Irvine vs Riverside: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Irvine, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Irvine, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,897▲ | $53,005 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.84▲ | $25.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,652▲ | $41,427 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,448 | $47,944▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,577▲ | $62,990 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,434▲ | $81,010 |
| Total Employed | 72 | 4,630▲ |
Verdict
Irvine, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Irvine and Riverside is $4,892 (9.23%). Irvine's median is +20.02% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Irvine spans $36,782,Riverside spans $39,583. Riverside 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, Irvine ($51,191 effective) pays 2.80% more than Riverside ($49,797 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,897/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,434)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,191)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Irvine grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Irvine, CA
$61,093 (2024) → $54,910 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$38,910 (2019) → $50,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Irvine, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Irvine or Riverside?
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Should I relocate from Irvine to Riverside as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Irvine vs Riverside?
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