Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median nurse practitioner salary in Columbia, SC is $109,449 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$109,449
vs State Avg
+$1,216
vs National
$-12,161
Cost of Living
90%

Nurse Practitioner Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median nurse practitioner salary of $109,449, which is $1,216 above the South Carolina state average of $108,233. Compared to the national median of $121,610, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for nurse practitioners in Columbia spans from $78,390 at the 10th percentile to $151,380 at the 90th percentile — a $72,990 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,000, while senior nurse practitioners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $81,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,000
$-9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,800
$-12,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,500
$-15,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $78,390
25th Percentile $93,780
Median (50th) $109,449
75th Percentile $129,150
90th Percentile $151,380

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$127,691
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$121,610
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$115,530
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$111,881
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Columbia

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Columbia

Browse open nurse practitioner positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Columbia

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $109,449 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $78,390 (10th percentile) to $151,380 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,449, a nurse practitioner in Columbia earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for nurse practitioner pay? ▼
Columbia's median nurse practitioner salary of $109,449 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $108,233. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a nurse practitioner salary of $109,449 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nurse practitioner in Columbia? ▼
Most nurse practitioner positions in Columbia require a master's degree. Key skills include Advanced Assessment, Pharmacology, Diagnosis, Patient Education. The job market is projected to grow 40% nationally over the next decade.