Columbia vs Lexington: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,301▲ | $39,698 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.85▲ | $19.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,821▲ | $31,869 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,623▲ | $32,690 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,472▲ | $41,599 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,651▲ | $48,775 |
| Total Employed | 1,470▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $1,603 (4.04%). Columbia's median is -14.38% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $17,830,Lexington spans $16,906. Columbia 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, Columbia ($44,096 effective) pays 1.64% more than Lexington ($43,386 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,301/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,651)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,096)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Columbia grew 16.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$33,670 (2019) → $39,170 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$31,978 (2024) → $37,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov