Norfolk vs Richmond: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Norfolk, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,010▲ | $46,425 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.61▲ | $22.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,507 | $39,055▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,182 | $39,688▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,647▲ | $50,706 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,514▲ | $54,228 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 2,020▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Richmond is $585 (1.26%). Norfolk's median is -2.55% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $31,007,Richmond spans $15,173. Norfolk 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 4.15% more than Norfolk ($45,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,010/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,514)
- ✓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 Norfolk grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$43,153 (2024) → $44,585 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$33,210 (2019) → $44,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Norfolk or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Richmond as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Norfolk 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