Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Upland, CA: $25.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Upland, CA runs $25.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,900 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Upland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,345 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Upland, California, shows a competitive pharmacy technician hourly pay of $25.92, significantly higher than the national median of $23.19. This favorable rate is advantageous for both part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians, who typically work in environments such as retail pharmacies, hospital clean rooms, and specialized compounding pharmacies. When considering the range of pay for pharmacy technicians in the area, entry-level positions start at approximately $20.47 per hour, while top-tier earners can reach up to $35.01. Such estimates, derived from the annual salary data projected for 2026, reflect the growth and importance of these roles within the healthcare system, especially as demand continues to rise in the face of ongoing workforce shortages.
About the Upland 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) | $20.47 | $163.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.37 | $170.98 |
| Median (P50) | $25.92 | $207.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.69 | $229.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.01 | $280.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Upland
Based on $25.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.92/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Upland, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,101. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Upland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Upland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,036.69 | $4,492 | $53,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $622.01 | $2,695 | $32,345 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.67 | $1,797 | $21,563 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Upland) | $25.92 |
| 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 Upland, CA earn a median of $53,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.74% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 3.30% below the California state average of $55,739.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.92/hr = $32,345/year (purchasing power: $28,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,908/year (purchasing power: $47,664).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Upland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Upland grew 34.8% from $18.24/hr (2019) to $24.58/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.33/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 Upland 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 Upland
Hourly work arrangements, particularly for those on a part-time basis, offer a distinct income trajectory. A pharmacy technician working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can bring home about $32,569 annually, which is substantial compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem roles represent an alternative route, where technicians often find themselves earning between $20 and $32 an hour, with specialized positions in sterile compounding reaching $25-$40 per hour. Locations such as retail chains, hospitals, and specialty pharmacies each present different pay scales based on the environment and demands of the role. Technicians must consider the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits; often, those with traditional full-time roles may sacrifice a higher hourly rate for comprehensive health insurance. For those looking to negotiate, emphasizing specific skills—like compliance with USP <797>/<800> standards or obtaining credentials from PTCB—can strengthen their position when discussing pay in Upland's dynamic job market.
More salary data for Upland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Upland 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 Upland. 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 Upland 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