Pharmacist Salary in Waco, TX: $153,468 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Waco, TX earns a median $153,468/year (≈ $73.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Waco's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.5), that paycheck buys what $165,822 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.1% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, pharmacists in Waco, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $153,468, which reflects a notable premium compared to the national median of $143,489. The salary range for pharmacists in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $120,770 and experienced professionals earning upwards of $176,675. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlight the competitive nature of the local market. Notably, residency-trained pharmacists may see even higher compensation, particularly in hospital and specialty roles, where advanced qualifications often lead to salary premiums that set them apart from their non-residency counterparts. As Waco's healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the demand for qualified pharmacists remains strong, influencing compensation potential in this vibrant Texas city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $120,770 | $58.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,098 | $64.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,468 | $73.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,938 | $83.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,675 | $84.95 |
Median Salary Position
6.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waco
In Waco, TX, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,905 (2026 est.). At $153,468, the local median is 6.95% above the national median of $143,489.
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At 40 hours/week in Waco: You'd be above the median
How Waco Pharmacist Pay Compares
Waco median: $153,468/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $140,667 | +9.10% more |
| National Average | $143,489 | +6.95% more |
Pharmacists in Waco, TX earn a median of $153,468 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.95% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 9.10% above the Texas state average of $140,667.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waco has a cost of living 7.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacist earning $153,468 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $165,822 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,510
2025 BLS Actual
$150,710
2026 Current Est.
$153,468
2019–2027 Growth
+22.6%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,468 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,276 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waco metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 18.2% from $127,510 (2019) to $150,710 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,276 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,766 (22.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $120,770 – $135,098 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,098 – $153,468 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,468 – $172,938 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,938 – $176,675 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Waco
With approximately 180 pharmacists currently employed in Waco, the local job market shows a promising scope for those entering the profession. The cost of living index in Waco is 92.55, suggesting a reasonable affordability that positively impacts take-home pay. Among local employers, hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies such as Accredo tend to offer the highest salaries, outpacing retail chains like CVS and Walgreens, which face ongoing consolidation and market pressures. The broad salary range reflects factors that drive compensation discrepancies, including board certification stipends, residency experiences, and differentials for overnight shifts. For pharmacists in Waco, pursuing board certification through BPS and seeking roles in expanding sectors—such as clinical specialists or ambulatory care—can provide avenues for maximizing earnings potential amid a shifting retail landscape. Engaging in continuous education and staying abreast of new opportunities will be crucial for those looking to enhance their pharmacist pay in Waco, TX.
More salary data for Waco, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $150,710 for pharmacistsin the Waco metropolitan area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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