RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Pharmacy Technicians salary in San Diego, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Diego metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$49,540
Mean annual$55,040
Range (10th to 90th)$39,520 to $78,580
San Diego, California employment3,840
State vs national+16.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego pharmacy technicians fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$39,52025TH$46,340MEDIAN$49,54075TH$62,09090TH$78,580

The middle 50% of workers earn between $46,340 and $62,090, with a median of $49,540.

Typical entry

  • Education

    High school diploma

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Moderate-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Speech Recognition

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.

  2. 02

    Enter prescription information into computer databases.

  3. 03

    Compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in computer.

  4. 04

    Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.

  5. 05

    Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.

  6. 06

    Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.

  7. 07

    Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.

  8. 08

    Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for pharmacy technicians.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Pharmacy Technicians in San Diego, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Pharmacy Technicians in the San Diego metropolitan area is $49,540.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Pharmacy Technicians?
The San Diego metro median is -0.2% versus the California state median of $49,640.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Pharmacy Technicians?
The San Diego metro median is +16.9% versus the BLS national figure of $42,386.
What is the salary range for Pharmacy Technicians in San Diego?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $39,520 and the 90th-percentile at $78,580 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Pharmacy Technicians?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.