Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $28.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Santa Maria, CA runs $28.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,792 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Maria, California, the pharmacy technician hourly pay is projected at $28.68 for 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.19. This elevated hourly rate reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in diverse settings such as retail pharmacies, hospital clean rooms, and mail-order fulfillment operations. Part-time pharmacy technicians, working around three days a week, can expect their earnings to align well with their chosen schedules, allowing them significant flexibility while still accessing competitive wages. For those at entry-level positions, the hourly pay may start at around $21.92, while experienced technicians can earn up to $37.05. The data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections, and these figures can greatly influence the quality of life for pharmacy technicians in Santa Maria, making the profession appealing for those considering various working arrangements.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.92 | $175.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.12 | $193.00 |
| Median (P50) | $28.68 | $229.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.50 | $259.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.05 | $296.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $28.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.68/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,654 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,416. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,147.19 | $4,971 | $59,654 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.31 | $2,983 | $35,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.87 | $1,988 | $23,861 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Santa Maria) | $28.68 |
| 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 Santa Maria, CA earn a median of $59,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.67% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 7.00% above the California state average of $55,755.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.68/hr = $35,792/year (purchasing power: $32,898).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,654/year (purchasing power: $54,830).
CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Santa Maria grew 16.1% from $23.43/hr (2019) to $27.20/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.24/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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria
For a pharmacy technician in Santa Maria, part-time work can still yield substantial annual earnings. If a pharmacy technician works approximately 24 hours per week, they could take home about $45,639 annually, compared to full-time roles that provide higher overall salaries but come with different commitments. Per-diem pharmacy technicians have a varied pay scale, frequently billing between $20 to $32 per hour depending on the setting, with hospital sterile compounding roles potentially reaching up to $40 per hour. Opportunities for travel pharmacy tech contracts also exist, providing $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, especially in areas experiencing labor shortages. Employers in Santa Maria range from retail chains like CVS and Walgreens to specialized settings like long-term care pharmacies and compounding facilities. Many technicians choose positions that offer health benefits over hourly pay, reflecting a trade-off between immediate earnings and long-term stability. Practical negotiation strategies in this competitive market could include highlighting certifications like PTCB and understanding the unique demands of potential employers.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Santa Maria in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Santa Maria?
Are pharmacy technicians in Santa Maria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Santa Maria?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Maria?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Santa Maria. 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