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Average Pharmacists Salary in Columbia, SC

Pharmacists in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $129,210, positioning them slightly below the national average of $136,140. This localized compensation is influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, demand within the healthcare sector, and the specific needs of the South Carolina market. Understanding these dynamics is key to assessing earning potential in this vibrant city.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $129,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $163,480.
  • Outlook: The pharmacist job market in Columbia, SC, shows a healthy level of demand, evidenced by a total local workforce of 1,030 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates that pharmacists are more concentrated in Columbia than the national average, suggesting a robust and stable job market with consistent opportunities for skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$129,210

The average Pharmacists in Columbia, SC earns-5.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$62.1

Weekly

$2,485

Monthly

$10,768

Pharmacists Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Salary progression for pharmacists in Columbia, SC, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior pharmacists with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential throughout a pharmacist's career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$76,420$36.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$96,908$46.6
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$134,730$64.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$161,513$77.7
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$163,480$78.6

Detailed Pharmacists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$129,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$129,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $129,210 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), pharmacists relocating to or residing in Columbia, SC, will find their nominal income holds its purchasing power effectively. This means the salary offers a comparable standard of living to the national average, making Columbia an economically stable choice for professionals.

Job Market Context

1,030

Total Jobs

2.68

Per 1K Jobs

1.26

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.26, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Pharmacists roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.26 for pharmacists in Columbia, SC, signifies a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand is consistently met by a readily available pool of talent, indicating good opportunities for both employers seeking staff and pharmacists seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Pharmacists

CitySalaryDist.
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary$124,400↓ 4%13 mi
Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary$126,980↓ 2%13 mi
Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Pharmacists Salary$125,910↓ 3%13 mi
Sumter, SC Pharmacists Salary$130,180↑ 1%30 mi
Florence, SC Pharmacists Salary$171,970↑ 33%64 mi

Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC

Hiring Pharmacistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pharmacists make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Pharmacists in Columbia, SC is $129,210. This typically ranges from $76,420 for entry-level positions to $163,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 5.1% lower than the national median of $136,140.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Pharmacists?

Yes, Columbia, SC offers a competitive salary for Pharmacists.The average salary of $129,210 is strong, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, your earnings maintain excellent purchasing power.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Pharmacists?

The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($124,400) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Columbia, SC pharmacist salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for pharmacists in Columbia, SC is $129,210, which is slightly below the national average of $136,140.

What is the total number of pharmacists in Columbia, SC?

There are approximately 1,030 pharmacists employed in the Columbia, SC area.

Is the job market for pharmacists strong in Columbia, SC?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates a higher concentration of pharmacists than the national average, suggesting a robust job market.

How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC affect pharmacist salaries?

Columbia, SC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the average salary of $129,210 provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,030 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 2.68 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC