Registered nurse salary in South Carolina
The median registered nurse in South Carolina earned $82,360 a year in 2025, $15,190 (16%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 39th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $82,360
- Average yearly pay
- $87,670
- Employed in South Carolina
- 49,750
How South Carolina compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in South Carolina
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $82,360 | 49,750 |
| LPN or LVN | $61,820 | 9,400 |
| Nurse practitioner | $123,290 | 5,670 |
A nurse practitioner in South Carolina earns a median $40,930 more than a registered nurse ($123,290 against $82,360). A registered nurse earns a median $20,540 more than an LPN or LVN here ($82,360 against $61,820).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in South Carolina?
The median is $82,360 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in South Carolina earn more and half earn less.
Is South Carolina a high-paying state for registered nurses?
South Carolina ranks 39th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so South Carolina pays 16% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in South Carolina?
BLS counted 49,750 registered nurses employed in South Carolina in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In South Carolina the average is $87,670, $5,310 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.