Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Livermore, CA: $26.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Livermore, CA runs $26.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,919 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Livermore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,950 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Livermore, California, the pharmacy technician hourly pay stands at $26.40, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $23.19. This favorable rate reflects not only local economic conditions but also the rising demand for pharmacy technicians in various settings such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV clean rooms, and specialty pharmacies. With a range from $20.87 for entry-level technicians to $35.69 for experienced professionals, this wage structure allows for diverse working arrangements, making it attractive for part-time workers and per-diem techs. Those opting for part-time work at three days per week can enjoy competitive earnings while maintaining flexibility, particularly in high-demand environments like sterile compounding where compliance with USP <797> and <800> is essential.
About the Livermore 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) | $20.87 | $166.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.78 | $174.27 |
| Median (P50) | $26.40 | $211.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.24 | $233.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.69 | $285.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livermore
Based on $26.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.40/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livermore, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,683. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Livermore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livermore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,056.09 | $4,576 | $54,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.65 | $2,746 | $32,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.43 | $1,831 | $21,967 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Livermore) | $26.40 |
| 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 Livermore, CA earn a median of $54,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.85% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.50% below the California state average of $55,756.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.40/hr = $32,950/year (purchasing power: $29,133).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,917/year (purchasing power: $48,556).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Livermore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Livermore grew 34.8% from $18.58/hr (2019) to $25.04/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.84/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 Livermore 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 Livermore
Beyond the base hourly pay, the earning potential for pharmacy technicians in Livermore can vary significantly based on employment type. A pharmacy technician working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, could take home approximately $33,792 annually, while full-time technicians earn significantly more. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, compensation can range from $20 to $32 per hour, with specialized roles in hospital settings often fetching $25 to $40 per hour. Travel contracts for hospital sterile compounding can yield $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, reflecting the high demand in this field. While many technician roles offer competitive wages, some may choose positions with slightly lower pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For effective salary negotiations, understanding the differences in hourly rates across various employers—ranging from retail chains like CVS to long-term care pharmacies—will empower pharmacy technicians to better advocate for their worth in the competitive job market of Livermore, CA.
More salary data for Livermore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Livermore in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Livermore?
Are pharmacy technicians in Livermore 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 Livermore. 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 Livermore 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