Columbus vs Hattiesburg: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Columbus, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,875 | $39,508▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.69 | $18.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,081 | $32,286▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,203 | $37,189▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,592 | $46,415▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,343 | $49,884▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Hattiesburg is $633 (1.63%). Hattiesburg's median is -18.10% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $16,262,Hattiesburg spans $17,598. Hattiesburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($45,362 effective) pays 0.62% more than Hattiesburg ($45,083 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,362)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,508/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,884)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Columbus grew 43.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$25,788 (2024) → $36,869 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$30,400 (2019) → $37,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Columbus or Hattiesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Hattiesburg?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Hattiesburg as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Columbus vs Hattiesburg?
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