Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Houston, TX: $68.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Houston, TX runs $68.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,041 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Houston's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.6, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,832 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houston, Texas, the pharmacist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $68.78, closely trailing the national median of $68.99. For those working part-time, such as a pharmacist scheduled three days a week, this competitive hourly rate can result in substantial earnings while providing flexibility. Settings for pharmacists typically range from retail pharmacies to hospital pharmacies and specialty clean rooms, all of which may demand varying levels of expertise. The hourly earnings in Houston can vary significantly, from a P10 entry-level wage of $40.73 to a P90 rate of $83.31 for experienced professionals. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2025 estimates, projected to 2026, signifies a promising compensation landscape for those entering or anchored in the profession.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.73 | $325.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.21 | $497.66 |
| Median (P50) | $68.78 | $550.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.05 | $640.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.31 | $666.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houston
Based on $68.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.78/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houston, TX can expect to earn approximately $143,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,531. With a cost-of-living index of 98.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,751.04 | $11,921 | $143,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,650.62 | $7,153 | $85,832 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,100.42 | $4,768 | $57,222 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Houston) | $68.78 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.17 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $60.81 |
Pharmacists in Houston, TX earn a median of $143,041 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.31% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 1.70% above the Texas state average of $140,650.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.78/hr = $85,832/year (purchasing power: $87,026).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,054/year (purchasing power: $145,043).
CoL index: 98.629 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$62.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Houston grew 7.8% from $62.65/hr (2019) to $67.54/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.03/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacist in Houston
Part-time pharmacists in Houston, working 24 hours each week, can expect to earn approximately $85,495 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still making a meaningful income. Per diem pharmacist pay in Houston also reflects a wide range, with retail roles offering around $55-$75 per hour, while hospital and specialty pharmacy positions can rise to $60-$95 per hour depending on clinical expertise. The type of employer influences these rates as well—those in retail chains like CVS and Walgreens might experience tighter margins due to operational cuts, contrasting with the expanding opportunities in specialty pharmacies and mail-order services. While lower hourly rates might be accepted for steady hours and benefits, a pharmacist’s ability to negotiate terms and understand employer-specific compensation could lead to better long-term choices. It’s crucial to weigh the hourly pay against the stability and perks offered by full-time roles, particularly for those considering careers in hospital settings or specialized pharmacies.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacists in Houston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov