How much does a Certified Pharm Tech make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Pharm Tech in California is $43,628 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Certified Pharm Tech's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,272
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,006 to $49,723
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,708

Key Factors That Influence Certified Pharm Tech Salaries

A Certified Pharm Tech's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Certified Pharm Tech Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Pharm Tech's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $41,782
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $42,263
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $43,798
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $45,152
  • Expert (over 8 years): $45,321
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Certified Pharm Tech less than 1 year $41,782
Early Career Level Certified Pharm Tech 1-2 years $42,263
Mid-Level Level Certified Pharm Tech 2-4 years $43,798
Senior-Level Level Certified Pharm Tech 5-8 years $45,152
Expert Level Certified Pharm Tech over 8 years $45,321

Top Paying Cities for Certified Pharm Tech

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $43,703
  • West Hollywood: $43,672
  • Dodgertown: $43,703

Certified Pharm Tech Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Certified Pharm Tech roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Certified Pharm Tech positions in Retail & Wholesale or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Certified Pharm Tech as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Certified Pharm Tech

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $65,442 $31.0 50%
Healthcare $56,717 $27.0 30%
Biotechnology $52,354 $25.0 20%

Certified Pharm Tech Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Certified Pharm Tech's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$40,006
Average $43,628/year
$49,723
$3,334
Average $3,636/month
$4,144
$769
Average $839/week
$956
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,723 $4,144 $956 $24
Average $43,628 $3,636 $839 $21
25th Percentile $40,006 $3,334 $769 $19

Find Your Next Certified Pharm Tech Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Pharm Tech job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Aya Healthcare | San Diego, CA

    Aya Healthcare | San Diego, CA

    Join Our Team as a Surgical Tech II. An ambitious and dedicated Surgical Tech II is sought after to join our team at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego. Th... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Aya Healthcare | Santa Barbara, CA

    Aya Healthcare | Santa Barbara, CA

    Surg Tech. Pay Range: $32.15-$49.03 (Non-Union Facility. Pay is based on years of experience and internal equity). Shift differentials are offered for nigh... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Diverse Lynx LLC | San Francisco, CA

    Diverse Lynx LLC | San Francisco, CA

    Certified Or Tech / Surgical Tech (Cst). Diverse Lynx, based in Princeton, NJ, is a healthcare staffing agency serving a broad array of U.S. healthcare fac... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Bestica Healthcare | Bakersfield, CA

    Bestica Healthcare | Bakersfield, CA

    Epic Conversion Surgical Technologist. 8 week contract for epic conversion surgical technologist. Day shift. 8 hours, 40 hours a week. Ahbls required. 2 ye... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Common Spirit Health | Glendale, CA

    Common Spirit Health | Glendale, CA

    Certified Instrument Tech. Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all th... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Cross Country Medical Staffing Network | Los Angeles, CA

    Cross Country Medical Staffing Network | Los Angeles, CA

    We are currently seeking a Certified Sterile Processing Tech to work within one of our Highly Reputable Hospitals located in the Los Angeles, CA area.This ... more

    7 Days Ago

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