Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in West Orange, NJ: $26.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in West Orange, NJ runs $26.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,105 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against West Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,068 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Orange, NJ, the projected median pharmacy technician hourly pay is set at $26.50/hr for 2026, which notably surpasses the national median of $23.19/hr by about 14.23%. This attractive hourly wage allows for favorable earning potential for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, where they might earn around $2,112 monthly. Whether working in retail pharmacy counters, hospital pharmacy IV clean rooms, or mail-order fulfillment lines, this hourly rate underscores the increasing value of pharmacy technicians in today's healthcare landscape. Those entering the profession can expect to earn around $21.49/hr at the entry level, while more experienced technicians can see earnings up to $34.42/hr, reflecting the hourly range from the tenth to the ninetieth percentile within this thriving employment sector in West Orange.
About the West Orange 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) | $21.49 | $171.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.04 | $176.30 |
| Median (P50) | $26.50 | $211.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.79 | $230.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.42 | $275.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Orange
Based on $26.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.50/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $55,114 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,796. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,059.88 | $4,593 | $55,114 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $635.93 | $2,756 | $33,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.95 | $1,837 | $22,046 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (West Orange) | $26.50 |
| 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 West Orange, NJ earn a median of $55,105 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $55,549.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.50/hr = $33,068/year (purchasing power: $28,705).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,114/year (purchasing power: $47,842).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in West Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in West Orange grew 34.8% from $18.65/hr (2019) to $25.13/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.94/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 West Orange 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 West Orange
For part-time pharmacy technicians in West Orange, earning potential can translate to a significant financial outcome when considering annual figures based on a 24-hour work week. While full-time technicians clear an estimated $55,105 annually, part-timers may find that they still earn a reasonable amount but without full benefits. Per diem pharmacy technicians often charge between $20-$32/hr, but for specialized roles such as sterile compounding in hospitals, rates rise to between $25-$40/hr, especially in markets facing staff shortages. Various employers—ranging from retail chains like CVS and Walgreens to long-term care pharmacies like Omnicare—exhibit different hourly rates, given their specific needs and operational costs. Some technicians may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and stability, whereas others prefer higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiation plays a vital role; it's advisable to assess the entire compensation package beyond just the hourly rate, particularly in a city where retail wages have surged significantly after recent economic shifts.
More salary data for West Orange, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in West Orange in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in West Orange?
Are pharmacy technicians in West Orange paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in West Orange?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West Orange?
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 West Orange. 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 West Orange 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