Healthcare Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Registered Nurse Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median registered nurse salary in Charleston, SC is $81,220 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$81,220
vs State Avg
+$8,934
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Registered Nurse Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median registered nurse salary of $81,220, which is $8,934 above the South Carolina state average of $72,286. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 registered nurses in Charleston spans from $57,400 at the 10th percentile to $120,800 at the 90th percentile — a $63,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,000, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $58,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $57,400
25th Percentile $66,800
Median (50th) $81,220
75th Percentile $101,100
90th Percentile $120,800

Registered Nurse Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$85,281
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$77,159
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$74,722
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$73,098
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Charleston

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Charleston

Browse open registered nurse positions in Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Charleston

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $81,220 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $57,400 (10th percentile) to $120,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,220, a registered nurse in Charleston earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Charleston's median registered nurse salary of $81,220 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $72,286. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $81,220 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Charleston? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.