Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Somerville, MA: $23.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Somerville, MA runs $23.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,645 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Somerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,792 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Somerville, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for pharmacy technicians is $23.87, which represents a 2.91% increase over the national median hourly rate of $23.19. This hourly rate significantly influences part-time and per-diem workers in settings such as retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacy IV clean rooms, and specialty pharmacy compounding areas. For those working three days a week, typically totaling about 24 hours, this competitive hourly wage can translate into a steady income, offering a feasible path for individuals looking to balance work with other commitments. Entry-level pharmacy technicians may start around $18.83 per hour, while experienced professionals and those in specialized roles can command up to $31.23, reflecting the diversity of pay based on expertise and workplace environment.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.83 | $150.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.60 | $156.81 |
| Median (P50) | $23.87 | $190.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.82 | $206.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.23 | $249.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Somerville
Based on $23.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.87/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Somerville, MA can expect to earn approximately $49,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,646. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Somerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Somerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $954.86 | $4,138 | $49,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $572.92 | $2,483 | $29,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.95 | $1,655 | $19,861 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Somerville) | $23.87 |
| 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 Somerville, MA earn a median of $49,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.91% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $48,960.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.87/hr = $29,792/year (purchasing power: $27,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,653/year (purchasing power: $45,763).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Somerville grew 34.8% from $16.80/hr (2019) to $22.64/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.17/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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Exploring the earning potential within this field reveals a nuanced picture, especially for part-time pharmacy technicians in Somerville. A technician working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $29,653 annually, considerably lower than a full-time technician, yet still competitive given the market. Per diem pharmacy technician pay often ranges from $20 to $32 an hour, with specialized positions like hospital sterile compounding roles demanding up to $40 per hour. Many technicians may choose lower hourly wages in return for health benefits, which can be a tempting trade-off. Moreover, a variety of employer types influences pay rates; retail chains like CVS or Walgreens offer solid starting rates, while inpatient hospital pharmacies and long-term care facilities may provide higher compensation. For those eyeing negotiation, it’s advisable to leverage skills certification, such as PTCB or CSPT, to justify requests for higher pay amidst the ongoing workforce shortages since 2020, particularly given the rising demand for experienced technicians in both retail and sterile settings.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
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 Somerville. 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 Somerville 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