Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $29.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Honolulu, HI runs $29.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,236 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, the pharmacy technician hourly pay stands at approximately $29.44, significantly higher than the national median of $23.19. This notable wage reflects the competitive nature of the profession, especially given the city's demand for skilled technicians in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospital sterile compounding areas, and specialty pharmacies. For those working part-time, like on a three-day workweek, this hourly rate translates to a robust income potential compared to their national counterparts. The hourly pay ranges from entry-level salaries of about $21.66 for new technicians to more experienced professionals earning up to $39.80. Additionally, these figures are derived from projected annual salaries, highlighting the value placed on pharmacy technicians in Honolulu's healthcare landscape.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.66 | $173.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.23 | $185.83 |
| Median (P50) | $29.44 | $235.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.92 | $263.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.80 | $318.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $29.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.44/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $61,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,327. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,177.55 | $5,103 | $61,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.53 | $3,062 | $36,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.02 | $2,041 | $24,493 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Honolulu) | $29.44 |
| 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 Honolulu, HI earn a median of $61,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $57,553.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.44/hr = $36,740/year (purchasing power: $30,796).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,233/year (purchasing power: $51,327).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Honolulu grew 34.8% from $20.72/hr (2019) to $27.92/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.04/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 Honolulu 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 Honolulu
When considering a part-time position, a pharmacy technician working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $46,004 annually, which provides a reasonable standard of living relative to the high cost of living in HI. Per-diem pharmacy technicians, often taking on flexible roles, typically earn between $20 and $32 per hour, with those specializing in hospital sterile compounding potentially increasing their income to between $25 and $40. Travel pharmacy technician contracts can reach impressive weekly rates of $1,200 to $1,800, providing lucrative opportunities during staff shortages. Hourly pay can vary significantly based on the employer type; for example, retail chains may offer lower wages compared to hospital pharmacies or specialty pharmacies. Some pharmacy technicians may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, creating a trade-off that professionals must weigh carefully. Negotiating hourly pay in Honolulu can be advantageous, especially for certified technicians (CPhT) who possess valuable credentials such as the CSPT in sterile compounding, which helps set them apart in the job market.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Honolulu in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Honolulu?
Are pharmacy technicians in Honolulu 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 Honolulu. 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 Honolulu 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