Are you looking to increase your pharmacy technician salary in Texas? Here are some proven strategies to help boost your earning potential:

Earn National Certification (PTCB or ExCPT)
Getting certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association’s ExCPT exam can significantly improve your job prospects and pay. Many employers in Texas prefer or require certification, especially in major metro areas like Dallas, Houston, and Austin.

Build Experience in Specialized Settings
Pharmacy technicians who work in specialized roles—such as sterile compounding, oncology, or inpatient hospital settings—often earn more than those in retail. Hospitals like Houston Methodist, Baylor Scott & White, and UT Southwestern Medical Center offer opportunities to gain experience in higher-paying environments.

Negotiate Your Pay
When starting a new role or during performance reviews, come prepared to negotiate. Use salary data for your area—such as the average hourly wage of $18–$22 for certified pharmacy techs in Texas—as a benchmark to advocate for fair compensation.

Pursue Continuing Education
Staying current with industry changes can make you more valuable to employers. Attend CE courses, workshops, or conferences through groups like the Texas Pharmacy Association or local colleges with pharmacy technician programs.

Advance Your Education
Earning an associate degree or completing an advanced pharmacy technician program can open the door to supervisory roles or specialized certifications. Institutions like Houston Community College, San Jacinto College, and Austin Community College offer affordable programs that fit around work schedules.

Look Outside of Retail
Retail chains like CVS and Walgreens are common employers, but jobs in hospital pharmacies, mail-order companies, and federal healthcare facilities typically offer better pay and benefits. Explore opportunities with systems like the VA, HCA Healthcare, or regional medical centers throughout Texas.

With strong demand across the state and multiple paths to advancement, pharmacy technicians in Texas have real opportunities to grow their careers and income.

If you're thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas, you're in the right place. The process is straightforward and offers great opportunities in retail, hospital, and specialty pharmacy settings. Here's how to get started:

1. Meet the Basic Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check. These are the minimum qualifications required by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP).

2. Register as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee
Before gaining experience or working in a pharmacy, you’ll need to apply for a Pharmacy Technician Trainee registration with the TSBP. This registration is valid for two years and gives you time to complete training and earn your certification.

3. Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
While Texas doesn’t require formal education, completing a recognized training program helps you prepare for certification and job responsibilities. You can find programs at community colleges and vocational schools like Houston Community College, Dallas College, or Austin Community College. Online options like Stepful also offer flexible, affordable training.

4. Earn National Certification (PTCB or NHA)
To become a full pharmacy technician in Texas, you must pass one of the following:

PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board)

ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) through the National Healthcareer Association

Certification qualifies you to upgrade your trainee registration to a full Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT).

5. Upgrade to Full Technician Registration
Once certified, apply to the TSBP to update your status from trainee to certified pharmacy technician. This allows you to take on more responsibilities and access higher-paying roles.

6. Maintain Certification and Registration
You must renew your registration every two years and complete continuing education requirements to stay certified.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that pharmacy technician employment is expected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033—outpacing the average growth rate for most other occupations. This national trend represents approximately 47,400 job openings per year, largely due to retirements, career changes, and the growing demand for prescription services.

In Texas, pharmacy technicians play a vital role across a wide range of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order facilities, and specialty care centers. As of May 2023, Texas employed around 38,960 pharmacy technicians, making it one of the top states for pharmacy tech employment. With an employment rate of 2.917 per 1,000 jobs and a steady pipeline of new openings each year, Texas offers significant opportunity for entry-level and experienced technicians alike.

With strong national growth and a large, dynamic healthcare market, Texas is a promising place to begin or advance a career as a pharmacy technician.