Columbia vs Lexington: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,299▲ | $131,262 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.53▲ | $63.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,879 | $93,828▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,606 | $120,390▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,393▲ | $144,658 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,643▲ | $149,217 |
| Total Employed | 1,050▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $5,037 (3.84%). Columbia's median is -5.01% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $89,764,Lexington spans $55,389. Columbia 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, Columbia ($145,522 effective) pays 1.44% more than Lexington ($143,456 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,643)
- ✓Larger job market (1,050 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,522)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Columbia grew 12.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$118,730 (2019) → $133,850 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$110,626 (2024) → $128,903 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Columbia or Lexington?
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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