Montgomery vs Opelika: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Montgomery, AL and Opelika, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Montgomery, AL | Opelika, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,512▲ | $41,460 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.96▲ | $19.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,257 | $35,181▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,675▲ | $35,884 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,588▲ | $45,275 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,251▲ | $54,285 |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Opelika.
The salary gap between Montgomery and Opelika is $52 (0.13%). Montgomery's median is -13.95% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Montgomery spans $20,994,Opelika spans $19,104. Montgomery has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Opelika ($47,167 effective) pays 1.90% more than Montgomery ($46,288 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,512/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,251)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Opelika if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,167)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Montgomery grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.2% growth in Opelika over the same period.
Montgomery, AL
$29,990 (2019) → $39,370 (2025)
Opelika, AL
$28,865 (2024) → $39,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Montgomery, AL
Opelika, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Montgomery or Opelika?
What is the hourly rate difference between Montgomery and Opelika?
Should I relocate from Montgomery to Opelika as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Montgomery vs Opelika?
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