Average Pharmacy Technicians Salary in Columbia, SC
Pharmacy Technicians in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $41,460. This figure is slightly below the national average of $44,160, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation. The specific pay rates in Columbia reflect a balance between the cost of living and the concentration of opportunities within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,320.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,350 Pharmacy Technicians, Columbia, SC, demonstrates a stable employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.11 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy demand and a robust job market that is more prominent than in many other areas.
Salary Overview
The average Pharmacy Technicians in Columbia, SC earns-6.1%below the national average.
$19.9
$797
$3,455
Pharmacy Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Pharmacy Technician salaries in Columbia, SC, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, evolving pharmacy services, and general inflation likely contribute to a positive trajectory in earning potential for these professionals.
Pharmacy Technicians Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The salary range for Pharmacy Technicians in Columbia, SC, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles. This progression signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as technicians gain expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,220 | $16.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,095 | $14.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $39,000 | $18.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $51,825 | $24.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $50,320 | $24.2 |
Detailed Pharmacy Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,460 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Pharmacy Technician's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
1,350
Total Jobs
3.506
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Pharmacy Technicians roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.11 for Pharmacy Technicians in Columbia, SC, signifies that the area has a slightly higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where opportunities are readily available, and employers may actively seek qualified candidates, potentially leading to more favorable hiring conditions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Pharmacy Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $38,720↓ 7% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $39,250↓ 5% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $38,390↓ 7% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $39,660↓ 4% | 30 mi |
| Florence, SC Pharmacy Technicians Salary | $41,590↑ 0% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Pharmacy Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pharmacy Technicians make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Pharmacy Technicians in Columbia, SC is $41,460. This typically ranges from $35,220 for entry-level positions to $50,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 6.1% lower than the national median of $44,160.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Pharmacy Technicians?
Yes, Columbia, SC offers a stable earning environment for Pharmacy Technicians.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The slightly higher concentration of jobs indicates good market demand.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Pharmacy Technicians?
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 ($38,720) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Columbia, SC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Columbia, SC, is $41,460, which is approximately $2,700 less than the national average of $44,160.
What is the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC for Pharmacy Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $41,460 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Is there high demand for Pharmacy Technicians in Columbia, SC?
With a Location Quotient of 1.11, there is a slightly higher concentration of Pharmacy Technician jobs in Columbia, SC, compared to the national average, indicating a healthy demand for these professionals.
How many Pharmacy Technicians work in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 1,350 Pharmacy Technicians employed in Columbia, SC, contributing to a stable local workforce for this role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,350 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 3.506 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Pharmacy Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC