elizabeth grew 4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Elizabeth, NJ
$51,152 (2024) → $53,186 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$30,820 (2019) → $38,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabeth, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Elizabeth or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabeth and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Elizabeth to Trenton as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Elizabeth vs Trenton?
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