Suffolk vs Virginia Beach: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Suffolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Suffolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,388 | $46,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.83 | $22.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,219 | $38,317▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,323 | $40,004▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,490 | $51,033▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,688▲ | $60,733 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 1,990▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Suffolk and Virginia Beach is $932 (2.05%). Virginia Beach's median is -3.98% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Suffolk spans $25,469,Virginia Beach spans $22,416. Suffolk 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, Virginia Beach ($47,294 effective) pays 7.53% more than Suffolk ($43,981 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,688)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,320/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,294)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Suffolk grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Suffolk, VA
$40,588 (2024) → $43,046 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$32,020 (2019) → $43,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Suffolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Suffolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Suffolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Suffolk to Virginia Beach as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Suffolk vs Virginia Beach?
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