Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in South Carolina
Based on 9K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$61,820
$29.72/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
-7.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $76K
9K employed in South Carolina
The Licensed Practical Nurse salary in South Carolina shows a median of $61,820 annually, positioning it 7% below the national average. With approximately 9,400 LPNs employed across the state, this figure offers a foundational understanding of compensation for this vital healthcare role. The salary range for LPNs in South Carolina falls between $50,370 and $76,420 per year.
Several factors can influence a Licensed Practical Nurse salary in South Carolina. Experience level plays a significant role, with more seasoned nurses typically earning higher wages. Additionally, the specific healthcare setting, such as a hospital, nursing home, or private practice, and the geographical location within South Carolina can impact earning potential, with some areas offering more competitive compensation.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,370 |
| 25th percentile | $57,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,820 |
| 75th percentile | $71,220 |
| 90th percentile | $76,420 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,020 |
| 2023 | $56,710 |
| 2024 | $59,050 |
| 2025 | $61,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,720 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,020 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $56,710 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $59,050 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $61,820 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,720 | $69,871 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $71,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $76,420 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($61,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +481.5% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +453.2% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +389.1% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +329.4% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +286.9% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +286.6% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +283.8% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +251.2% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +182.2% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +170.3% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +156.6% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +136.1% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Licensed Practical Nurses make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in South Carolina is $61,820 per year, which translates to about $30 per hour. The salary range for LPNs in the state falls between $50,370 and $76,420 annually.
What is the average salary for an LPN in South Carolina compared to the rest of the country?
- Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina earn, on average, 7.4% less than the national average. This means that while the national median salary might be higher, South Carolina offers a competitive, though slightly lower, earning potential for LPNs.
What is the job outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 9,400 Licensed Practical Nurses currently employed in South Carolina. This indicates a significant presence of LPNs in the state's healthcare workforce, suggesting a stable demand for these professionals.
Is the salary for LPNs in South Carolina within a certain range?
- Yes, the typical salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina is from $50,370 on the lower end to $76,420 on the higher end annually. The median salary sits at $61,820 per year, providing a good benchmark for expected earnings.