Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Rockville, MD: $24.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Rockville, MD runs $24.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,402 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Rockville's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,844 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacy technicians in Rockville, Maryland can expect a median hourly pay of $24.72, which is competitive when compared to the national hourly median of $23.19. This difference highlights the local market's demand for skilled technicians, especially in various settings such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital clean rooms, and specialty compounding areas. For those considering part-time work, perhaps three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,186 weekly for a 24-hour workweek, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking flexibility. On the other end of the spectrum, the hourly pay range for pharmacy technicians in Rockville varies from $19.93 for entry-level positions to as high as $32.81 for those in top earning brackets. These numbers reflect the increasing need for pharmacy services across the area and align with the broader trends seen in the healthcare sector.
About the Rockville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.93 | $159.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.33 | $162.63 |
| Median (P50) | $24.72 | $197.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.10 | $216.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.81 | $262.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockville
Based on $24.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.72/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockville, MD can expect to earn approximately $51,407 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,658. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rockville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $988.61 | $4,284 | $51,407 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.16 | $2,570 | $30,844 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.44 | $1,714 | $20,563 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Rockville) | $24.72 |
| 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 Rockville, MD earn a median of $51,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $52,720.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.72/hr = $30,844/year (purchasing power: $28,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,407/year (purchasing power: $47,033).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Rockville grew 34.8% from $17.39/hr (2019) to $23.44/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.06/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 Rockville 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 Rockville
Evaluating the earning potential reveals significant opportunities for those who might work in alternative capacities. Part-time pharmacy technicians working 24 hours a week could see annual earnings of around $61,522 compared to the full-time average, which typically exceeds this rate. For per-diem and agency pharmacy techs, which is a growing market due to workforce shortages, the billing rates usually fall between $20 and $32 per hour, with specialized roles in sterile compounding potentially bringing in even higher per diem rates of $25 to $40. The variety of workplaces—whether it’s retail chains like CVS and Walgreens, hospital settings, or mail-order operations—often dictates the pay rates, with sterile compounding positions generally commanding the highest wages in Rockville. Additionally, many technicians have to weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay against job roles that provide health insurance, impacting their final decision. For those negotiating their hourly rates, highlighting certifications such as PTCB or CSPT can offer leverage, particularly in an evolving marketplace influenced by increased demand for skilled technicians.
More salary data for Rockville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Rockville in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Rockville?
Are pharmacy technicians in Rockville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Rockville?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rockville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Rockville. 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 Rockville 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