Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $23.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Des Moines, IA runs $23.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,156 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,489 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Pharmacy technicians in Des Moines, IA, earn a median hourly rate of $23.63, which is slightly higher than the national median of $23.19. This competitive pay reflects the demand for pharmacy technicians across various settings, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital pharmacy clean rooms, and specialty compounding areas. The hourly earnings in Des Moines vary widely, with those in entry-level positions earning around $18.55 per hour, while experienced technicians can command up to $27.76, depending on their environment and responsibilities. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the potential for both part-time and per-diem workers to find opportunities that suit their schedules and lifestyle.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.55 | $148.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.74 | $157.91 |
| Median (P50) | $23.63 | $189.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.05 | $200.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.76 | $222.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $23.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.63/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $49,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,355. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $945.16 | $4,096 | $49,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.10 | $2,457 | $29,489 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.07 | $1,638 | $19,659 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Des Moines) | $23.63 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $49,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.90% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 6.30% above the Iowa state average of $46,243.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.63/hr = $29,489/year (purchasing power: $32,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,149/year (purchasing power: $53,597).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Des Moines grew 33.1% from $16.84/hr (2019) to $22.41/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.91/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Considering a part-time role of three days a week, a pharmacy technician could expect an earning potential that translates to significant income over the year, albeit less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem pharmacy technician pay in Des Moines can range from $20 to $32 per hour, with specialized roles in sterile compounding often offering higher rates of $25 to $40 per hour. The employment options vary widely among different settings; retail chains may pay less, while specialized pharmacies or hospitals tend to be more lucrative. Moreover, some technicians may choose to sacrifice higher immediate pay for the benefits associated with full-time roles. When negotiating salaries, it’s wise to consider not only the hourly wage but also the long-term benefits that come with full-time employment, especially in a region where the pharmacy technician job market is competitive and the need for certified professionals is growing.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Des Moines. 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