Riverside vs Sunnyvale: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Riverside, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,005 | $81,466▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.48 | $39.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,427 | $62,979▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,944 | $66,205▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,990 | $90,767▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,010 | $111,711▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,630▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sunnyvale, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Sunnyvale is $28,461 (53.69%). Sunnyvale's median is +68.88% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $39,583,Sunnyvale spans $48,732. Sunnyvale 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, Sunnyvale ($72,030 effective) pays 44.65% more than Riverside ($49,797 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sunnyvale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,466/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,711)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,030)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Riverside grew 29.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$38,910 (2019) → $50,270 (2025)
Sunnyvale, CA
$60,795 (2024) → $77,263 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Riverside or Sunnyvale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Sunnyvale?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Sunnyvale as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Riverside vs Sunnyvale?
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