May 2025 BLS data
Registered Nurse salary in South Carolina
The median registered nurse in South Carolina earns $82,360/year ($39.60/hr) — 16% below the national median.
Median pay
$82,360/yr
Hourly median
$39.60/hr
State rank
#39 of 51
Employed
49,750
Registered Nurse pay percentiles in South Carolina
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32.14 | $66,860 |
| 25th percentile | $37.17 | $77,320 |
| Median (50th) | $39.60 | $82,360 |
| 75th percentile | $46.75 | $97,230 |
| 90th percentile | $51.21 | $106,520 |
The spread is large: top-decile registered nurses in South Carolina out-earn the bottom decile by $19.07/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Registered Nurses in South Carolina earn
$32.14–$51.21 /hour
Median $82,360/year · 49,750 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
Top-paying states for registered nurses
- 1. California$140,270/yr
- 2. Hawaii$136,320/yr
- 3. Oregon$129,010/yr
- 4. Washington$124,200/yr
- 5. Alaska$109,480/yr
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Registered Nurse salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in South Carolina?
The median registered nurse in South Carolina earns $82,360 per year, or $39.60 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $66,860 (10th percentile) and $106,520 (90th percentile).
What is a good registered nurse salary in South Carolina?
Top-quartile registered nurses in South Carolina earn $97,230 or more per year ($46.75/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for registered nurses?
South Carolina ranks #39 of 51 states, with a median 16% below the national median of $97,550.
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $66,860–$77,320 per year ($32.14–$37.17/hr) in South Carolina.