Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Onalaska, WI: $23.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Onalaska, WI runs $23.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,024 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Onalaska's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,410 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacy technician hourly pay in Onalaska, WI is projected to be $23.57 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $23.19. This rate provides a solid income for both part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians, who often work in settings such as retail pharmacy counters, hospital clean rooms, and mail-order fulfillment lines. For those employed part-time, typically working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a manageable income that complements other commitments. The hourly range for pharmacy technicians in Onalaska varies, with entry-level positions starting at around $19.26 and more experienced technicians earning up to $28.53. These estimates help illustrate the earning potential across different job types, reflecting a growing demand for pharmacy technicians in various healthcare environments.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.26 | $154.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.58 | $164.66 |
| Median (P50) | $23.57 | $188.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.43 | $195.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.53 | $228.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Onalaska
Based on $23.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.57/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Onalaska, WI can expect to earn approximately $49,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,279. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Onalaska.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Onalaska
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $942.63 | $4,085 | $49,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $565.58 | $2,451 | $29,410 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.05 | $1,634 | $19,607 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Onalaska) | $23.57 |
| 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 Onalaska, WI earn a median of $49,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.63% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.30% above the Wisconsin state average of $47,922.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.57/hr = $29,410/year (purchasing power: $31,488).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,017/year (purchasing power: $52,481).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Onalaska grew 34.8% from $16.59/hr (2019) to $22.35/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.85/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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska
Independent of the hourly figures, part-time pharmacy technicians working a 24-hour week can expect to earn around $29,082 annually, which can be a viable option for those balancing other personal responsibilities. In contrast, per-diem pharmacy technician pay in Onalaska ranges from $20 to $32 per hour, with specialized roles in hospital sterile compounding potentially yielding up to $40 per hour. Notably, the pay for travel pharmacy tech contracts can range from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly in high-demand markets. Hourly rates also vary significantly depending on the employer type; retail chains may offer different compensation than hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies. Some pharmacy technicians may opt to accept lower hourly wages for the benefits they provide, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Practical tips for negotiating hourly pay in Onalaska include understanding market rates and proposing flexible scheduling in areas with high demand, laying the groundwork for effective discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Onalaska in 2026?
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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 Onalaska. 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 Onalaska 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