Anderson vs Charleston: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Anderson, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anderson, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,179▲ | $48,176 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.64▲ | $23.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,947▲ | $39,667 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,959▲ | $40,521 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,351▲ | $50,906 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,353▲ | $59,215 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,420▲ |
Verdict
Anderson, SC offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Anderson and Charleston is $1,003 (2.08%). Anderson's median is +1.95% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $22,406,Charleston spans $19,548. Anderson 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, Anderson ($53,748 effective) pays 12.64% more than Charleston ($47,717 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anderson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,179/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,353)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,748)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Anderson grew 38.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Anderson, SC
$33,597 (2024) → $46,642 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$34,650 (2019) → $45,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anderson, SC
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Anderson or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Anderson to Charleston as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Anderson vs Charleston?
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