Fairfax vs Roanoke: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Fairfax, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,071▲ | $43,441 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.18▲ | $20.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,189 | $37,220▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,913 | $38,443▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,735 | $51,507▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,043 | $57,222▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Fairfax and Roanoke are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Roanoke is $630 (1.45%). Fairfax's median is -8.64% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $18,854,Roanoke spans $20,002. Roanoke has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($46,402 effective) pays 8.66% more than Fairfax ($42,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,071/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,222)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,402)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Fairfax grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.0% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$39,410 (2024) → $41,797 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$32,180 (2019) → $41,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Fairfax or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Fairfax to Roanoke as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Fairfax vs Roanoke?
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