Sacramento vs Stockton: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Sacramento, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,651▲ | $54,998 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.64▲ | $26.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,900▲ | $41,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,906▲ | $49,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,547▲ | $65,942 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,642▲ | $83,751 |
| Total Employed | 2,820▲ | 680 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockton.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Stockton is $6,653 (12.10%). Sacramento's median is +27.80% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $40,742,Stockton spans $42,471. Stockton 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, Sacramento ($57,796 effective) pays 10.44% more than Stockton ($52,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,651/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,642)
- ✓Larger job market (2,820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,796)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Sacramento grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Stockton over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$43,600 (2019) → $58,470 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$43,530 (2019) → $52,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Sacramento or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Stockton?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Stockton as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Sacramento vs Stockton?
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