How Much Does a Pharmacy Tech Make in Virginia in 2026?

A typical Pharmacy Tech in Virginia earns about $21.45 per hour, or $44,610 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down further, that works out to roughly $3,718 a month and $858 a week, both calculated from the annual figure. These numbers reflect statewide pay across all experience levels and settings.

That figure runs 2% below the national typical pay of $45,750 a year, placing Virginia 30th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Lower pay in Virginia tends to track lower living costs in much of the state compared with higher-cost areas elsewhere. Roughly 10,720 people work as Pharmacy Techs across Virginia, a workforce large enough to produce reliable local pay figures in most cities.

Entry-level positions in Virginia typically offer around $17.43 an hour, or about $36,260 a year, for Pharmacy Techs just starting out. Pay in these roles reflects limited experience and often part-time or retail-pharmacy settings. Within a few years, most techs see their pay move up toward the statewide typical figure of $44,610 a year as they gain experience and certifications.

Experienced Pharmacy Techs in Virginia often earn upwards of $23.63 an hour, and the top 10% of earners make over $59,030 a year. That leaves a spread of $22,770 between entry-level and top pay. Setting plays a role, with hospital and specialty pharmacies generally paying more than retail counters, and city and years of experience also factor into where a tech lands on that range.

Virginia's typical Pharmacy Tech pay has climbed steadily over the past decade, from $28,250 a year in 2015 to $44,610 in 2025. That amounts to a gain of $16,360, a rise of 58% over ten years. The increase has been gradual and consistent year over year, without sharp jumps or dips along the way.

Virginia's 58% rise outpaces the 50% increase seen nationally over the same ten years. For someone starting as a Pharmacy Tech in Virginia now, pay has moved up steadily in recent years, though past growth is no guarantee of future increases. The trend points to a field where wages have kept climbing rather than stalling.

Pay runs highest in Charlottesville, where Pharmacy Techs typically earn $48,110 a year, about 8% above the statewide figure. Arlington and Staunton also pay above the state figure, at $46,660 and $46,100 a year respectively. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city proper.

Bristol pays the least among Virginia's tracked cities, with typical pay of $37,760 a year, putting the city spread at $10,350 between the highest- and lowest-paying areas. Arlington has the largest Pharmacy Tech workforce in the state, at 6,650 workers, even though its pay sits below Charlottesville's. Higher pay in cities like Charlottesville and Arlington generally comes with a higher cost of living, so a bigger paycheck doesn't always stretch further.

Virginia's pay compares closely with its neighbors. The District of Columbia pays more, at $47,410 a year, about 6% above Virginia, while Maryland runs slightly higher at $45,120. West Virginia pays noticeably less, at $38,210, about 14% below Virginia, and Kentucky and Tennessee also trail. Pharmacy Tech licensure or registration in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, which is worth checking before relocating.

Pharmacy Techs in Virginia typically earn $44,610 a year, or $21.45 an hour, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025), after a 58% rise over the past decade. Pay varies by city and experience, from entry-level positions near $36,260 to top earners above $59,030. Readers weighing a move into the field can check Virginia's licensing or registry requirements and compare local figures on individual city pages before deciding where to work.