Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $23.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Washington, DC runs $23.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,198 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,529 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Pharmacy technicians in Washington, DC, earn a median hourly rate of $23.66, surpassing the national median of $23.19. This rate caters to a range of positions, from part-time roles typically scheduled three days a week to per-diem workers who can take on flexible hours across various pharmacy settings. In environments like retail pharmacy counters, hospital sterile compounding areas, and specialty pharmacy compounding hoods, hourly wages can fluctuate significantly. Entry-level technicians might earn as low as $19.24, while experienced professionals can command up to $32.56 per hour, reflecting the diversity in duties and responsibilities associated with this role. These figures are grounded in the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, projected for 2026, and they highlight the financial opportunities available in Washington's ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.24 | $153.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.19 | $161.53 |
| Median (P50) | $23.66 | $189.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.30 | $234.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.56 | $260.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $23.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.66/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $49,214 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,393. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $946.43 | $4,101 | $49,214 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.86 | $2,461 | $29,529 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.57 | $1,640 | $19,686 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Washington) | $23.66 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $49,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.99% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 12.80% below the District of Columbia state average of $56,420.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.66/hr = $29,529/year (purchasing power: $27,119).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,214/year (purchasing power: $45,199).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Washington grew 24.7% from $17.99/hr (2019) to $22.44/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.95/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 Washington 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 Washington
Considering the part-time or per-diem work models prevalent among pharmacy technicians, one might wonder about potential annual earnings. For example, a pharmacy technician working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could expect to take home around $29,408 annually compared to a full-time equivalent at a considerably higher figure. Per-diem pharmacy technician pay in Washington tends to range between $20 and $32 per hour, with specialized roles in hospital sterile compounding demanding stronger rates, anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour. Travel contracts can also provide attractive compensation, with some reporting weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800 for sterile compounding positions. The type of employer significantly impacts pay rates; hospital settings typically offer higher wages compared to retail chains like CVS and Walgreens. Technicians often face a choice between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance packages. For those aiming to negotiate better pay, especially in a fluctuating employment market in Washington, understanding the regional pay structure and being prepared to discuss terms can be advantageous.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Washington in 2026?
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Related Pages
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 Washington. 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