Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Pharmacist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median pharmacist salary in Columbia, SC is $119,475 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$119,475
vs State Avg
+$1,327
vs National
$-13,275
Cost of Living
90%

Pharmacist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $90,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$90,000
$-10,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,200
$-15,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $86,580
25th Percentile $105,300
Median (50th) $119,475
75th Percentile $136,980
90th Percentile $149,220

Pharmacist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Pharmacist in Columbia

Education

Most pharmacist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, pharmacist employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Pharmacist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open pharmacist positions in Columbia, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Pharmacist make in Columbia, SC?
The median pharmacist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $119,475 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $86,580 (10th percentile) to $149,220 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Columbia?
Based on the median annual salary of $119,475, a pharmacist in Columbia earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for pharmacist pay?
Columbia's median pharmacist salary of $119,475 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $118,148. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC?
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a pharmacist salary of $119,475 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist in Columbia?
Most pharmacist positions in Columbia require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Pharmacology, Patient Counseling, Drug Interactions, Compounding. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.