Newport News vs Richmond: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Newport News, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport News, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,521▲ | $46,425 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.36▲ | $22.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,552 | $39,055▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,150 | $39,688▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,175▲ | $50,706 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,369▲ | $54,228 |
| Total Employed | 39 | 2,020▲ |
Verdict
Newport News, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Newport News and Richmond is $96 (0.21%). Newport News's median is -3.56% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $26,817,Richmond spans $15,173. Newport News 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, Richmond ($47,441 effective) pays 5.24% more than Newport News ($45,078 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport News if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,521/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,369)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,441)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Newport News grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Newport News, VA
$41,601 (2024) → $44,121 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$33,210 (2019) → $44,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport News, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Newport News or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newport News and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Newport News to Richmond as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Newport News vs Richmond?
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