Lincoln vs Scottsbluff: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Lincoln, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,650▲ | $42,358 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.39▲ | $20.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,308▲ | $34,034 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,036▲ | $37,389 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,214▲ | $44,281 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,933▲ | $51,872 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scottsbluff.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Scottsbluff is $6,292 (14.85%). Lincoln's median is +0.85% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $14,625,Scottsbluff spans $17,838. Scottsbluff 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, Lincoln ($53,122 effective) pays 14.75% more than Scottsbluff ($46,293 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,650/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,933)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,122)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsbluff if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Lincoln grew 50.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.4% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$30,680 (2019) → $46,140 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$35,124 (2024) → $40,173 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Lincoln or Scottsbluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Scottsbluff?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Scottsbluff as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Lincoln vs Scottsbluff?
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