Pharmacy Technician Salary in Hilo, HI: $54,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Hilo, HI earns a median $54,611/year (≈ $26.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $45,776 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, pharmacy technicians can expect a median annual salary of $54,611 for 2026, representing a notable 13.21% increase compared to the national median salary of $48,239. The earnings for pharmacy technicians in this region range significantly, from $44,827 at the 10th percentile to as high as $71,587 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, account for local cost adjustments including Hilo's above-average cost of living, which is indicated by a cost of living index of 119.3. In this vibrant market, the presence of both retail and hospital settings contributes to the upward trajectory in salaries, as employers compete to attract skilled professionals, especially given the increased demand for pharmacy technicians since the pandemic.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,827 | $21.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,828 | $22.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,611 | $26.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,728 | $28.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,587 | $34.42 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,760 (2026 est.). At $54,611, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Hilo median: $54,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $57,545 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | +13.21% more |
Pharmacy Technicians in Hilo, HI earn a median of $54,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $57,545.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilo has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilo, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,611 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,776 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,434
2025 BLS Actual
$51,793
2026 Current Est.
$54,611
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,434 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,736 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,593 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,623 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,581 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $38,434 (2019) to $51,793 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,581 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,147 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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) | $44,827 – $45,828 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,828 – $54,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,611 – $59,728 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,728 – $71,587 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Hilo
When examining the local job market, it's essential to note that only seven pharmacy technicians are currently employed in Hilo, indicating a niche yet competitive field. The higher living costs in this area can impact take-home purchasing power, necessitating strategic salary negotiations. Top-paying employers often include hospital inpatient pharmacies that value specialization, particularly in sterile compounding roles that adhere to USP <797> and <800> regulations. Retail giants such as CVS and Walgreens also offer competitive pharmacy technician pay in Hilo, HI, especially for those working night shifts that attract additional premiums. Understanding factors like the CSPT credential stipends and varying pay scales across hospitals versus retail can help technicians maximize their earnings in this unique market. Those looking to improve their prospects should consider obtaining certifications like the PTCB or NHA ExCPT, as these credentials may significantly enhance job offers and salary negotiations in Hilo.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
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 $51,793 for pharmacy techniciansin the Hilo 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 Hilo 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