Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $58.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Columbus, NE runs $58.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,600 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,556 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pharmacists in Columbus, Nebraska, can expect a median hourly pay of $58.94, which is notably below the national median of $68.99 per hour. For those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a salary that can still support a comfortable living, especially given Columbus's cost of living index of 91.5. For entry-level pharmacists, hourly earnings begin at around $46.26, while top earners can earn as much as $71.14, reflecting a competitive pay scale for the area. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary data projections and illustrate the potential for employment in various settings, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital pharmacy departments, and specialized pharmacy operations.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.26 | $370.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.87 | $454.98 |
| Median (P50) | $58.94 | $471.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.26 | $514.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.14 | $569.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $58.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.94/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $122,594 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,727. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,357.57 | $10,216 | $122,594 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,414.54 | $6,130 | $73,556 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $943.03 | $4,086 | $49,037 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Columbus) | $58.94 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.17 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $60.81 |
Pharmacists in Columbus, NE earn a median of $122,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $131,264.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.94/hr = $73,556/year (purchasing power: $80,389).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,594/year (purchasing power: $133,982).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Columbus grew 10.0% from $52.61/hr (2019) to $57.88/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacist in Columbus
Delving into the part-time earning potential, a pharmacist in Columbus who works 24 hours a week could realistically take home about $73,000 annually if they maintain the median hourly rate. This figure demonstrates the viability of part-time work for individuals otherwise balancing school or additional certifications like the NAPLEX or an ASHP residency. Per diem positions offer flexibility and vary considerably in pay; for instance, retail pharmacists in Columbus can earn between $55 and $75 per hour, while hospital settings pay between $60 and $85 per hour for clinical roles. Specialty pharmacies dealing with critical care might even offer higher rates from $70 to $95 per hour. The disparity in pay scales based on the type of employer reflects the competitive landscape in Columbus, where those accepting lower pay for guaranteed hours and benefits often find stability, while others may choose higher hourly rates without benefits for the flexibility they offer. Pharmacists contemplating their options should consider these variables while leveraging local market conditions to negotiate favorable hourly pay.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacists in Columbus. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov