Aiken vs Columbia: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Aiken, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,676▲ | $41,301 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.03▲ | $19.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,797 | $37,821▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,670 | $38,623▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,223 | $49,472▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,250 | $55,651▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,470▲ |
Verdict
Aiken and Columbia are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Aiken and Columbia is $375 (0.91%). Aiken's median is -13.61% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $20,453,Columbia spans $17,830. Aiken 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, Aiken ($45,548 effective) pays 3.29% more than Columbia ($44,096 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,676/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,548)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,651)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Aiken grew 17.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$33,571 (2024) → $39,526 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$33,670 (2019) → $39,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Columbia?
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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