Pharmacy Technician salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$46,660/year
about $22.43 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $39,830 – $57,800
Half of pharmacy technicians in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $46,660 a year and half earn less. That's 2% higher than the national median of $45,750, and ranks #16 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,950 | $18.25 |
| 25th | $39,830 | $19.15 |
| Median (50th) | $46,660 | $22.43 |
| 75th | $57,800 | $27.79 |
| 90th (top earners) | $64,220 | $30.88 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $39,830 ($19.15/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $39,830 to $57,800 ($19.15 to $27.79/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $57,800 ($27.79/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, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Pharmacy Technicians (SOC 29-2052). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.