Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median registered nurse salary in Columbia, SC is $73,098 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$73,098
vs State Avg
+$812
vs National
$-8,122
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median registered nurse salary of $73,098, which is $812 above the South Carolina state average of $72,286. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 registered nurses in Columbia spans from $51,660 at the 10th percentile to $108,720 at the 90th percentile — a $57,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,200, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $52,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,500
$-11,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $51,660
25th Percentile $60,120
Median (50th) $73,098
75th Percentile $90,990
90th Percentile $108,720

Registered Nurse Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$85,281
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$81,220
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$77,159
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$74,722
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Columbia

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Columbia

Browse open registered nurse positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $73,098 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $51,660 (10th percentile) to $108,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,098, a registered nurse in Columbia earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Columbia's median registered nurse salary of $73,098 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $72,286. 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 registered nurse salary of $73,098 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Columbia? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Columbia 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.