Pharmacy Technician Salary, Job Outlook & Career Insights

Dallas Pharmacy Technician Salary

Discover salary expectations, job growth trends, and career opportunities for pharmacy technicians in Dallas - Fort Worth.
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As the largest metropolitan area in Texas, the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) region is renowned for its thriving economy, diverse industries, and rapidly expanding healthcare sector. With a population exceeding 7.5 million, the demand for healthcare professionals—including pharmacy technicians—continues to rise, leading to steady job prospects and ample opportunities for advancement.

So, how much do pharmacy technicians earn in Dallas - Fort Worth?

Pharmacy technicians in DFW earn an average of $20.96 per hour, which roughly equates to $43,590 annually for full-time workers. As with any profession, actual wages vary based on factors like certification, level of training, and experience.

Pharmacy Technician Salaries in Dallas–Fort Worth

If you’re thinking about a career as a pharmacy technician in the Metroplex, you’ll find competitive pay rates. The median hourly wage is around $20.96, translating to approximately $43,590 per year for those employed full-time. Below are some general earning tiers:
  • Entry-Level (Pharmacy Technician Trainee)
    • Typically earn $16–$19 per hour, depending on the employer.
    • Work under a trainee license while gaining practical experience and preparing for the PTCB certification exam.
  • Mid-Range (Fully Licensed and Certified)
    • Generally earn $20-$22 per hour.
    • Employers favor certified pharmacy technicians due to their expertise and lower on-the-job training requirements.
    • Completing a PTCB-recognized training program and becoming certified can allow you to start in this pay range.
  • Experienced or Senior-Level Pharmacy Technicians
    • Earn $23–$26 per hour (or higher), based on experience and training.
    • Usually fully licensed, with multiple years of experience.
    • Often serve in leadership positions (e.g., lead pharmacy technicians) or specialize in areas like sterile compounding, specialty pharmacy, or hospital settings.
By gaining additional certifications, specialized training, and hands-on experience, pharmacy technicians in Dallas–Fort Worth can further enhance their earning potential and grow into higher-paying roles.

Salary Distribution in the Dallas–Fort Worth Area

Below is an approximate breakdown of pharmacy technician wages by percentile in DFW:

Hourly wage by percentile

  • 10th percentile average: $16.65
  • 25th percentile average: $17.94
  • 50th percentile (median): $20.96
  • 75th percentile average: $22.79
  • 90th percentile average: $24.83

Annual wage by percentile

  • 10th percentile average: $34,630
  • 25th percentile average: $37,310
  • 50th percentile (median): $43,590
  • 75th percentile average: $47,400
  • 90th percentile average: $51,650

Where Pharmacy Technicians Work in Dallas–Fort Worth

DFW offers an extensive range of employment settings for pharmacy technicians, thanks to its large population and robust healthcare network. Below are some of the most common workplaces and major employers in the region:

Retail & Community Pharmacies

  • Major Chain Pharmacies
    Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Kroger, and Tom Thumb are among the top retailers needing pharmacy technicians.
  • Independent & Compounding Pharmacies
    Local community pharmacies and compounding pharmacies cater to patients requiring custom medications.

Hospitals & Healthcare Systems

  • Baylor Scott & White Health
    A major healthcare network operating multiple hospitals and clinics, relying on pharmacy technicians for inpatient and outpatient roles.
  • Medical City Healthcare (HCA)
    Encompasses numerous hospitals and specialty care facilities throughout North Texas.
  • UT Southwestern Medical Center
    A premier academic medical center offering advanced research and specialized pharmacy opportunities.
  • Parkland Health
    One of the largest public hospital systems in the country, serving Dallas County with both inpatient and outpatient pharmacy services.
  • Children’s Health
    A renowned pediatric hospital system employing pharmacy technicians with specialized pediatric expertise.

Long-Term Care & Specialty Settings

  • Long-Term Care Facilities
    Senior living and rehabilitation centers often hire pharmacy technicians to manage routine medication regimens.
  • Specialty & Mail-Order Pharmacies
    Companies focusing on unique treatments (e.g., oncology, infusion, or transplant medications) and mail-order services require technicians for packaging, dispensing, and patient support.
  • Government & Military Healthcare
    Veterans Affairs clinics, military bases, and other government-operated facilities often need pharmacy technicians.

A Launchpad for Other Healthcare Careers

Working as a pharmacy technician can also serve as an excellent stepping stone to other healthcare professions. The practical, hands-on experience you gain in this role lays a strong foundation for those looking to become pharmacists, nurses, or even physicians—making it an ideal entry point for a long-term career in healthcare.
Taking the First Step

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Dallas

Becoming a pharmacy technician offers a meaningful and rewarding career, allowing you to directly help patients improve their health every day.

In addition to making a difference in the lives of others, pharmacy technicians in Dallas enjoy competitive pay, strong job security, and clear pathways toward career advancement or further opportunities in healthcare.

Follow these steps to launch your pharmacy technician career in Dallas:

Step 1: Understand Texas Licensing Requirements

Your first step toward becoming a pharmacy technician in Dallas is to familiarize yourself with Texas licensing requirements. All pharmacy technicians in Texas must obtain a valid license issued by the Texas Board of Pharmacy. The licensing process includes: passing a criminal background check, meeting education requirements, and earning a pharmacy technician certification.

For help navigating the licensing process, visit our Texas Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Training Program

When you’re ready to start training, enroll in a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician program. Our online pharmacy technician course offers Dallas residents an affordable, convenient, and flexible way to fulfill Texas licensing requirements and thoroughly prepares you for success on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

If you’d like to explore additional training options in the Dallas area, browse our curated list of pharmacy technician classes in Dallas.

Step 3: Obtain Certification and Licensure

After completing your training program, the final step is earning your official certification by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the PTCB.

Once you’ve earned your certification, you can apply for your official pharmacy technician license from the Texas Board of Pharmacy. Becoming fully licensed and certified will open doors to greater employment opportunities throughout the Dallas area, along with better starting wages, increased job stability, and expanded opportunities for career advancement and specialization.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help

Pharmacy Technician Academy is committed to helping you earn your certification and excel in your career as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and is specifically designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

By completing our 1st Pass CPhT Course, you’ll meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements—even if you have no prior pharmacy experience. The curriculum covers all essential PTCE topics, including medication fundamentals, pharmacy law, patient safety, and more, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to pass on your first try.

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, our goal is to support aspiring pharmacy technicians by providing all the resources needed to achieve certification and thrive in this rewarding profession.