Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $27.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $27.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,498 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,897 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacy technicians in Rancho Cucamonga, California, earn a median hourly rate of $27.16, which significantly exceeds the national average of $23.19 per hour. This higher pay reflects the area's increased cost of living and its competitiveness in the job market, especially after the demand surge for pharmacy services in recent years. For part-time technicians working three days a week, this median translates to approximately $423.76 weekly, allowing for a respectable income while maintaining flexibility. Newcomers entering the profession could expect to start at around $20.13 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn as much as $36.07 hourly, indicating a robust earning potential across the spectrum of employment settings. These technicians find roles in various environments, from retail pharmacy counters and hospital sterile compounding areas to specialty compounding hoods.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $20.13 | $161.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.05 | $184.39 |
| Median (P50) | $27.16 | $217.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.63 | $237.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.07 | $288.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $27.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.16/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,496 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,594. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,086.45 | $4,708 | $56,496 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.87 | $2,825 | $33,897 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.58 | $1,883 | $22,598 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Rancho Cucamonga) | $27.16 |
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $56,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.12% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.40% above the California state average of $55,718.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.16/hr = $33,897/year (purchasing power: $29,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,496/year (purchasing power: $49,952).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Rancho Cucamonga grew 34.8% from $19.12/hr (2019) to $25.76/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.64/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 Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga
From the perspective of part-time and per-diem work, pharmacy technicians have a dynamic earning potential. A technician working 24 hours weekly could take home nearly $22,000 annually, assuming they earn the median rate. However, those opting for per-diem arrangements can expect to see diverse hourly pay ranging from $20-$32, sometimes reaching $40 for specialized roles in sterile compounding. This flexibility often attracts technicians who may prioritize their schedule over steady income. While major retail chains like CVS and Walgreens must adhere to competitive rates, hospitals and specialty pharmacies often offer higher pay, reflecting the technical expertise required in roles compliant with USP <797> and <800>. However, many technicians find themselves weighing the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly pay from agencies or travel contracts, which can net $1,200-$1,800 weekly, particularly in markets facing staffing shortages. For effective negotiation, it’s crucial to understand local pay standards and be prepared to highlight relevant certifications like CSPT or PTCB, ensuring you secure the best possible hourly pay in Rancho Cucamonga.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, 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 Rancho Cucamonga. 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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