Charleston vs Clemson: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Charleston, SC and Clemson, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Clemson, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,621▲ | $127,970 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.45▲ | $61.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,518▲ | $96,877 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,255▲ | $121,298 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,578▲ | $144,722 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,993▲ | $151,441 |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clemson.
The salary gap between Charleston and Clemson is $20,651 (16.14%). Charleston's median is +3.58% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $56,475,Clemson spans $54,564. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($147,205 effective) pays 5.25% more than Clemson ($139,858 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,621/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,993)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,205)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Clemson if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Charleston grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Clemson over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$129,060 (2019) → $145,950 (2025)
Clemson, SC
$107,851 (2024) → $125,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Clemson, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Charleston or Clemson?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov