New Haven vs Waterbury: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between New Haven, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,486▲ | $48,639 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.76▲ | $23.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,224▲ | $38,855 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,953▲ | $39,572 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,348▲ | $52,636 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,988▲ | $63,232 |
| Total Employed | 1,080▲ | 590 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $2,847 (5.85%). New Haven's median is +6.73% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $28,764,Waterbury spans $24,377. New Haven 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, New Haven ($49,241 effective) pays 1.01% more than Waterbury ($48,747 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,486/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,988)
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,241)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in New Haven grew 38.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$35,160 (2019) → $48,830 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$34,070 (2019) → $46,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: New Haven or Waterbury?
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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