Pharmacy Technician Salary in Hastings, NE: $43,063 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Hastings, NE earns a median $43,063/year (≈ $20.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $47,063 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, the projected 2026 median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $43,063, which reflects the competitive nature of this role, especially for those who hold specialized credentials like the CSPT (Certified Sterile Preparation Technician). The salary range for pharmacy technicians in the area spans from $33,751 at the 10th percentile to $54,678 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy variation in pay levels. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost conditions, suggest that while compensation for pharmacy technicians may be lower than the national median of $48,239, the differences may be mitigated by Hastings's lower cost of living. With just five pharmacy technicians currently employed in the area, this niche market could present unique opportunities and competition among both retail and hospital settings.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,751 | $16.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,959 | $16.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,063 | $20.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,889 | $22.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,678 | $26.29 |
Median Salary Position
10.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, NE, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,927 (2026 est.). At $43,063, the local median is 10.73% below the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hastings Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Hastings median: $43,063/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $44,122 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | -10.73% less |
Pharmacy Technicians in Hastings, NE earn a median of $43,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $44,122.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hastings, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacy technician earning $43,063 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,063 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,307
2025 BLS Actual
$40,841
2026 Current Est.
$43,063
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,307 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,798 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,735 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,976 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,708 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,841 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,063 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,405 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $30,307 (2019) to $40,841 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,405 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,098 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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) | $33,751 – $34,959 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,959 – $43,063 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,063 – $45,889 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,889 – $54,678 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Hastings
Analyzing the local job market reveals that pharmacy technicians in Hastings experience a cost-of-living index of 91.5, below the national average, which enhances the purchasing power of their salaries. Among the various employers, hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies often offer higher wages compared to retail chains like CVS and Walgreens. This disparity comes from multiple factors, including the enhanced responsibilities and compliance requirements in sterile compounding environments. Those seeking to maximize their pay in Hastings should consider acquiring certifications such as the CSPT, which can lead to stipends, as well as exploring positions in hospital settings where pay tends to be more competitive. Additionally, looking for opportunities that offer shift differentials or lead pay can provide further financial benefits, making it essential for pharmacy technicians to strategically navigate the local employment market for optimal earnings.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Hastings, NE 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
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 $40,841 for pharmacy techniciansin the Hastings 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 Hastings 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