Hayward vs Sacramento: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Hayward, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,466 | $61,651▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.15 | $29.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,789 | $46,900▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,874 | $50,906▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,734 | $81,547▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,591 | $87,642▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 2,820▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hayward.
The salary gap between Hayward and Sacramento is $5,185 (9.18%). Sacramento's median is +27.80% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hayward spans $36,802,Sacramento spans $40,742. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($57,796 effective) pays 15.76% more than Hayward ($49,926 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hayward if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,651/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,642)
- ✓Larger job market (2,820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,796)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Hayward grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Hayward, CA
$59,583 (2024) → $53,553 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$43,600 (2019) → $58,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hayward, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Hayward or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hayward and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Hayward to Sacramento as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Hayward vs Sacramento?
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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