Lafayette vs Monroe: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Lafayette, LA and Monroe, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Monroe, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,366▲ | $41,290 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.37▲ | $19.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,169▲ | $32,307 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,141▲ | $38,538 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,588▲ | $48,682 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,131▲ | $50,896 |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 380 |
Verdict
Lafayette, LA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Monroe is $1,076 (2.61%). Lafayette's median is -12.17% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $14,962,Monroe spans $18,589. Monroe 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, Monroe ($49,392 effective) pays 1.67% more than Lafayette ($48,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,366/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,131)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Monroe if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,392)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Lafayette grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Monroe over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$32,060 (2019) → $40,180 (2025)
Monroe, LA
$32,130 (2019) → $39,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Monroe, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Lafayette or Monroe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Monroe?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Monroe as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Lafayette vs Monroe?
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