Anderson vs Charleston: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Anderson, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anderson, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,247 | $148,621▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.91 | $71.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,689 | $114,518▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $130,668 | $133,255▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,127 | $164,578▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,692 | $170,993▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Anderson.
The salary gap between Anderson and Charleston is $7,374 (5.22%). 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 Anderson spans $63,003,Charleston spans $56,475. Anderson 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, Anderson ($154,368 effective) pays 4.87% 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 Anderson if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,368)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,621/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,993)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Anderson grew 19.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Anderson, SC
$116,228 (2024) → $138,709 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$129,060 (2019) → $145,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anderson, SC
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Anderson or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Anderson to Charleston as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Anderson vs Charleston?
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