Pharmacy Technician salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$54,500/year
about $26.20 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $47,920 – $66,750
Half of pharmacy technicians in the San Diego metro area earn more than $54,500 a year and half earn less. That's 19% higher than the national median of $45,750, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $44,310 | $21.30 |
| 25th | $47,920 | $23.04 |
| Median (50th) | $54,500 | $26.20 |
| 75th | $66,750 | $32.09 |
| 90th (top earners) | $81,190 | $39.03 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a pharmacy technician job in the San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $47,920 ($23.04/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $47,920 to $66,750 ($23.04 to $32.09/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $66,750 ($32.09/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Certification (such as CPhT) is required in many states and often comes with higher pay.
- Hospital pharmacy roles often pay more than retail pharmacy roles.
- Ask about evening, weekend and holiday shifts, and any differential pay for them.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, San Diego metro. Occupation: Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.