Houston vs Waco: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Houston, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,924▲ | $45,181 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.52▲ | $21.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,357 | $37,537▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,793▲ | $39,772 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,267▲ | $51,360 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,445▲ | $62,526 |
| Total Employed | 10,610▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Houston and Waco is $3,743 (8.28%). Houston's median is +1.42% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $27,088,Waco spans $24,989. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($49,604 effective) pays 1.61% more than Waco ($48,818 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,924/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,445)
- ✓Larger job market (10,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,604)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Waco if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Houston grew 30.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Waco over the same period.
Houston, TX
$35,540 (2019) → $46,400 (2025)
Waco, TX
$36,120 (2019) → $42,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Houston or Waco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Waco?
Should I relocate from Houston to Waco as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Houston vs Waco?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov