Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Phoenix, AZ: $24.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Phoenix, AZ runs $24.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,358 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Phoenix's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,213 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, pharmacy technicians in Phoenix, AZ, are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $24.21, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.19. This competitive rate illustrates the increased demand for pharmacy technicians, particularly in varied settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and specialized compounding areas. For part-time workers, especially those on a 3-day workweek schedule, this translates to a significant income, enabling them to earn a decent wage while managing their other commitments. The hourly pay in Phoenix spans a range from $19.98 for entry-level positions to up to $30.83 for more experienced technicians, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the market according to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.98 | $159.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.42 | $187.35 |
| Median (P50) | $24.21 | $193.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.11 | $224.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.83 | $246.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phoenix
Based on $24.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.21/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phoenix, AZ can expect to earn approximately $50,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,051. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Phoenix.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phoenix
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.36 | $4,196 | $50,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.02 | $2,518 | $30,213 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.34 | $1,678 | $20,142 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Phoenix) | $24.21 |
| 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 Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $50,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.39% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.60% above the Arizona state average of $49,565.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.21/hr = $30,213/year (purchasing power: $29,243).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,355/year (purchasing power: $48,739).
CoL index: 103.316 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Phoenix grew 37.2% from $16.74/hr (2019) to $22.96/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.53/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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix
Examining the earning potential for part-time pharmacy technicians reveals that working just 24 hours a week can still facilitate a respectable annual income, although it varies widely based on the type of employment and responsibilities. Per-diem pharmacy technicians typically bill between $20 and $32 per hour, with specialized roles in hospital sterile compounding often commanding rates of $25 to $40 per hour. Unique travel pharmacy technician contracts can yield earnings ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per week, especially in shortage markets. Hourly wages differ across employers as well, with retail chains like CVS and Walgreens typically offering lower pay compared to positions in hospitals or specialty pharmacies, which may provide better benefits packages. However, many technicians face the reality of choosing between slightly lower hourly rates for health insurance and higher pay without benefits. For those in Phoenix, effective negotiation strategies can play a pivotal role in securing desirable positions, considering the current competitive climate for pharmacy technicians in the region.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Phoenix in 2026?
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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 Phoenix. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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