Pharmacy Technician Salary in Salem, VA: $44,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacy technician in Salem, VA earns a median $44,757/year (≈ $21.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $43,369 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, VA, the projected median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in 2026 is $44,757, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $48,239. The salary range varies significantly, with the lowest earners positioned at $34,571 and the highest at $56,177. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, indicate that there's potential for growth in this sector, especially as shift differentials and overnight retail premiums contribute to an enhanced earnings experience. Specifically, those who work nights or in specific settings, such as hospitals or specialty pharmacies, often see substantial increases in pay, prompting interest in the evolving job market in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,571 | $16.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,729 | $18.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,757 | $21.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,398 | $22.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,177 | $27.00 |
Median Salary Position
7.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the pharmacy technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,606 (2026 est.). At $44,757, the local median is 7.22% below the national median of $48,239.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Pharmacy Technician Pay Compares
Salem median: $44,757/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $46,141 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $48,239 | -7.22% less |
Pharmacy Technicians in Salem, VA earn a median of $44,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.22% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $46,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $44,757 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,369 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,500
2025 BLS Actual
$42,448
2026 Current Est.
$44,757
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,567 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,024 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,192 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median pharmacy technician salary grew 34.8% from $31,500 (2019) to $42,448 (2025). At a 5.44% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,192 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,692 (49.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $34,571 – $38,729 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,729 – $44,757 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,757 – $47,398 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,398 – $56,177 |
CPhT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacy technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacy Technician Job Market in Salem
As of 2026, only six pharmacy technicians are currently employed in Salem, indicating a relatively small market but one that could be bolstered by rising demand for qualified professionals. The cost of living index in Salem, which stands at 103.2, means that while salaries are slightly below the national average, purchasing power remains fairly stable. Retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are among the top employers, while specialized roles in hospitals and mail-order operations generally offer the highest salaries. Factors influencing the broad pay spectrum include various certifications, such as the CSPT credential, and the shift differential opportunities in hospital settings. For those looking to maximize their pharmacy technician pay in Salem, taking advantage of specialized training and seeking employment in higher-paying environments may yield the best financial outcomes.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $42,448 for pharmacy techniciansin the Salem 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 Salem 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