Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Pawtucket, RI: $23.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Pawtucket, RI runs $23.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Pawtucket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, pharmacy technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $23.28, slightly above the national median of $23.19. This wage reflects the competitive job market in the area, where technicians work in diverse settings such as retail pharmacies, hospital sterile compounding environments, and specialty pharmacy operations. For part-time or per-diem positions, such as those working three days a week, the hourly income can provide a solid foundation, translating to approximately $1,200 to $1,500 monthly, depending on hours worked. Those entering the field may start at an hourly pay rate as low as $17.82, while experienced technicians—particularly those involved in hospital sterile compounding—can earn up to $32.11 per hour. These figures are reflective of varying employer types and workload, showcasing the potential for pharmacy technicians in Pawtucket.
About the Pawtucket 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) | $17.82 | $142.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.71 | $149.64 |
| Median (P50) | $23.28 | $186.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.28 | $202.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.11 | $256.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pawtucket
Based on $23.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.28/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pawtucket, RI can expect to earn approximately $48,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,937. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pawtucket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pawtucket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $931.25 | $4,035 | $48,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.75 | $2,421 | $29,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.50 | $1,614 | $19,370 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Pawtucket) | $23.28 |
| 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 Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $48,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $48,476.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.28/hr = $29,055/year (purchasing power: $28,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,425/year (purchasing power: $48,184).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Pawtucket grew 34.8% from $16.39/hr (2019) to $22.08/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.55/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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
Considering the hourly pay for pharmacy technicians in Pawtucket reveals intriguing dynamics for both part-time workers and those considering per-diem roles. A pharmacy technician working 24 hours a week would earn around $29,000 annually, which might not be as attractive as the full-time salary, but offers flexibility and work-life balance. Per-diem technicians typically command an hourly pay range from $20 to $32, with those specializing in hospital sterile compounding potentially earning $25 to $40. Seasonal demand and shortages can drive travel contracts in these critical areas to $1,200 to $1,800 per week, providing considerable earning potential. Retail chains like CVS and Walgreens may offer lower rates, but often include benefits. Therefore, technicians in Pawtucket should carefully weigh hourly rates against health benefits when negotiating. Taking the time to research and compare individual employers’ compensation models can be beneficial when considering positions in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Pawtucket in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket 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