Pittsburgh vs Altoona: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Altoona, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Altoona, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,053▲ | $38,812 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.18▲ | $18.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,410▲ | $33,456 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,602▲ | $36,967 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,694▲ | $46,879 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,708 | $55,799▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,270▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Altoona is $5,241 (13.50%). Pittsburgh's median is -8.68% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $14,298,Altoona spans $22,343. Altoona 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, Pittsburgh ($46,533 effective) pays 7.31% more than Altoona ($43,362 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,053/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,533)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,799)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Pittsburgh grew 40.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Altoona over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$29,650 (2019) → $41,780 (2025)
Altoona, PA
$30,320 (2019) → $36,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Altoona, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Pittsburgh or Altoona?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Altoona?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Altoona as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Pittsburgh vs Altoona?
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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