Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Chapel Hill, NC: $24.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Chapel Hill, NC runs $24.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,343 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Chapel Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the pharmacy technician hourly pay is projected to be $24.20 in 2026, indicating a competitive rate compared to the national median of $23.19. This figure holds significance for both part-time and per-diem workers, especially given the city's healthcare landscape, where pharmacy technicians often find employment in settings such as retail pharmacy counters, sterile compounding labs, and long-term care facilities. Hourly rates in Chapel Hill can vary significantly based on experience and specific responsibilities, with entry-level technicians earning approximately $18.50 per hour, while those at the high end of the pay spectrum can make as much as $33.34. The estimated hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the rising demand for pharmacy technicians in a market responding to ongoing workforce shortages and increased duties related to vaccination and other healthcare services.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.50 | $148.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.42 | $155.38 |
| Median (P50) | $24.20 | $193.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.27 | $210.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.34 | $266.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chapel Hill
Based on $24.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.20/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chapel Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $50,333 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,038. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chapel Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chapel Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $967.94 | $4,194 | $50,333 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $580.76 | $2,517 | $30,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.18 | $1,678 | $20,133 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Chapel Hill) | $24.20 |
| 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 Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $50,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 6.30% above the North Carolina state average of $47,360.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.20/hr = $30,200/year (purchasing power: $32,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,333/year (purchasing power: $53,774).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Chapel Hill grew 34.8% from $17.03/hr (2019) to $22.95/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.51/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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill
For a part-time pharmacy technician working three days a week, the earnings can translate into an estimated annual income that significantly differs from full-time counterparts. Specifically, working 24 hours weekly, one could earn around $30,190 annually, which is a viable option for those balancing other responsibilities. Per diem pharmacy technicians experience varying pay rates, typically billing between $20 and $32 per hour, with specialties like hospital sterile compounding often paying up to $40 an hour. Moreover, opportunities exist for travel pharmacy tech contracts, which can net $1,200 to $1,800 per week in acute shortage areas. Moreover, hourly compensation can differ across various employers in Chapel Hill, such as retail chains and specialty pharmacies, leading to a pragmatic decision-making process regarding health benefits versus hourly wage. Job seekers should approach hourly negotiations by emphasizing skills and certifications like PTCB or CSPT, which are increasingly recognized as essential qualifications in the evolving job market.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Chapel Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Chapel Hill?
Are pharmacy technicians in Chapel Hill paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Chapel Hill?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chapel Hill?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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