Pharmacist Salary in South Charleston, WV: $128,430 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in South Charleston, WV earns a median $128,430/year (≈ $61.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in South Charleston's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $148,474 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the pharmacist salary in South Charleston, WV is projected to reach a median annual income of $128,430, contrasting with the national figure of $143,489. This figure reveals a salary range where entry-level positions start around $95,477 (P10) while more experienced pharmacists can earn up to $145,031 (P90). These estimates are based on BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living factors. Understanding the differences in compensation between hospital clinical specialists and those in retail settings, including Pharmacist-In-Charge (PIC) roles, sheds light on the payment dynamics in the local job market, with positions in inpatient pharmacies typically commanding higher salaries due to their specialized nature.
About the South Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,477 | $45.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,056 | $57.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,430 | $61.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,939 | $67.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145,031 | $69.72 |
Median Salary Position
10.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Charleston
In South Charleston, WV, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,554 (2026 est.). At $128,430, the local median is 10.49% below the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Charleston: You'd be above the median
How South Charleston Pharmacist Pay Compares
South Charleston median: $128,430/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $134,061 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -10.49% less |
Pharmacists in South Charleston, WV earn a median of $128,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $134,061.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Charleston has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Charleston, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacist earning $128,430 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,474 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,647
2025 BLS Actual
$126,122
2026 Current Est.
$128,430
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,647 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,202 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,077 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,818 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,754 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,091 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,122 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,430 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,780 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Charleston metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $114,647 (2019) to $126,122 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,780 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,133 (14.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Charleston 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $95,477 – $120,056 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,056 – $128,430 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,430 – $140,939 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,939 – $145,031 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in South Charleston
As of 2026, South Charleston employs five pharmacists, a relatively small workforce indicative of the local job market's competitive nature. The prevailing cost-of-living index stands at 86.5, suggesting that while salaries might be lower than the national average, purchasing power remains favorable compared to more expensive regions. Employers like local hospitals or specialty pharmacies generally offer the highest pay, with various factors driving compensation disparities, including board certifications, shift differentials, and the impact of retail chain consolidations on job security. For aspiring pharmacists, those holding PGY-1 or PGY-2 residencies may find better opportunities in hospital or specialty settings, which often require advanced training and board certifications from BPS, ASHP, or other credible institutions. Maximizing earning potential in South Charleston may hinge on focusing on areas like hospital pharmacy, where growth is likely, as opposed to retail roles facing contraction.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $126,122 for pharmacistsin the South Charleston metropolitan area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Charleston 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