Texas Pharmacy Technician Career FAQ
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
If you decide to work in this sector, your job duties will be quite varied. Undoubtedly, you will be working with prescriptions. From getting all necessary information from the patient, to measuring and packaging medications, to accepting payments, you will play a critical role in the process. Other duties may range from organizing and managing the inventory of medications to being the first contact person for patients in person or over the phone.
In order to carry out your responsibilities, it will help if you are organized and detail-oriented, with good listening and customer service skills.
Where Do Pharmacy Techs Work?
Pharmacy technician training can prepare you to work in a few different job settings.
Most people in the industry—52 percent—work in drug stores and pharmacies. Another eight percent work in grocery or general merchandise stores that have a pharmacy department. And 16 percent work in state, local, or private hospitals. The remainder work in other health care facilities.*
How Much Does a Pharmacy Tech Make?
Generally, those working in hospitals and other health care facilities earn the most.
As of 2018, the average annual pharmacy technician salary in Texas was $34,290, slightly above the national average of $34,020. Those working in specialty hospitals fared better, with an average annual wage of $39,560 across the nation. The top 10 percent of those earning a salary in this field made $48,010 or more per year.**
What Are the Job Prospects for Pharmacy Technicians in Texas?
Nationwide, the job outlook is excellent. And Texas is one of the best places to work as a pharmacy tech, as far as the number of jobs goes.
According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national job growth between 2016 and 2026 is projected to be 12 percent, which is faster than the average for all occupations. That means an additional 47,600 jobs in the industry over that time period.*
Texas ranks second in the nation for number of pharmacy techs employed. As of May 2018, the state had 37,200 pharmacy techs.**
Are Pharmacy Technicians Regulated in Texas?
Employment in this field is governed by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
After you complete your training at one of the pharmacy technician schools in Texas, you will be required to take a certification exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). After passing the exam, you can apply for registration with the PTCB as a pharmacy tech.***
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Why not find out more about pharmacy technician training by getting in touch with one of the schools that offer education in this area? Find one today by performing a search with your zip code!
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, website last accessed on January 2, 2018.
** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, website last accessed on July 22, 2019.
*** Texas State Board of Pharmacy, website last accessed on December 20, 2017.