Charleston vs Spartanburg: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Charleston, SC and Spartanburg, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Spartanburg, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,621 | $156,421▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.45 | $75.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,518▲ | $87,564 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,255 | $134,334▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,578 | $174,516▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,993 | $174,516▲ |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 480 |
Verdict
Spartanburg, SC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Spartanburg is $7,800 (5.25%). Spartanburg's median is +9.01% 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,Spartanburg spans $86,952. Spartanburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spartanburg ($171,795 effective) pays 16.70% more than Charleston ($147,205 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Spartanburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($156,421/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,516)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $171,795)
- ✓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 19.6% growth in Spartanburg over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$129,060 (2019) → $145,950 (2025)
Spartanburg, SC
$128,410 (2019) → $153,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Charleston or Spartanburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Spartanburg?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Spartanburg as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Charleston vs Spartanburg?
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