Registered Nurse Salaries in South Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a registered nurse make in South Carolina? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $79,900/yr ($38.41/hr), with around 50,300 people working in this field statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in South Carolina are below the national average by approximately $10,276. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for registered nurses, especially in metro areas.
South Carolina Registered 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 Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Carolina median of $79,900.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — South Carolina
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in South Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataregistered nurses pay in South Carolina has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the registered nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Carolina's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — South Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $88,700 | $42.64 | +11.0% | 17,605 |
| Charleston | $84,700 | $40.72 | +6.0% | 14,084 |
| North Charleston | $82,300 | $39.57 | +3.0% | 9,054 |
| Mount Pleasant | $76,700 | $36.88 | -4.0% | 4,527 |
| Greenville | $72,700 | $34.95 | -9.0% | 3,018 |
| Rock Hill | $69,500 | $33.41 | -13.0% | 2,012 |
Tip: Columbia offers the highest registered nurse salaries in South Carolina at $88,700/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 registered 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%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in South Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in South Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Carolina job market. Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for registered nurses, especially in metro areas.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in South Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in South Carolina typically adds $65,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbia pays registered nurses $88,700/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. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals 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 registered nurses $81,860/yr — 2.5% vs South Carolina.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in South Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in South Carolina:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in South Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in South Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Columbia, SC→