Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in South Carolina
Based on 22K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$37,220
$17.89/hr
vs National Average
$41,812
-11.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $45K
22K employed in South Carolina
The median Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in South Carolina is $37,220 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is 11.0% lower than the national average for CNAs. In South Carolina, there are currently around 21,760 employed CNAs.
Several factors can influence the actual earnings of a CNA in South Carolina. These include years of experience, the specific healthcare facility where they work (such as hospitals or nursing homes), and geographic location within the state. The salary range for CNAs in South Carolina typically falls between $30,460 and $44,760 annually.
Salary Distribution — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,460 |
| 25th percentile | $34,960 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,220 |
| 75th percentile | $39,690 |
| 90th percentile | $44,760 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nursing Assistant (CNA) (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nursing Assistant (CNA)s the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,710 | 40 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $47,810 | 49K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $47,050 | 47K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,920 | 430 |
| Wholesale Trade | $46,540 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,220 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,337 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,220 | $41,812 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,337 | $43,066 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $34,960 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,220 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $39,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $44,760 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Other States
Related Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Nursing Assistant (CNA) ($37,220 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +865.9% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +818.8% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +712.3% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +613.3% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +542.7% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +542.0% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +537.4% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +483.3% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +368.8% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +349.0% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +326.2% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +292.1% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Carolina is $37,220 annually, or about $18 per hour. This median is 11.0% below the national average for this role.
What is the salary range for CNAs in South Carolina?
- The salary range for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in South Carolina generally spans from $30,460 to $44,760 per year. This means most CNAs earn within this bracket, with some outliers earning more or less.
How does experience affect a CNA's salary in South Carolina?
- While specific data isn't provided, typically CNAs with more years of experience in South Carolina will earn closer to the higher end of the $30,460 to $44,760 salary range. Entry-level positions usually start at the lower end of this spectrum.
Is the Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in South Carolina competitive compared to the national average?
- No, the Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in South Carolina is not as competitive as the national average. The median salary of $37,220 per year is 11.0% lower than the national median for CNAs.