Bluffton vs Columbia: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Bluffton, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bluffton, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,093 | $86,270▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.43 | $41.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,416 | $72,095▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,521 | $79,972▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,133 | $101,298▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,798▲ | $113,956 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 9,400▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bluffton.
The salary gap between Bluffton and Columbia is $2,177 (2.59%). Columbia's median is -16.02% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bluffton spans $54,382,Columbia spans $41,861. Bluffton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($92,108 effective) pays 0.22% more than Bluffton ($91,905 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bluffton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,798)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,270/year)
- ✓Larger job market (9,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,108)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Bluffton grew 20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Bluffton, SC
$66,172 (2024) → $79,853 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$64,200 (2019) → $81,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bluffton, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Bluffton or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bluffton and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Bluffton to Columbia as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Bluffton vs Columbia?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov