Pharmacy Technicians Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $49,540 +14% vs national
Median hourly $23.82
10th percentile $39,520
90th percentile $78,580
Employed locally 3,840
National median $43,460

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Pharmacy Technicians
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San Diego, CA
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    In San Diego, CA, pharmacy technicians earn a median annual salary of $49,540, which is notably higher than the national median of $43,460. This figure reflects an hourly rate of approximately $23.82. When compared to local household income in San Diego, where the area median stands at $102,285 annually, it becomes evident that pharmacy technicians earn around 48% of what a typical household earns. This salary positioning indicates that while pharmacy technicians' earnings are above average on a national level for their occupation, they still make up less than half of the median local household income, suggesting that most households have multiple earners or supplementary sources of income to reach the area median.

    Entry-level pharmacy technicians in San Diego tend to earn closer to the 10th percentile mark at $39,520 annually, while those with more experience and skills can approach the higher end of the salary spectrum, reaching up to the 90th percentile with earnings as high as $78,580. The difference between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as years of service, additional certifications, specialization in certain pharmaceutical areas, or employment at institutions that offer higher compensation. For instance, technicians working in larger hospitals or specialized pharmacies may receive better pay due to the increased complexity of tasks and responsibilities compared to those in smaller community pharmacies.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,520
    25th
    $46,340
    50th (median)
    $49,540
    75th
    $62,090
    90th
    $78,580

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Pharmacy Technicians salary vs area income 48% Median Pharmacy Technicians salary is 52% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Pharmacy Technicians make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Pharmacy Technicians in San Diego, CA is $23.82, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $39.03 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Pharmacy Technicians salaries?

    The median Pharmacy Technicians salary in San Diego, CA is 14% above the national median of $43,460. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Pharmacy Technicians in San Diego?

    Entry-level Pharmacy Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $39,520 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $46,340.