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Healthcare · South Carolina

How to Become a Registered Nurses in South Carolina

Registered Nurses in South Carolina earn a median salary of $79,900/year, which is 15% below the national average. South Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.4%. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $3,680/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$80K
Median salary in South Carolina
-15%
vs. national average
4.4%
State income tax
50,300
Employed in South Carolina

What a registered nurses can afford in South Carolina

Gross annual salary$79,900
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.4% state tax)$5,092/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home27.7% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$79,900/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,680/mo

Becoming a registered nurses in South Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Registered Nurses positions in South Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across South Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

This career typically involves none in South Carolina. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain South Carolina licensure or certification

South Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the South Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in South Carolina

South Carolina employs 50,300 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach and Charleston-North Charleston.

Registered Nurses salary by metro area in South Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach$83K$39.75/hr3,110
Charleston-North Charleston$81K$38.76/hr9,560
Sumter$80K$38.58/hr700
Florence$80K$38.57/hr3,060
Columbia$80K$38.51/hr9,800
Greenville-Anderson-Greer$80K$38.26/hr9,460
Spartanburg$80K$38.25/hr4,660
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal$78K$37.73/hr1,420

Registered Nurses salary range in South Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$64K
25th percentile
$75K
Median (50th)
$80K
75th percentile
$94K
90th percentile (senior)
$102K
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Full registered nurses salary breakdown in South Carolina
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a registered nurses make in South Carolina?

The median registered nurses salary in South Carolina is $79,900 per year ($38.41/hr). This is 15% below the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $64,200 to $102,040.

What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in South Carolina?

Registered Nurses positions in South Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. South Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the South Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a registered nurses afford to live in South Carolina?

At the median salary of $79,900, a registered nurses in South Carolina would take home approximately $5,092/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 27.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for registered nurses in South Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in South Carolina are Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach ($82,680), Charleston-North Charleston ($80,620), Sumter ($80,240). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does South Carolina have state income tax for registered nurses?

Yes, South Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.4%. On a $79,900 salary, this means roughly $3,486/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.