The average nurse salary in South Carolina is $74,330 per year or $35.74 per hour. Salaries vary by experience, location, and specialization. Entry-level nurses earn closer to $60,000 annually, while experienced registered nurses can earn over $90,000 depending on the region and facility type.
Average Registered Nurse Salary in South Carolina
Registered nurses in South Carolina earn $69,580 to $72,650 per year. That equals $32.42 to $37.83 per hour. The state average salary for RNs is below the national average, but living costs are lower than in many other states.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in SC are typically paid less than in Georgia and North Carolina. However, expenses like housing, transportation, and food are cheaper, especially in cities like Greenville, Columbia, and Spartanburg.
Nurse Salary in South Carolina
| Role | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Salary Range (Low–High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $69,580–$72,650 | $32.42–$37.83 | $47,860–$86,820 | Median: $72,650; 25th percentile: $59,720; 90th: $86,820 |
| New Grad RN | $67,415 | $33 | $55,403–$83,788 | Most earn $61,128–$75,985 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $102,850 | N/A | N/A | Higher than RN average |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $213,830 | N/A | N/A | Highest paid among nursing roles |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $46,470 | N/A | N/A | Lower than RN average |
RN, NP, CRNA, and LPN Pay Comparison in SC
Nurse anesthetists in South Carolina earn the highest average salary at $213,830. Nurse practitioners follow with $102,850. Registered nurses earn about $72,650, while licensed practical nurses average $46,470.
- RNs work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices across the state.
- NPs often work in primary care or urgent care and have more authority than RNs.
- CRNAs handle anesthesia in surgery centers and hospitals.
- LPNs support patients in nursing homes and rehab facilities.
These roles make up the core of the SC healthcare workforce.
Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in South Carolina
Charleston, North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville are the highest paying cities for registered nurses. RNs in Charleston-North Charleston can earn $44 to $47 per hour, depending on facility and experience. In Columbia, hourly pay is around $36 to $39.
Other SC cities and metro areas:
- Myrtle Beach: $34 to $36/hour.
- Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Beaufort: Above average due to hospital demand.
- Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin: Competitive rates for urban hospitals.
- Spartanburg and Anderson: Pay ranges from $32 to $35/hour.
Nurses in cities typically earn more than those in rural counties, though rural clinics sometimes offer bonuses or loan repayment.
Nurse Salaries vs Cost of Living in SC
South Carolina’s lower cost of living increases the value of nurse salaries. Compared to other states, housing costs are lower, and groceries, transportation, and healthcare cost less.
- Housing: Median home price is about $235,000.
- Food: Grocery prices are 8% below the national average.
- Transportation: Gas and car insurance are cheaper than in most states.
In cities like Charleston or Columbia, nurses can afford more on their income than in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia or other urban metro areas.
Salary Growth and Job Demand for Nurses in SC
Registered nurse jobs in South Carolina are growing steadily. The healthcare sector is expanding, especially in elder care, home health, and urgent care centers.
- RN demand is high in both cities and rural areas.
- NPs and CRNAs are needed in surgical centers and private practices.
- Labor statistics show consistent job growth through 2030.
In Charleston and Greenville, hospital systems are increasing nurse hiring. South Carolina continues to see job growth across the healthcare industry.
Ways Nurses Can Earn More in South Carolina
Nurses in SC can increase their pay by specializing, working in-demand shifts, or pursuing advanced credentials.
Ways to increase earnings:
- Shift Differentials: Night/weekend pay is often $5–$10 higher per hour.
- Travel Nursing: Temporary roles in hospitals and rehab centers offer more hourly pay.
- Specialties: ICU, ER, psych, and hospice pay $42–$48/hour.
- Certifications: Earning BLS, ACLS, or CCRN raises base pay.
- Promotion: Nurse managers and directors earn $90,000–$140,000/year.
Many hospitals in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville offer sign-on bonuses up to $10,000 for full-time RNs.
South Carolina Nursing Jobs Outlook: Is SC a Good State to Work In?
Yes. South Carolina is a good state for registered nurse jobs. While average salaries are slightly below other states, living costs are low, and job opportunities are growing in all healthcare settings.
RNs, NPs, and nursing assistants are needed in clinics, long-term care, and hospital systems. The state’s workforce demand is expected to increase over the next five years.
Popular FAQs
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How much do nurse salaries in South Carolina differ between urban and rural areas?
RNs in Charleston and Columbia earn $44–$47/hour, while those in rural counties may earn $32–$34/hour. Loan forgiveness is common in rural hospitals.
What is the salary progression for nurses who pursue advanced certifications or specialties in South Carolina?
Nurses with specializations like home health, acute care, or hospice can earn $44–$48/hour. Promotions into management bring $90,000 to $140,000 annually.
Are there significant differences in pay for nurses working per diem, contract, or travel assignments in South Carolina?
Yes. Travel nurses often earn more, especially in urban hospitals or during staff shortages. Benefits are usually less generous in per diem roles.
How does overtime or shift differential impact nurse pay in South Carolina?
Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular hourly rate. Evening and weekend shifts can add $5–$10/hour to base pay.
What benefits are commonly included in nurse compensation packages in South Carolina?
Standard packages include:
– Health insurance
– 401(k) plans
– PTO
– Tuition reimbursement
– Sign-on bonuses (up to $10,000)
How do South Carolina nurse salaries compare to neighboring states, and does it impact nurse migration?
SC nurses earn less than in North Carolina ($56/hour) and Georgia ($44/hour). Some RNs living near state borders commute to higher-paying jobs in Charlotte or Savannah.
Final Summary
- Registered nurse salary in South Carolina averages $72,650/year.
- Nurse practitioners earn over $100,000/year.
- Nurse anesthetists are the highest paid, earning $213,830/year.
- Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville are the highest paying cities.
- SC offers affordable living, steady job growth, and many opportunities for career advancement in the nursing workforce.
