Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Pasco, WA: $28.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Pasco, WA runs $28.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,733 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Pasco's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,240 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacy technician hourly pay in Pasco, Washington reaches a median of $28.24 per hour, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $23.19. This elevated rate is particularly beneficial for individuals working part-time, such as those scheduled for three days a week, as they can secure a comfortable wage even without full-time hours. In Pasco, hourly pay spans an entry-level rate of $22.82 (P10) to a top-tier earning of $37.54 (P90), providing a range of opportunities for both new entrants to the field and seasoned professionals. The projection for 2026 reflects the outcome of post-2020 wage growth, partly due to the increased responsibilities and roles pharmacy technicians assumed during the pandemic in various settings, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital sterile compounding units, and specialty pharmacies.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.82 | $182.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.59 | $188.70 |
| Median (P50) | $28.24 | $225.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.99 | $247.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.54 | $300.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasco
Based on $28.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.24/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasco, WA can expect to earn approximately $58,733 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,884. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,129.47 | $4,894 | $58,733 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $677.68 | $2,937 | $35,240 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.79 | $1,958 | $23,493 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Pasco) | $28.24 |
| 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 Pasco, WA earn a median of $58,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.75% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $60,178.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.24/hr = $35,240/year (purchasing power: $32,812).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,733/year (purchasing power: $54,686).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Pasco grew 34.8% from $19.87/hr (2019) to $26.78/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.77/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 Pasco 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 Pasco
In terms of financial implications, a pharmacy technician working part-time for 24 hours a week in Pasco could earn approximately $35,276 annually, making it a viable option for those balancing other responsibilities. Per diem pharmacy technicians in the area typically see rates ranging from $20 to $32 per hour, with hospital sterile compounding roles offering hourly rates as high as $40, which showcases the high demand for certified technicians skilled in USP <797> and <800> compliance. Different employers in Pasco, such as CVS, Walgreens, and specialty pharmacies, often vary in their pay structures, with hospital settings generally compensating more due to the specialized nature of the work. While some pharmacy technicians may choose positions offering lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others may seek higher rates without the benefits—navigating this decision emphasizes the importance of negotiating effectively, particularly highlighting specific skills like CSPT credentials during discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pasco. 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 Pasco 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