Pharmacist in Florence, SC

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers. As a pharmacist in Florence, you're looking at a median salary of $131,132 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.04. This is a solid figure for the region, but it's important to understand the context. The national average for pharmacists sits at $136,030, meaning Florence's pay is about 3.6% below the national mark. This isn't unique to Florence; it's a pattern you'll see in many mid-sized Southern cities where the cost of living is lower. The metro area, with a population of just 40,205, supports roughly 80 pharmacist jobs. The 10-year job growth projection is -3%, which might sound alarming, but in practice, this reflects a stable, mature market rather than a collapse. Turnover is low, and openings typically arise from retirements or expansion at existing facilities rather than new clinics popping up daily.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Florence market. This is based on local employer trends and regional data, not just national averages.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Practice	Florence Salary Range	Key Factors in Florence
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$115,000 - $125,000	Often start in retail chains (CVS, Walgreens) or hospital staff roles. Sign-on bonuses are uncommon here.
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$125,000 - $140,000	Move into clinical roles, specialty pharmacy, or management. This is where you see the median salary anchor.
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$140,000 - $155,000	Typically in supervisory roles at McLeod Health, clinical specialists, or independent pharmacy owners.
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$155,000 - $170,000+	Director of Pharmacy, regional management for chains, or ownership of a successful independent.

When comparing to other South Carolina cities, Florence holds its own. It pays better than smaller markets like Sumter or Orangeburg but falls short of the state's larger hubs. Columbia, the state capital, often pays $5-10k more due to a higher concentration of government and academic jobs. Charleston, with its higher cost of living, can see salaries $10-15k above Florence, but the rent and home prices there are a different world entirely. Greenville, a booming manufacturing and healthcare hub, also edges out Florence in pay. For a pharmacist seeking a balance of reasonable salary and low cost of living, Florence is a pragmatic choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $131,132 is a gross figure. To understand your actual purchasing power, we need to factor in taxes and the region's famously low cost of living. South Carolina has a progressive income tax system, and with a federal tax rate, your take-home pay will be approximately $95,000 - $100,000 annually after taxes, depending on your filing status and deductions. Let's use $98,000 for our monthly budget breakdown, which is $8,167 per month.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Florence is $792/month. This is a key advantage. Let's look at a realistic monthly budget for a pharmacist earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income	$8,167	After taxes (approx. 26% effective rate)
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$792
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, water, internet. Summers can be hot, raising AC costs.
Groceries	-$400	Slightly below national average.
Car Payment & Insurance	-$450	Florence is a car-dependent city; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	-$300	(After employer contribution)
Student Loan (Avg.)	-$400	Assuming a standard repayment plan.
Retirement (10%)	-$817	401(k) or similar. Strongly recommended.
Discretionary/Other	-$1,858	Entertainment, dining, gas, savings, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With nearly $1,900 in discretionary income after core expenses and retirement savings, a pharmacist in Florence is in an excellent position to buy. The median home price in the Florence metro area is approximately $180,000 - $220,000. A 20% down payment on a $200,000 home is $40,000, which is achievable on this salary within a few years of saving. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for that home would likely be around $1,100 - $1,300, which is still very manageable on your budget. This is one of the biggest draws of Florence: you can build equity and wealth much faster than in more expensive coastal or metropolitan areas.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

The pharmacy job market in Florence is dominated by a few key players. The -3% job growth stat means you won't see explosive expansion, but there is consistent, reliable hiring. Here are the primary employers to target:

1. McLeod Health: This is the 800-pound gorilla of the Florence healthcare scene. McLeod Regional Medical Center is a 453-bed tertiary care facility and the major employer in the region. They have a large, well-regarded pharmacy department employing staff pharmacists, clinical specialists (cardiology, oncology, critical care), and management. Hiring here is competitive; having a PGY1 residency is a significant advantage for clinical roles. They also operate several outpatient pharmacies.
2. MUSC Health Florence Medical Center: Part of the Medical University of South Carolina network, this is McLeod's primary competitor. It's a growing facility, especially in specialty services, which can create demand for pharmacists with niche expertise. They often have openings for both hospital and outpatient pharmacy staff.
3. VA Outpatient Clinic (Dorn VA): The Dorn VA Medical Center is in Columbia, but the VA has a sizable outpatient clinic in Florence. VA pharmacy jobs are known for their excellent benefits, job security, and focus on chronic disease management. Positions here are highly sought after and openings are rare but worth monitoring.
4. Major Retail Chains (CVS & Walgreens): These are the most common entry points into the Florence market. Both have multiple locations throughout the city. While the work can be fast-paced, they offer structured training and opportunities for advancement into district management. Turnover here fuels most of the entry-level openings.
5. Independent Pharmacies: Florence has a handful of successful independent pharmacies, such as Florence Pharmacy and Pee Dee Pharmacy. These often provide a more personal, community-focused work environment. While they may not match hospital salaries, they can offer ownership opportunities or a better work-life balance. Networking is key to landing a role here.
6. Regional Grocery Chains (Food Lion, Publix): Publix has a growing presence in the area and is known for its strong pharmacy benefits and customer service model. Food Lion pharmacies are also present and provide another retail option.

Insider Tip: The most valuable asset in Florence's small job market is your network. The healthcare community is tight-knit. Join the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA) and attend local events. A personal referral to a manager at McLeod or MUSC can make a huge difference.

Getting Licensed in SC

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to obtain a South Carolina pharmacist license. The process is managed by the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy. Here’s a practical breakdown:

• Requirements:

  • Graduate from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (Pharm.D.).
  • Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
  • Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for South Carolina.
  • Complete 1,500 hours of practical experience (usually your internship during school).
  • For pharmacists licensed in another state, you can apply via reciprocity (Licensure by Endorsement) if your home state is part of the NABP Compact or if you meet SC's specific criteria. You will still need to take and pass the SC MPJE.

• Costs & Timeline:

  • Application Fee: Approximately $200.
  • NAPLEX Fee: $492 (paid to NABP).
  • MPJE Fee: $200 per state (paid to NABP).
  • Fingerprinting & Background Check: ~$75.
  • Total Estimated Cost (New License): $967+ (not including travel/testing costs). Reciprocity applicants may have lower fees but must pay the SC MPJE.
  • Timeline: Allow 2-3 months from submitting your application to receiving your license, assuming your documents are in order. Start the process at least 90 days before your intended start date.

Insider Tip: The SC Board of Pharmacy website is the definitive source. Read the licensure by endorsement application carefully. If you have any disciplinary history in another state, be prepared to provide detailed explanations and documentation, as this can lengthen the review process.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Florence is a sprawling city with distinct neighborhoods. Your choice will depend on your commute tolerance and lifestyle preference. Most major employers (McLeod, MUSC) are centrally located off I-95 and Highway 501. Here’s a guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, charming, filled with older homes, local restaurants, and coffee shops. A 5-10 minute commute to McLeod or MUSC.	$850 - $1,100	Young professionals who want a short commute and a vibrant, local feel.
West Florence	Residential, family-oriented, with good schools and larger homes. A 10-15 minute commute to central hospitals.	$750 - $950	Pharmacists with families or those seeking more space and a quieter suburban setting.
South Florence / Magnolia	Convenient, with a mix of apartments and single-family homes. Close to shopping centers (Magnolia Mall) and easy highway access.	$700 - $900	A practical, balanced choice for easy commutes and everyday convenience.
Timmonsville / Rural Areas	Small-town feel, 15-20 minutes outside downtown Florence. Significantly lower rent and more land.	$550 - $750	Those who prioritize lower housing costs and don't mind a longer, predictable commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Florence is generally light compared to major metros, but rush hour sees congestion on I-95 and Highway 501. If you choose a neighborhood like Timmonsville, factor in fuel costs and time. For the best of both worlds, consider the areas just north of downtown near the McLeod campus; you get a quick commute without the downtown price tag.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the overall job market growth is flat, individual career advancement is very much alive. The key is specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: In Florence, the highest premiums are found in oncology pharmacy (at McLeod's cancer center), critical care (ICU pharmacy), and infectious diseases. These roles often require a PGY1 or PGY2 residency and can command salaries in the $140,000 - $160,000 range. Compounding pharmacy expertise is also valued, especially in independent settings.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Ladder: Move from staff pharmacist to Clinical Specialist (requires residency or equivalent experience), then to Clinical Coordinator or Manager.
  • Management: The path to Pharmacy Manager or Director of Pharmacy typically requires 5-10 years of experience and strong operational skills. These roles at McLeod or MUSC are coveted and pay well into the $150,000+ range.
  • Ownership: For entrepreneurial types, buying or starting an independent pharmacy is the ultimate path. While risky, a successful independent in a community like Florence can be highly profitable.
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth projection suggests a market that will maintain its current size. This means stability, not stagnation. Pharmacists who adapt to new roles—like medication therapy management (MTM) for insurance companies, telehealth, or consulting—will find opportunities. The rise of specialty drugs and an aging population will continue to drive demand for clinical pharmacy services within hospitals and clinics. Your long-term success will depend less on new jobs appearing and more on your ability to upskill into these evolving areas.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Florence offers a compelling package for a pharmacist who values financial health and work-life balance over the hustle of a major metro. It's a city of practicality.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, enabling homeownership and wealth building.	Limited Job Market: Only 80 jobs total; openings are infrequent and competitive.
Reasonable Commutes: You can live anywhere and be at work in 15 minutes or less.	-3% Job Growth: Fewer new opportunities; advancement often requires waiting for retirements.
Stable Employers: McLeod and MUSC are solid, long-term employers with good benefits.	Limited Cultural/Entertainment Scene: Smaller city feel; fewer concerts, museums, niche dining options.
Southern Hospitality: A friendly, tight-knit community where you can build a strong professional network.	Car Dependency: You will need a car; public transportation is not a viable option.
Lower Stress Environment: Less traffic, lower pressure than in high-cost coastal cities.	Limited Specialty Options: While present, the range of clinical specialties is smaller than in a major academic center.

Final Recommendation: Florence is an excellent choice for early to mid-career pharmacists looking to aggressively pay off student loans, save for a home, and establish a stable career without the high-pressure environment of a big city. It's also ideal for those with families seeking a safe, affordable community. It may feel limiting for a recent graduate seeking a highly specialized PGY2 role or for those who crave a bustling urban lifestyle. For the pragmatic pharmacist who understands the trade-off between a slightly lower salary and a dramatically lower cost of living, Florence is one of the best-kept secrets in the South.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a new graduate pharmacist in Florence?
Yes, it can be competitive. The market is small and stable. New graduates are most likely to find immediate openings in retail chains (CVS, Walgreens). Landing a hospital position at McLeod or MUSC right out of school is challenging; a PGY1 residency significantly improves your chances. Be prepared to apply broadly and consider starting in retail to get your foot in the door in the local market.

2. What is the lifestyle like for a pharmacist in Florence?
It's generally relaxed. The pace is slower, and the community is close. You can afford a nice home, enjoy weekends at nearby lakes or the coast (Myrtle Beach is 70 miles away), and have a manageable daily commute. It's not a nightlife hub, but there are good local restaurants, parks, and family-friendly activities. The social scene often revolves around church, sports, and community events.

3. Are there opportunities for pharmacist technicians in Florence?
Yes, and the demand is often steady. Technician roles are available at all the major employers listed above. The pay is lower (typically $15-$22/hour), but the entry requirements are less stringent. It can be a good pathway to gain experience before pursuing a Pharm.D., or for those who prefer a supportive role without the liability and student debt.

4. How does the weather affect the job and lifestyle?
Florence has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The heat and humidity from June to September can be intense, which is reflected in higher electricity bills. However, there are no major snow days that shut down the city, so commutes are reliable year-round. The proximity to both the mountains (3-hour drive) and the coast (1.5-hour drive) offers easy escapes for outdoor enthusiasts.

5. What's the best way to network for pharmacy jobs in Florence?
The South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA) is your best bet. Attend their annual meeting and any local chapter events. Also, connect with the pharmacy directors at McLeod and MUSC via LinkedIn. Let them know you're interested in the Florence market, even if a job isn't posted. The local pharmacy community is small, and a personal connection can make a big difference when a position does open up.