Surprise vs Tucson: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Surprise, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Surprise, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,449 | $49,884▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.78 | $23.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,351 | $39,730▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,036 | $48,513▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,869▲ | $54,407 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,428▲ | $66,691 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Surprise and Tucson is $435 (0.88%). Tucson's median is +3.41% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Surprise spans $28,077,Tucson spans $26,961. Surprise 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, Tucson ($51,482 effective) pays 2.55% more than Surprise ($50,202 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,428)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,884/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,482)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Surprise grew 13.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Surprise, AZ
$41,281 (2024) → $46,898 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$37,880 (2019) → $47,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Surprise, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Surprise or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Surprise and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Surprise to Tucson as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Surprise vs Tucson?
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