Pharmacy Technician Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $46,556 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $46,556/year (≈ $22.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $42,909 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, pharmacy technicians in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,556, a figure slightly below the national median of $48,239. Salaries in this market span from $38,147 at the 10th percentile to $61,296 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a notable pay gradient between those working in hospital settings—especially sterile compounding roles—and their retail counterparts. These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, which highlight the competitive nature of pay structures within healthcare settings. The differentiation in pay often hinges on the specific responsibilities and certifications, with technicians specializing in compounding often commanding higher wages than those employed in community pharmacies. Given this context, Chelmsford's pharmacy technician workforce is attuned to the dynamics of both hospital and retail pharmacy environments.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,147 | $18.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,165 | $18.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,556 | $22.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,940 | $24.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,296 | $29.47 |
Median Salary Position
3.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,149 (2026 est.). At $46,556, the local median is 3.49% below the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $46,556/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $48,955 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | -3.49% less |
Pharmacy Technicians in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $46,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.49% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $48,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,556 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,909 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,766
2025 BLS Actual
$44,154
2026 Current Est.
$46,556
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,766 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,505 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,556 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,089 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $32,766 (2019) to $44,154 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,089 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,323 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $38,147 – $39,165 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,165 – $46,556 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,556 – $50,940 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,940 – $61,296 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Chelmsford
Amid a local job market that employs 8 pharmacy technicians, aspiring professionals should be mindful of the cost-of-living index, currently at 108.5, which signifies that living expenses in Chelmsford are higher than the national average. Consequently, understanding which employers offer the best pay can greatly influence earnings. Typically, hospital pharmacies, particularly those focused on sterile compounding, tend to offer better compensation than retail chains like CVS or Walgreens. Additionally, competitive pay may include incentives such as shift differentials for those willing to work overnight or weekend hours. To maximize earnings, pharmacy techs should seek out positions in inpatient pharmacies or specialty pharmacies which often offer stipends for certifications like the CSPT. Also, pursuing additional training can further enhance skilled performance in compliance with USP <797> and <800>, aligning with employer preferences and potentially increasing overall salary prospects in Chelmsford, MA.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
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 $44,154 for pharmacy techniciansin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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