Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in New Brunswick, NJ: $26.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in New Brunswick, NJ runs $26.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against New Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,476 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Brunswick, NJ, the projected pharmacy technician hourly pay for 2026 is $26.82, which represents a significant advantage over the national average of $23.19. This elevated hourly rate can lead to appealing opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers who typically find roles in settings such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV clean rooms (compliant with USP <797>/<800>), and specialty compounding areas. For instance, a pharmacy technician working three days a week can expect to manage a manageable schedule focusing around 20-30 hours weekly, earning anywhere from $20.74 to $35.47 per hour depending on experience and setting. Moreover, the range from entry-level to top earners showcases the potential for growth within the profession, highlighting the upward trajectory even amidst fluctuating employment trends, particularly following the post-2020 surge in retention and recruitment due to roles in vaccination efforts.
About the New Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.74 | $165.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.71 | $173.68 |
| Median (P50) | $26.82 | $214.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.32 | $234.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.47 | $283.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Brunswick
Based on $26.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.82/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Brunswick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $55,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,189. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,072.96 | $4,649 | $55,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $643.77 | $2,790 | $33,476 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.18 | $1,860 | $22,318 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (New Brunswick) | $26.82 |
| 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 New Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $55,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.64% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 0.40% above the New Jersey state average of $55,561.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.82/hr = $33,476/year (purchasing power: $29,059).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,794/year (purchasing power: $48,432).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in New Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in New Brunswick grew 34.8% from $18.88/hr (2019) to $25.44/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.28/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 New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick
Considering part-time work, a pharmacy technician in New Brunswick functioning on a 24-hour weekly schedule might bring home around $33,301 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those exploring more flexible job arrangements, per-diem positions can yield varied compensation based on the nature of the job. Commonly, these per diem pharmacy technician pay rates in New Brunswick range from $20 to $32 per hour, with sterile compounding specialists often commanding between $25 to $40 hourly. Additionally, some travel pharmacy technician contracts can pay between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, particularly in high-demand areas. The type of employer also influences hourly wages; retail giants like CVS and Walgreens compared to health systems or specialty pharmacy operations exhibit varying compensation. Professionals need to weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay rates and offered benefits, as some may accept lower pay for the security of benefits that are typically unavailable in higher-paying flexible roles. Effective negotiation tactics can greatly enhance earnings, focusing on industry standards and local wage agreements in New Brunswick.
More salary data for New Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in New Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in New Brunswick?
Are pharmacy technicians in New Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in New Brunswick?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in New Brunswick?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 New Brunswick. 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 New Brunswick 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