PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CAREER GUIDE

Waco Pharmacy Technician
Salary, Training, and Job Outlook

Salary ranges, career opportunities, and training options for pharmacy technicians in Waco, Texas.
Write your awesome label here.
Waco, located in the heart of Central Texas, serves as a significant healthcare hub for McLennan County and the surrounding regions. With a metropolitan population exceeding 280,000 residents, Waco’s healthcare sector continues to grow steadily, creating increased demand for skilled pharmacy technicians. This ongoing growth ensures stable job opportunities and excellent potential for career advancement within the pharmacy field.

So, how much do pharmacy technicians earn in Waco, Texas?

Pharmacy technicians in Waco earn an average of $19.25 per hour, which is roughly $40,050 per year for full-time positions. Actual salaries vary based on certification status, licensure, and professional experience.

Pharmacy Technician Salaries in Waco

If you’re thinking about a pharmacy technician career in the Waco area, you can expect competitive wages and good opportunities for salary growth. The median hourly wage in Waco is around $19.25 per hour, or about $40,050 per year. Below are typical salary ranges based on experience and certification levels:
  • Entry-Level (Pharmacy Technician Trainee)
    • Generally earn $15–$17 per hour, depending on the employer and setting.
    • Work under a trainee license while preparing for a national certification, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.
  • Mid-Range (Fully Licensed and Certified)
    • Usually earn $18-$21 per hour.
    • Employers prefer hiring certified pharmacy technicians because they usually require less on-the-job training.
    • Completing a recognized training program and earning PTCB certification can help you find starting wages within this pay range.
  • Experienced or Senior-Level Pharmacy Technicians
    • Typically earn $22–$27 per hour (or higher), depending on training and experience.
    • Usually fully licensed, certified, and have a few years of hands-on experience.
    • Often hold leadership roles, such as lead pharmacy technicians, or specialize in areas like sterile compounding, specialty pharmacy, or hospital pharmacy.
By gaining additional certifications, specialized training, and professional experience, pharmacy technicians in Waco can significantly increase their salaries and move into advanced career opportunities.

Salary Distribution in Waco

Below is an approximate breakdown of pharmacy technician wages by percentile for the Waco area:

Hourly wage by percentile

  • 10th percentile average: $15.26
  • 25th percentile average: $17.01
  • 50th percentile (median): $19.25
  • 75th percentile average: $21.83
  • 90th percentile average: $26.82

Annual wage by percentile

  • 10th percentile average: $31,730
  • 25th percentile average: $35,370
  • 50th percentile (median): $40,050
  • 75th percentile average: $45,410
  • 90th percentile average: $55,780
(These figures are estimates; actual earnings depend on your employer, certifications, experience, and any additional specialized skills.)

Where Pharmacy Technicians Work in Waco

Pharmacy technicians in Waco have access to diverse employment opportunities across various healthcare settings. Some major employers include:

Community & Retail Pharmacies

  • Major Chain Pharmacies
    CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, H-E-B, Target, and Brookshire Brothers employ a large number of pharmacy technicians in their stores throughout Waco.
  • Independent & Compounding Pharmacies
    Local independent pharmacies and compounding centers provide customized medications and personalized patient care.

Hospitals & Healthcare Systems

  • Ascension Providence Hospital
    A major healthcare provider offering opportunities for pharmacy technicians in both inpatient and outpatient pharmacy services.
  • Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest
    Part of a large regional network, providing employment opportunities in clinical and specialty pharmacy roles.
  • Waco Family Medicine
    Community-focused healthcare provider employing pharmacy technicians in medication management and patient support services.

Long-Term Care & Specialty Settings

  • Long-Term Care Facilities
    Assisted living centers, skilled nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities regularly hire pharmacy technicians to oversee patient medication regimens.
  • Specialty & Mail-Order Pharmacies
    Pharmacies specializing in treatments like oncology, infusion therapies, transplant medications, or offering mail-order services depend on pharmacy technicians.
  • Government & Military Healthcare
    Local VA clinics and government healthcare facilities in and around Waco often employ pharmacy technicians.

A Launchpad for Other Healthcare Careers

Working as a pharmacy technician is a common stepping stone toward advanced healthcare professions. The practical experience and knowledge you gain make this role an ideal starting point if you’re interested in future careers such as pharmacist, nurse, or physician.
Taking the First Step

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Waco

A career as a pharmacy technician is both rewarding and impactful, giving you the opportunity to help patients improve their health and well-being every day.

Pharmacy technicians in Waco also benefit from competitive wages, steady employment, and clear pathways to advance within the healthcare field—making it a great starting point for a long-term career in healthcare.

Follow these steps to begin your pharmacy technician journey in Waco:

Step 1: Understand Texas Licensing Requirements

The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician in Waco is understanding the licensing requirements set by the state of Texas. All pharmacy technicians must be licensed through the Texas Board of Pharmacy. To obtain your license, you’ll need to: pass a criminal background check, complete the required training, and earn a pharmacy technician certification.

For a step-by-step breakdown of the licensing process and helpful tips to guide you through it, visit our Texas Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Training Program

When you’re ready to start training, you’ll need to enroll in an approved pharmacy technician program. Our PTCB-recognized online pharmacy technician course gives Waco residents an affordable and flexible option that meets Texas licensing requirements and fully prepares you to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

If you’d like to explore additional in-person and online training programs in the area, check out our curated list of pharmacy technician classes in Waco.

Step 3: Obtain Certification and Licensure

After you complete your training program, the final step is to earn your certification by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the PTCB.

Once you’re certified, you can apply for your official pharmacy technician license through the Texas Board of Pharmacy. Becoming fully licensed and certified opens the door to more employment opportunities in Waco, including higher starting pay, job security, and the potential to grow into specialized or advanced roles within the pharmacy field.

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.

Helpful Reads

Learn more

Understand licensing requirements

Before you can begin working as a licensed pharmacy technician in Texas, you must meet specific state requirements. Understanding the licensing process ahead of time can help you avoid delays and ensure you’re on the right track. Visit our Texas Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide for a step-by-step breakdown of the requirements and how to apply.

Find the right training program 

Choosing the best pharmacy technician training is the first step toward launching your career. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online courses or the hands-on experience of in-person training, there are options in Waco to fit your schedule, budget, and learning style. Browse our curated list of pharmacy technician classes in Waco to find the right program for you.