Average RN Salary in South Carolina: See How Much SC Nurses Make
South Carolina provides a moderate climate, picturesque beaches, and state parks, along with an abundance of Southern charm. The question arises: is this state an ideal location for registered nurses to pursue their careers? South Carolina not only presents excellent opportunities but also ensures an affordable quality of life for registered nurses.
Delve into the details to gain insights into the Registered Nurse Salary South Carolina and the overall Nursing Career South Carolina landscape. The demand for RNs in South Carolina is on the rise, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimating a shortfall of 10,000 RNs in the state from 2014 to 2030. Continue reading to explore the various factors influencing career prospects and RN Salary Comparison South Carolina.
- Average South Carolina RN Salary: $69,580 (Ranks 39th among all states)
- Hourly South Carolina RN Salary: WAGE
- Projected South Carolina RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 9.4%
Source: BLS, Projections Central
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Average RN Salaries in South Carolina
More than 46,000 registered nurses contribute to the workforce in South Carolina, earning an average annual salary of $69,590, equivalent to an average weekly wage of $33.45. RN salaries in the state span from $47,860 for those in the lowest 10th percentile to $86,820 and beyond for individuals in the 90th percentile. Nevertheless, compensation levels exhibit significant variations based on the type of employer, geographic location, and professional experience.
While RN salaries in South Carolina may fall below the national average, other factors can compensate for the comparatively lower wages. Many RNs find that the expanding job market and the state’s overall affordability make up for the relative decrease in salaries.
The projected nursing shortage South Carolina, driven by the urgent need for healthcare services in the state’s aging and rural communities, coupled with an increasing number of nurses approaching retirement age, contributes to the growing demand for RNs over the next decade. This demand is expected to exert upward pressure on registered nurse salaries in South Carolina.
Job opportunities for RNs abound in the state’s numerous healthcare facilities, including well-regarded nursing schools and seven nationally recognized Magnet hospitals. South Carolina’s status as a Nurse Licensure Compact South Carolina state further enhances opportunities, allowing graduates from the state’s nursing schools to qualify for multistate licenses, enabling practice in all 39 NLC member states.
South Carolina features 67 medically underserved areas, with over 95% of the population residing in health professional shortage areas (HSPAs). The National Health Service Corps extends student loan repayment assistance to RNs who commit to working in HPSAs at approved sites.
South Carolina RN Salary Range
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $47,860 | $23.01 |
| 25% | $59,720 | $28.71 |
| 50% (Median) | $72,650 | $34.93 |
| 75% | $78,380 | $37.69 |
| 90% | $86,820 | $41.74 |
Source: BLS
South Carolina RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
Registered nurses considering living and working in South Carolina should take into account the overall cost of living South Carolina for nurses to assess the amount required to meet personal and family needs. The cost of living index, utilizing the U.S. average of 100, adjusts earnings based on regional price parity (RPP), considering essentials like clothing, food, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. South Carolina’s cost of living index stands at 91.6, reflecting an 8.4% lower cost than the national average.
When adjusted for the cost of living, South Carolina’s average RN salary of $74,425 ranks 37th among all 50 states. Despite the relatively lower salaries, the Palmetto State provides RNs with an affordable standard of living. These professionals can anticipate spending less than their counterparts in other states on necessities such as groceries, housing, medical services, and transportation. Additionally, South Carolina boasts some of the lowest real estate taxes, personal income taxes, and sales taxes in the country.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $75,425 (Ranks 37th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 91.6 (8.4% lower than the U.S. average)
Top Paying Cities for RNs in South Carolina
Some of the most desirable places to live in South Carolina also offer the highest salaries for RNs in the state. The Charleston metropolitan area stands out, with registered nurses earning the highest salaries. Charleston features a growing economy, affordable housing, and numerous employment options for RNs, including positions in two Magnet hospitals.
The areas in and around Spartanburg and Greenville host several colleges and universities, providing nursing jobs South Carolina with compensation higher than the average. Columbia, the state capital, is home to the University of South Carolina, featuring a nationally ranked nursing school and two Magnet hospitals.
Myrtle Beach, renowned for its recreational attractions, also accommodates a large retirement community, providing RNs with lucrative job opportunities.
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in South Carolina
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston — North Charleston, SC | $72,670 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $71,430 |
| Columbia, SC | $69,350 |
| Greenville — Anderson — Mauldin, SC | $69,280 |
| Myrtle Beach — Conway — North Myrtle Beach, SC — NC | $66,750 |
Source: BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in South Carolina
Nursing assistants and LPN/LVNs can enter the workforce more swiftly than RNs. However, their scope of practice is limited, and they earn considerably less than RNs, who must complete either an associate or bachelor’s degree to qualify for state licensure. RN professionals interested in augmenting their salaries and expanding career possibilities can pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice degree. These graduate degrees open up opportunities for careers as advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, and nurse administrators. Nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners, the highest-paid roles in nursing in South Carolina, necessitate at least an MSN and national certification in the nursing specialty.
| Nursing Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Nursing Assistants | $29,260 |
| LPN/LVNs | $46,470 |
| Nurse Midwives | $102,850 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $213,830 |
Source: BLS
In South Carolina, registered nurses (RNs) earn an average salary of $69,590 per year, making it a decent option for nursing careers despite ranking 39th among all states. The demand for RNs is increasing due to a projected shortfall of 10,000 nurses by 2030, driven by an aging population and a growing need for healthcare services, especially in rural areas.
The RN salary range in South Carolina varies widely, with the lowest 10% earning around $47,860 and the top 10% earning over $86,820. Although salaries may be lower than the national average, factors like a lower cost of living can make the state attractive for nurses. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 91.6, which is 8.4% lower than the U.S. average, allowing RNs to enjoy a more affordable lifestyle.
Top-paying cities for RNs include Charleston, Spartanburg, and Columbia, where job opportunities abound in well-respected healthcare facilities, including Magnet hospitals. The Charleston area, in particular, offers a vibrant economy and a variety of nursing positions.
For those interested in advancing their careers, pursuing graduate degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can open doors to higher-paying roles such as nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists. These positions can command salaries as high as $213,830 for nurse anesthetists.
Conclusion
In summary, South Carolina provides excellent opportunities for RNs, with a growing job market, manageable living costs, and prospects for career advancement through nursing education. For detailed insights on online nursing papers and custom nursing papers, resources are available to assist students with nursing assignments and nursing exams, ensuring access to the best nursing papers and top nursing essays. Whether you’re searching for online nursing essays or nursing research, there are many options to support your journey in the nursing field.
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