Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Central Falls, RI: $21.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Central Falls, RI runs $21.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Central Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,844 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central Falls, RI, the projected pharmacy technician hourly pay stands at $21.51, which is notably below the national median of $23.19. This rate provides a solid foundation for part-time workers, such as those taking three-day work weeks at retail pharmacies or hospitals, allowing them to manage their schedules while earning a competitive wage. The hourly range runs from $18.34 for entry-level positions to $26.76 for top earners, reflecting the diverse settings in which pharmacy technicians work, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV clean rooms, and mail-order fulfillment lines. With this rate mostly grounded in annual salary estimates, it’s essential for professionals in this field to understand the earning potential that varies with experience and specialized roles, particularly in high-demand areas like compounding and sterile preparation.
About the Central Falls Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.34 | $146.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.71 | $149.64 |
| Median (P50) | $21.51 | $172.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.74 | $181.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.76 | $214.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central Falls
Based on $21.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.51/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central Falls, RI can expect to earn approximately $44,740 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,812. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Central Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $860.39 | $3,728 | $44,740 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $516.23 | $2,237 | $26,844 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.16 | $1,491 | $17,896 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Central Falls) | $21.51 |
| 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 Central Falls, RI earn a median of $44,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 7.70% below the Rhode Island state average of $48,462.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.51/hr = $26,844/year (purchasing power: $26,711).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,740/year (purchasing power: $44,518).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Central Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Central Falls grew 34.8% from $15.14/hr (2019) to $20.40/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.68/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 Central Falls 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 Central Falls
For those considering part-time employment or the per-diem route, potential earnings shift significantly. A pharmacy technician working 24 hours a week might expect an annual income that is considerably lower than that of full-time counterparts, limiting benefits like health insurance but providing flexible work options. Per-diem pharmacy technicians often bill between $20 to $32 per hour, with specialized roles, particularly in sterile compounding, fetching higher rates of $25 to $40 hourly. While retail pharmacy chains generally offer lower rates, niche employers such as long-term care and compounding pharmacies may provide more competitive wages, prompting some technicians to weigh their options carefully. Consideration of benefits versus pay is pivotal; many may choose a lower hourly wage for job security or fuller benefits. Practical negotiation tips in Central Falls include emphasizing experience in compliance with USP <797> and <800>, which can enhance one’s bargaining power in this dynamic job market.
More salary data for Central Falls, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Central Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Central Falls?
Are pharmacy technicians in Central Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Central Falls?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Central Falls?
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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 Central Falls. 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 Central Falls 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