Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $26.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Lakewood, CA runs $26.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,595 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, pharmacy technicians in Lakewood, California can expect an hourly median pay of $26.12, significantly higher than the national median of $23.19. This robust hourly rate offers valuable opportunities for both full-time and part-time employees. For those working part-time, such as on a 3-day workweek, take-home pay can still be substantial, especially with pharmacy assignments in settings like retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV clean rooms, and specialty compounding pharmacies. The hourly pay range spans from $21.05 for entry-level roles to $34.73 for seasoned professionals, which reflects the increased competition for skilled technicians following recent industry shortages and structural changes in pharmacy job responsibilities.
About the Lakewood 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) | $21.05 | $168.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.47 | $171.74 |
| Median (P50) | $26.12 | $208.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.58 | $228.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.73 | $277.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $26.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.12/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,341. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,044.70 | $4,527 | $54,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.82 | $2,716 | $32,595 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.88 | $1,811 | $21,730 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Lakewood) | $26.12 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $54,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.61% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.50% below the California state average of $55,712.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.12/hr = $32,595/year (purchasing power: $28,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,324/year (purchasing power: $48,032).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Lakewood grew 34.8% from $18.38/hr (2019) to $24.77/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.54/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Part-time pharmacy technicians in Lakewood working a typical 24-hour week can take home around $32,556 annually, which is workable compared to full-time earnings. The per diem pharmacy technician pay in the area can vary widely, with typical rates ranging from $20 to $32 per hour, depending on the specific duties and facility type. Notably, opportunities in hospital sterile compounding can command up to $40 per hour, illustrating how specialty certifications like the CSPT credential can enhance earning potential. While retail chains like CVS and Walgreens dominate the sector, operating under stringent protocols for USP <797/> and <800> compliance, many technicians choose positions with health benefits over higher hourly wages, highlighting the trade-off between compensation and job security. For those negotiating pay, understanding the diverse employer landscape in Lakewood can aid in maximizing compensation strategies, especially given the ongoing demand for skilled technicians in both retail and institutional settings.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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