Reston vs Roanoke: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Reston, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reston, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,142▲ | $43,441 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.70▲ | $20.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,631 | $37,220▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,826 | $38,443▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,657 | $51,507▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,218▲ | $57,222 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Reston, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Reston and Roanoke is $1,701 (3.92%). Reston's median is -6.42% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reston spans $23,587,Roanoke spans $20,002. Reston 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, Roanoke ($46,402 effective) pays 6.08% more than Reston ($43,742 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,218)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,402)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Reston grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.0% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Reston, VA
$40,369 (2024) → $42,813 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$32,180 (2019) → $41,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Reston, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Reston or Roanoke?
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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