Oxnard vs Riverside: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Oxnard, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oxnard, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,479▲ | $53,005 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.71▲ | $25.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,018▲ | $41,427 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,777▲ | $47,944 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,339▲ | $62,990 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,078▲ | $81,010 |
| Total Employed | 720 | 4,630▲ |
Verdict
Oxnard, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Oxnard and Riverside is $474 (0.89%). Oxnard's median is +10.86% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oxnard spans $42,060,Riverside spans $39,583. Oxnard 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, Riverside ($49,797 effective) pays 2.92% more than Oxnard ($48,382 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,479/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,078)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,797)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Oxnard grew 23.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Oxnard, CA
$41,040 (2019) → $50,720 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$38,910 (2019) → $50,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oxnard, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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