Houston vs Austin: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Houston, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,924 | $49,567▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.52 | $23.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,357 | $39,435▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,793 | $42,766▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,267 | $52,488▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,445▲ | $61,988 |
| Total Employed | 10,610▲ | 3,130 |
Verdict
Houston and Austin are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and Austin is $643 (1.31%). Austin's median is +2.75% 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,Austin spans $22,553. 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, Austin ($50,545 effective) pays 1.90% more than Houston ($49,604 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,445)
- ✓Larger job market (10,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,567/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,545)
- ✓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 33.4% growth in Austin over the same period.
Houston, TX
$35,540 (2019) → $46,400 (2025)
Austin, TX
$35,250 (2019) → $47,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Houston or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Austin?
Should I relocate from Houston to Austin as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Houston vs Austin?
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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