Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,521 | $63,844▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.73 | $30.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,986 | $49,335▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,638 | $53,806▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,332 | $85,870▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,139 | $99,440▲ |
| Total Employed | 13,130▲ | 4,040 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $10,323 (19.29%). San Francisco's median is +32.35% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $41,153,San Francisco spans $50,105. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($55,222 effective) pays 17.18% more than Los Angeles ($47,128 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (13,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,440)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,222)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Los Angeles grew 15.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$44,090 (2019) → $50,760 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$47,900 (2019) → $60,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
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