Pharmacist Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $65.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacist working in Bluffton, SC runs $65.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,216 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,325 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bluffton, South Carolina, the projected pharmacist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $65.97, which is slightly below the national median of $68.99. This hourly figure offers substantial opportunities for both part-time and per-diem pharmacists working in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospital inpatient pharmacies, and specialty care facilities. For example, a pharmacist working three days per week might earn a stable income while enjoying a balanced lifestyle, with the hourly pay range spanning from $48.83 for entry-level positions to $80.57 for top earners. As these figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data, pharmacists in Bluffton can anticipate compensation reflective of their diverse roles, contributing to the broader healthcare ecosystem in the town.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.83 | $390.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.67 | $493.35 |
| Median (P50) | $65.97 | $527.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.00 | $607.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.57 | $644.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $65.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.97/hr, a pharmacist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $137,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,159. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,638.62 | $11,434 | $137,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,583.17 | $6,860 | $82,325 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,055.45 | $4,574 | $54,883 |
Compare PharmD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist (Bluffton) | $65.97 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $137,216 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.37% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 1.30% below the South Carolina state average of $139,023.
Pharmacist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.97/hr = $82,325/year (purchasing power: $89,973).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,208/year (purchasing power: $149,954).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacists in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacists in Bluffton grew 10.0% from $58.89/hr (2019) to $64.78/hr (2025). At a 1.83% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.17/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
Part-time pharmacists working in Bluffton typically see their earnings reflect their weekly schedules. For those working 24 hours a week, yearly take-home pay would align with part-time income expectations rather than full-time salaries. The per-diem model often attracts pharmacists seeking flexibility. Retail pharmacists in per diem roles can charge $55-$75 per hour, while those taking clinical positions in hospitals or specialty pharmacies might fetch $60-$85 an hour, with oncology and critical care roles reaching up to $70-$95. While retail chain pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens may offer lower hourly rates, they generally provide health insurance benefits, creating a trade-off for choice between higher pay without benefits or lower pay with health coverage. To negotiate effectively, pharmacists in Bluffton should highlight their qualifications, experience with certifications like NAPLEX and MPJE, and the balance between competitive rates and the essential benefits required for long-term job satisfaction.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacists in Bluffton in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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