Columbia vs Knoxville: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,852 | $134,884▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.39 | $64.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,857▲ | $86,718 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,020 | $125,251▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $152,732▲ | $147,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,426▲ | $162,113 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 990▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $3,032 (2.30%). Knoxville's median is -6.00% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $70,569,Knoxville spans $75,395. Knoxville 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, Knoxville ($145,712 effective) pays 1.45% more than Columbia ($143,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,426)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,884/year)
- ✓Larger job market (990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,712)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Columbia grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$114,512 (2024) → $129,482 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$120,400 (2019) → $132,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Columbia or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Knoxville as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Columbia vs Knoxville?
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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