Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Mesa, AZ: $24.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Mesa, AZ runs $24.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,115 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,068 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesa, Arizona, the projected pharmacy technician hourly pay stands at $24.09, reflecting a favorable position compared to the national median of $23.19. This competitive hourly rate enhances the earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers in environments like retail pharmacy counters and hospital sterile compounding areas. For a pharmacy technician working three days a week, this translates to a solid income, even without full-time hours. The hourly pay range varies significantly from approximately $18.89 for entry-level positions up to $32.52 for top earners in the field. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data and highlight a growing demand for pharmacy technicians, influenced by the expansion of services and compliance with regulations such as USP <797> and <800>.
About the Mesa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.89 | $151.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.91 | $159.26 |
| Median (P50) | $24.09 | $192.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.43 | $211.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.52 | $260.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mesa
Based on $24.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.09/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mesa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $50,114 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,912. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $963.72 | $4,176 | $50,114 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.23 | $2,506 | $30,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.49 | $1,670 | $20,045 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Mesa) | $24.09 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
Pharmacy Technicians in Mesa, AZ earn a median of $50,115 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.89% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.10% above the Arizona state average of $49,569.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.09/hr = $30,068/year (purchasing power: $30,526).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,114/year (purchasing power: $50,877).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Mesa grew 34.8% from $16.96/hr (2019) to $22.85/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.40/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mesa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.44% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacy Technician in Mesa
For those considering part-time work or per-diem positions in Mesa, the earning potential can be quite substantial. A pharmacy technician working 24 hours a week, at the hourly median, would take home around $50,000 annually compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem pharmacy technician pay in Mesa typically ranges between $20 to $32 per hour, with opportunities in hospital settings offering higher rates, especially for sterile compounding roles where pay can reach $25 to $40 per hour. Specialty and long-term care pharmacies may also present varied compensation depending on the employer type. Additionally, technicians often face a trade-off between hourly wages and benefits, with some choosing higher pay without health insurance versus lower pay that includes benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates, presenting relevant certifications like CSPT and emphasizing workload adaptability can be essential for securing better pay in this competitive market.
More salary data for Mesa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Mesa?
Are pharmacy technicians in Mesa paid hourly or salary?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacy technicians in Mesa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mesa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.44%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacy technicians (SOC 29-2052).
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov