Pharmacy Technician Salary in Lakewood, CA: $54,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Lakewood, CA earns a median $54,320/year (≈ $26.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $48,028 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Lakewood, California, is $54,320 for 2026, reflecting a competitive pay scale that surpasses the national average by nearly 13%. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $43,786 at the 10th percentile to $72,235 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a broad spectrum of earning potential within this role. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate a city where experience and specialization can significantly impact compensation. The variance in salaries in Lakewood is influenced by the distinction between roles in retail pharmacy and those in hospital sterile compounding, the latter typically commanding higher wages due to additional responsibilities and the requirement for certifications like CSPT, which emphasize compliance with USP <797> and <800> standards.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,786 | $21.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,661 | $21.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,320 | $26.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,450 | $28.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,235 | $34.73 |
Median Salary Position
12.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,449 (2026 est.). At $54,320, the local median is 12.61% above the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $54,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,712 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | +12.61% more |
Pharmacy Technicians in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $54,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.61% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 2.50% below the California state average of $55,712.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,320 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,028 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,230
2025 BLS Actual
$51,517
2026 Current Est.
$54,320
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,525 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,275 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $38,230 (2019) to $51,517 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,275 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,045 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,786 – $44,661 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,661 – $54,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,320 – $59,450 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,450 – $72,235 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Lakewood
With 19 pharmacy technicians currently employed in Lakewood, the local job market remains robust against a backdrop of rising living costs, represented by a cost-of-living index of 113.1. This figure suggests that while wages may seem attractive, the economic context must be considered when evaluating purchasing power. Employers across Lakewood, including prominent retail pharmacy chains and hospital inpatient pharmacies, offer varied pay rates. For those aiming to maximize their compensation, pursuing certifications, such as the PTCB, and seeking opportunities in high-demand sectors like hospital sterile compounding can prove advantageous. Additionally, engaging in shift differentials or lead roles may further enhance earnings. The difference between lower and higher salaries in this area is markedly influenced by the setting and responsibilities, making strategic career planning essential for those in the pharmacy technician field in Lakewood, CA.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $51,517 for pharmacy techniciansin the Lakewood metropolitan area. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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