Olympia vs Spokane: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Olympia, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,196 | $60,976▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.94 | $29.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,798▲ | $48,017 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,063 | $51,423▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,035▲ | $65,236 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,718▲ | $76,054 |
| Total Employed | 260 | 740▲ |
Verdict
Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Spokane is $780 (1.30%). Spokane's median is +26.40% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $27,920,Spokane spans $28,037. Spokane has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($60,766 effective) pays 4.65% more than Olympia ($58,065 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,718)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,976/year)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,766)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Olympia grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.0% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$45,240 (2019) → $57,090 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$40,160 (2019) → $57,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Olympia or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Spokane as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Olympia vs Spokane?
Related Comparisons
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