Registered Nurse Salary Guide: South Carolina
Average Registered Nurse Salary
$39.54/hour
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in South Carolina is $39.54 per hour. This is 13% lower than the US average of $44.71.
Last updated on November 13, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Registered Nurse salaries in South Carolina compared to National Averages
$39.54/hour
South Carolina
13% lower than the US average.
$44.71/hour
United States
What cities in South Carolina pay the most for Registered Nurses?
Charleston, South Carolina pays Registered Nurses the most, averaging $44 per hour, followed by Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ($44) and Lexington, South Carolina ($42). Charleston, South Carolina also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $47. For comparison, the South Carolina average for Registered Nurses is $40 per hour — Charleston, South Carolina pays 12% more.
| City | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, South Carolina | $44 | $47 |
| Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | $44 | $46 |
| Lexington, South Carolina | $42 | $46 |
| Summerville, South Carolina | $42 | $44 |
| Beaufort, South Carolina | $39 | $39 |
| Florence, South Carolina | $39 | $39 |
What type of Registered Nurses make the most money in South Carolina?
CNO - Chief Nursing Officer earns the most among Nursing specialties in South Carolina, averaging $46 per hour, followed by Cardiology ($45) and Wound Care ($45). Cardiology has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $47. For comparison, the South Carolina average for Registered Nurses is $40 per hour — CNO - Chief Nursing Officer earns 15% more.
| Specialty | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| CNO - Chief Nursing Officer | $46 | $47 |
| Cardiology | $45 | $47 |
| Wound Care | $45 | $46 |
| Dialysis | $44 | $47 |
| Rehabilitation | $43 | $46 |
| Hospice | $43 | $43 |
How does the pay for Registered Nurses in South Carolina compare to nearby states?
Virginia pays Registered Nurses the most, averaging $53 per hour, followed by Georgia ($51) and North Carolina ($49). Virginia also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $59. For comparison, the South Carolina average for Registered Nurses is $40 per hour — Virginia pays 34% more.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $53 | $59 |
| Georgia | $51 | $53 |
| North Carolina | $49 | $58 |
| West Virginia | $46 | $53 |
| Ohio | $45 | $51 |
| Kentucky | $44 | $46 |
| Florida | $42 | $51 |
| Alabama | $42 | $46 |
| Tennessee | $39 | $40 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Registered Nurse jobs in South Carolina?
Perm Staff Jobs pays Registered Nurses the most, averaging $38 per hour, followed by Tenet South Carolina ($33). Perm Staff Jobs also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $46. For comparison, the South Carolina average for Registered Nurses is $40 per hour — Perm Staff Jobs pays 4% less.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Perm Staff Jobs | $38 | $46 |
| Tenet South Carolina | $33 | $35 |
Last updated on November 13, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
Top Registered Nurse Jobs
Director Registered Nurse (RN) - Cardiology
- CoreMedical Group Perm
- Rock Hill, SC
- 5x8 hrs
$110K-170K/year
approximately $52-82/hrRegistered Nurse (RN) - CNO - Chief Nursing Officer
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo
- South Congaree, SC
$47+/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - CNO - Chief Nursing Officer
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo
- Gadsden, SC
$47+/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - CNO - Chief Nursing Officer
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo
- Hopkins, SC
$47+/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Rehabilitation
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo
- South Congaree, SC
$47+/hour
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