Athens vs Columbus: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Athens, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,650 | $135,220▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.73 | $65.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,395 | $108,836▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,762 | $126,595▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,531 | $156,584▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,891 | $176,614▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Columbus is $570 (0.42%). Columbus's median is -5.76% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $85,496,Columbus spans $67,778. Athens 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, Columbus ($151,429 effective) pays 4.97% more than Athens ($144,253 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,220/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,614)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,429)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Athens grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Athens, GA
$120,390 (2019) → $132,230 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$134,070 (2019) → $132,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Athens or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Athens to Columbus as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Athens vs Columbus?
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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