Registered Nurse Salary in South Carolina
Based on 50K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$82,360
$39.60/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
-12.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$67K – $107K
50K employed in South Carolina
The Registered Nurse salary in South Carolina offers a median income of $82,360 annually. This figure sits 12% below the national average, with reported salaries generally ranging from $66,860 to $106,520. South Carolina currently employs approximately 49,750 registered nurses within its healthcare system.
Several factors can influence a Registered Nurse salary in South Carolina. These often include the specific geographic location within the state, the type of healthcare facility (e.g., hospital vs. clinic), years of experience, and any specialized certifications or advanced degrees held by the nurse, all contributing to variations within the salary range.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,860 |
| 25th percentile | $77,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,360 |
| 75th percentile | $97,230 |
| 90th percentile | $106,520 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in South Carolina
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in South Carolina — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical University Hospital Authority | 4 | $68,078 |
| 2 | NuForce, LLC | 3 | $83,200 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in South Carolina
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in South Carolina.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $83,200 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,610 |
| 2023 | $78,380 |
| 2024 | $79,900 |
| 2025 | $82,360 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,896 |
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 | $75,610 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $78,380 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $79,900 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $82,360 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,896 | $96,995 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,360 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,230 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,520 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Registered Nurse ($82,360 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +336.5% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +315.2% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +267.1% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +222.3% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +190.4% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +190.2% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +188.1% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +163.6% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +111.9% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +102.9% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +92.6% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +77.2% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurse make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Registered Nurse in South Carolina is $82,360 per year, which equates to about $40 per hour. Salaries typically range from $66,860 to $106,520 annually.
What is the average salary for RNs in South Carolina compared to the national average?
- Registered Nurses in South Carolina earn 12.5% less than the national average. The median salary in South Carolina is $82,360 annually, while the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for a Registered Nurse in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, the salary range for Registered Nurses generally falls between $66,860 and $106,520 per year. This means the lowest paid RNs earn at least $66,860, while the highest earners can make up to $106,520.
How many Registered Nurses are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 49,750 Registered Nurses employed in South Carolina. This indicates a significant presence of RNs within the state's healthcare workforce.