Urban Honolulu vs Waipahu: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Urban Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Urban Honolulu, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,924 | $56,392▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.52 | $27.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,085 | $44,607▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,772 | $46,081▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,220▲ | $59,171 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,366 | $75,559▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Waipahu, HI offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Urban Honolulu and Waipahu is $7,468 (15.26%). Waipahu's median is +16.90% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Urban Honolulu spans $29,281,Waipahu spans $30,952. Waipahu 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, Waipahu ($47,269 effective) pays 7.21% more than Urban Honolulu ($44,091 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,392/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,559)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,269)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Urban Honolulu grew 10.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.7% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Urban Honolulu, HI
$41,900 (2019) → $46,400 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$56,113 (2024) → $53,483 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Urban Honolulu or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Urban Honolulu and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Urban Honolulu to Waipahu as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Urban Honolulu vs Waipahu?
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