Columbia vs Greenville: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Columbia, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,270▲ | $85,722 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.48▲ | $41.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,095 | $72,169▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,972 | $82,205▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,298 | $101,708▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,956▲ | $105,973 |
| Total Employed | 9,400 | 9,730▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Columbia and Greenville is $548 (0.64%). 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 Columbia spans $41,861,Greenville spans $33,804. Columbia 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 0.21% more than Greenville ($91,917 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,956)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,108)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Larger job market (9,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Columbia grew 27.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$64,200 (2019) → $81,920 (2025)
Greenville, SC
$61,530 (2019) → $81,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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