Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Downey, CA: $27.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Downey, CA runs $27.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,435 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Downey's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,858 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, pharmacy technicians earn a median hourly rate of $27.13, significantly surpassing the national median of $23.19. This higher wage reflects the demand for skilled professionals in diverse environments such as retail pharmacies, hospital IV compounding areas, and long-term care settings. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work week, this rate translates to a substantial income, especially in a field marked by varied hourly rates ranging from $19.97 for entry-level positions to $37.80 for more experienced technicians. These figures, estimated from annual salary data, indicate that pharmacy technicians in Downey can achieve a competitive pay scale that supports various working schedules, including per-diem or part-time roles in settings like specialty pharmacy compounding or mail-order fulfillment.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.97 | $159.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.40 | $179.16 |
| Median (P50) | $27.13 | $217.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.59 | $244.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.80 | $302.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downey
Based on $27.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.13/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downey, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,430 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,556. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Downey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,085.19 | $4,702 | $56,430 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.11 | $2,821 | $33,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.08 | $1,881 | $22,572 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Downey) | $27.13 |
| 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 Downey, CA earn a median of $56,435 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.99% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.30% above the California state average of $55,710.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.13/hr = $33,858/year (purchasing power: $29,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,430/year (purchasing power: $49,894).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Downey grew 34.8% from $19.09/hr (2019) to $25.73/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.61/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 Downey 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 Downey
When considering the financial impact of part-time work, a pharmacy technician in Downey working 24 hours a week can realistically expect to take home around $33,818 annually, considerably less than full-time counterparts. Those seeking per-diem roles often find that rates range from $20 to $32 per hour, with specialized positions in sterile compounding fetching $25 to $40. Some travel pharmacy technician contracts go as high as $1,200 to $1,800 per week, benefiting those willing to work in shortage areas. However, hourly pay can vary significantly depending on the employer, whether it’s a retail chain like CVS or a specialized compounding pharmacy like Accredo. While some pharmacy technicians in Downey may opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, others may prefer stability and enhanced benefits packages offered by hospitals or larger pharmacy operations. For those negotiating hourly pay, demonstrating skills related to USP <797> and <800> compliance, as well as certifications like the CSPT, can enhance leverage in discussions about pay.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Downey 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 Downey. 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 Downey 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