South Carolina ranks 41st of 51 states and D.C. for registered nurses pay, trailing top-paying California ($140,330) by $60,430 — a 76% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $64,200 to $102,040 — a $37,840 spread, 45% tighter than the national $69,290 range.
South Carolina employs roughly 1.5% of all registered nurses in the country (50,300 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $64,200 | $30.87 |
| 25th percentile | $75,210 | $36.16 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,900 | $38.41 |
| 75th percentile | $94,480 | $45.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,040 | $49.06 |
| Mean (average) | $84,930 | $40.83 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $79,900 | n/a |
| California | $140,330 | +76% |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | +71% |
| Oregon | $123,990 | +55% |
| Washington | $112,180 | +40% |
| Alaska | $110,690 | +39% |
| New York | $105,600 | +32% |
| District of Columbia | $104,550 | +31% |
| New Jersey | $102,730 | +29% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,900 | 1,150 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,770 | 1,090 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $80,230 | 1,420 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $80,490 | 1,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $79,190 | 10,560 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,060 | 1,540 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurses salary in South Carolina?
The mean registered nurses salary in South Carolina is $84,930 per year. The median (middle) salary is $79,900 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Registered Nurses in South Carolina?
Entry-level registered nursess (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $64,200 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $75,210 per year.
What is the highest Registered Nurses salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $102,040 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $94,480 per year.
How does the South Carolina Registered Nurses salary compare to the national average?
The median registered nurses salary in South Carolina is $79,900, which is -15% below national average of $93,600.