Smyrna vs Wilmington: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Smyrna, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Smyrna, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,450 | $48,130▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.85 | $23.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,061▲ | $37,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,843▲ | $39,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,355 | $51,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,799 | $62,210▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Smyrna and Wilmington is $2,680 (5.90%). Wilmington's median is -0.23% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Smyrna spans $17,738,Wilmington spans $24,750. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($47,325 effective) pays 5.90% more than Smyrna ($44,690 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,130/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,210)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,325)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Smyrna grew 14.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Smyrna, DE
$37,687 (2024) → $43,105 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$40,961 (2024) → $45,647 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Smyrna or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Smyrna and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Smyrna to Wilmington as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Smyrna vs Wilmington?
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