Senior Pharmacy Technician Salary in Davis, CA: $70,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of pharmacy technicians working in Davis, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $70,815/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2052. Strip back Davis's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $62,613 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the senior pharmacy technician salary in Davis, CA, reaches a notable median of $53,940, reflecting the community's growing demand for experienced professionals. Top earners in this field, earning up to $70,815, highlight a significant experience premium compared to the median. Specifically, the gap between the median pay and the upper range showcases the potential for skilled technicians to advance both financially and professionally, with a focus on building expertise in niche areas. Achieving top-tier compensation in this market typically necessitates several years of dedicated experience alongside specialized training, showcasing the value of investing in advanced credentials and certifications.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Experienced pharmacy technicians at the top of the pay scale in Davis earn between $59,791 and $70,815 per year (2026 est.). This $27,984 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Davis median of $53,940 sits 11.82% above the US median.
Top CPhT Salary Comparison
| Level | Davis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $53,940 | $48,239 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,791 | $52,709 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $70,815 | $64,361 |
In Davis, experienced pharmacy technicians (P90) earn 31.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Pharmacy Technician Pay in Davis
Advanced Certifications in California
CA pharmacy technicians with additional specialty certifications within the pharmacy field earn significantly above the $53,940 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Davis employers.
Specialty Focus
Pharmacy Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the pharmacy field in Davis command premium compensation, often reaching the $59,791–$70,815 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Davis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced pharmacy technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured pharmacy technicians in Davis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Pharmacy Technicians in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Pharmacy Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Davis
Clinical Pharmacy Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Pharmacy Technician
5-10 yearsPharmacy Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDavis ranks #150 of 158 California cities for top earner pharmacy technician salary (90th percentile: $70,815).
Top 10% pharmacy technician compensation in Davis ($70,815) is 16.52% below the California average P90 ($84,830).
2019 BLS Actual
$54,057
2025 BLS Actual
$67,161
2026 Current Est.
$70,815
2019–2027 Growth
+38.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,057 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,718 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,859 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,642 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,667 | Projected |
Top-earning pharmacy technicians (90th percentile) in Davis saw their compensation grow 24.2% from $54,057 in 2019 to $67,161 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.44% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $74,667 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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.
Maximizing Your Pharmacy Technician Earnings in Davis
Compensation for experienced pharmacy technicians varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. In Davis, professionals with expertise in critical areas such as sterile compounding, chemotherapy preparation, and hospital pharmacy automation command higher salaries. Senior positions in diverse settings—ranging from retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens to specialized institutions like long-term care pharmacies—often come with different pay scales. Technicians pursuing roles such as lead pharmacy tech or pharmacy operations supervisor may also consider obtaining advanced certifications like the CSPT, which can further enhance their earning potential. Moreover, non-salary benefits such as CSPT certification stipends, shift differentials, and lead technician pay play an essential role in overall compensation. As the demand for pharmacy technicians continues to grow, driven by shifts in healthcare needs, those in Davis are well-positioned to take advantage of these evolving opportunities.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced pharmacy technicians make in Davis in 2026?
What drives higher pharmacy technician pay in Davis?
What certifications boost pharmacy technician salary in Davis?
Can experienced pharmacy technicians make six figures in Davis?
How much does pharmacy technician salary increase over time in Davis?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $67,161 for pharmacy technicians in the Davis metro area. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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