Wake Forest vs Winston: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Wake Forest, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Wake Forest, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,707 | $48,260▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.46 | $23.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,504▲ | $37,305 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,274 | $40,025▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,759 | $54,555▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,180 | $66,237▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,540▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Wake Forest and Winston is $1,553 (3.32%). Winston's median is +0.04% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Wake Forest spans $24,676,Winston spans $28,932. Winston 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, Winston ($52,432 effective) pays 5.07% more than Wake Forest ($49,901 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,237)
- ✓Larger job market (1,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,432)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Wake Forest grew 26.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Winston over the same period.
Wake Forest, NC
$35,067 (2024) → $44,297 (2025)
Winston, NC
$35,630 (2019) → $45,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wake Forest, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Wake Forest or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Wake Forest and Winston?
Should I relocate from Wake Forest to Winston as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Wake Forest vs Winston?
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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