Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in SeaTac, WA: $28.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in SeaTac, WA runs $28.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against SeaTac's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,397 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In SeaTac, Washington, the pharmacy technician hourly pay reflects a competitive labor market with a median rate of $28.36. This figure surpasses the national median of $23.19, indicating that pharmacy technicians in this region have better earning potential. For part-time workers committed to a typical three-day workweek, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income, especially when factoring in the dynamic environments such as retail pharmacy counters and hospital clean rooms. Entry-level technicians may start at $22.31, while those at the top of their game can earn as much as $38.00 per hour. Such a diverse pay range enhances the appeal of the role, allowing for opportunities that can fit both full-time and per-diem schedules, catering to various personal and professional commitments.
About the SeaTac 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) | $22.31 | $178.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.18 | $185.41 |
| Median (P50) | $28.36 | $226.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.76 | $238.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.00 | $304.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in SeaTac
Based on $28.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.36/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in SeaTac, WA can expect to earn approximately $58,996 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,036. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in SeaTac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in SeaTac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.53 | $4,916 | $58,996 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.72 | $2,950 | $35,397 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.81 | $1,967 | $23,598 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (SeaTac) | $28.36 |
| 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 SeaTac, WA earn a median of $58,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.28% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $60,189.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.36/hr = $35,397/year (purchasing power: $32,959).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,996/year (purchasing power: $54,931).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in SeaTac grew 34.8% from $19.96/hr (2019) to $26.90/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.91/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 SeaTac 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 SeaTac
Analyzing the part-time earning potential, a pharmacy technician working 24 hours a week could take home an annual amount that significantly varies depending on the work setting. Although full-time positions might provide consistent employment, many techs find that per-diem arrangements allow for increased flexibility; however, it comes with trade-offs in benefits. Per-diem pharmacy technician pay in SeaTac ranges between $20 and $32 an hour, with those doing sterile compounding often making $25 to $40 hourly. Additionally, travel pharmacy tech contracts can yield remarkable earnings of $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. Variances in hourly rates are also noticeable across various employers, including retail giants like CVS and Walgreens, hospital pharmacies, and specialized compounding facilities. As pharmacy technicians consider these roles, a balance between hourly wages and comprehensive benefits remains crucial, particularly as the demand for certified professionals continues to rise in the wake of recent industry shifts. Negotiating effectively can improve pay but also requires an understanding of the value brought to different workplace environments in SeaTac.
More salary data for SeaTac, 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 SeaTac. 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 SeaTac 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