Montgomery vs Tuscaloosa: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Montgomery, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Montgomery, AL | Tuscaloosa, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,512 | $41,596▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.96 | $20.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,257 | $34,384▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,675 | $38,823▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,588▲ | $48,513 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,251▲ | $53,585 |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 430 |
Verdict
Montgomery and Tuscaloosa are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Montgomery and Tuscaloosa is $84 (0.20%). Tuscaloosa's median is -13.77% 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,Tuscaloosa spans $19,201. 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, Tuscaloosa ($47,418 effective) pays 2.44% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,251)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Tuscaloosa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,596/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,418)
- ✓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 30.9% growth in Tuscaloosa over the same period.
Montgomery, AL
$29,990 (2019) → $39,370 (2025)
Tuscaloosa, AL
$30,130 (2019) → $39,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Montgomery, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Montgomery or Tuscaloosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Montgomery and Tuscaloosa?
Should I relocate from Montgomery to Tuscaloosa as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Montgomery vs Tuscaloosa?
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