Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in South Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026South Carolina pays licensed practical nurses a median wage of $59,050 per year — that's $28.39/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 8,740 licensed practical nurses make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in South Carolina are below the national average by approximately $4,437. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
South Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for licensed practical nurses.
South Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Carolina median of $59,050.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — South Carolina
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in South Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataLicensed Practical Nurse salaries in South Carolina have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Carolina's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — South Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $65,550 | $31.51 | +11.0% | 3,059 |
| Charleston | $62,600 | $30.10 | +6.0% | 2,447 |
| North Charleston | $60,800 | $29.23 | +3.0% | 1,573 |
| Mount Pleasant | $56,700 | $27.26 | -4.0% | 786 |
| Greenville | $53,750 | $25.84 | -9.0% | 524 |
| Rock Hill | $51,350 | $24.69 | -13.0% | 349 |
Tip: Columbia offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in South Carolina at $65,550/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
South Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Carolina sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in South Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in South Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Carolina job market. South Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for licensed practical nurses.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in South Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina typically adds $48,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbia pays licensed practical nurses $65,550/yr — +11.0% above the South Carolina average. Simply relocating within South Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in South Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Carolina pays licensed practical nurses $61,380/yr — 3.9% vs South Carolina.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in South Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in South Carolina:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in South Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in South Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Columbia, SC→