Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $27.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Waipahu, HI runs $27.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,832 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, the pharmacy technician hourly pay stands at a competitive rate of $27.11, which is significantly higher than the national median of $23.19. This elevated hourly rate reflects the rising demand for pharmacy technicians in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and specialty compounding facilities. For those working part-time at three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a decent income, especially in a city where the cost of living index is above the national average. Pharmacy technicians in Waipahu can expect to earn between $21.45 at the lower end of entry-level positions to as much as $36.32 for top earners in the field, highlighting a rewarding financial pathway for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
About the Waipahu 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) | $21.45 | $171.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.15 | $177.22 |
| Median (P50) | $27.11 | $216.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.45 | $227.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.32 | $290.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $27.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.11/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $56,386 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,530. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,084.34 | $4,699 | $56,386 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $650.61 | $2,819 | $33,832 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.74 | $1,880 | $22,554 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Waipahu) | $27.11 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $56,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $57,543.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.11/hr = $33,832/year (purchasing power: $28,358).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,386/year (purchasing power: $47,264).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Waipahu grew 34.8% from $19.08/hr (2019) to $25.71/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.58/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Part-time pharmacy technicians can earn significantly depending on their work arrangements. For example, working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate yields an annual income of around $33,972, which is considerably less than the income of full-time employees. Per diem pharmacy technician pay in Waipahu varies as well, with rates commonly between $20-$32 per hour, and hospital sterile compounding roles can range from $25 to $40 per hour. These pharmacy techs, particularly those in travel assignments, may command weekly contracts of $1,200-$1,800, reflective of the market shortages for skilled technicians in specialized areas. The differences in hourly pay are also influenced by employer type; retail pharmacy chains and hospitals differ significantly in compensation models. While some pharmacy technicians might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without those perks. Negotiation skills are key in this competitive environment, especially in Waipahu's evolving job market, fostering stronger prospects for those familiar with compensation trends.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Waipahu in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Waipahu?
Are pharmacy technicians in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Waipahu?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?
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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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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