Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $41.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Columbia, SC runs $41.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,769 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, registered nurses earn a median hourly rate of $41.48, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.39. This discrepancy may influence those considering part-time work; for instance, a nurse working three 12-hour shifts each week can expect to earn around $63,000 annually. The hourly range for registered nurses in Columbia spans from approximately $34.66 for entry-level positions to $54.79 for those at the higher end of the pay scale. This officially reported data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the various roles that registered nurses take on, including those in hospital environments such as ICUs, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and home health settings, allowing for flexibility and opportunities for both full-time and per diem positions.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.66 | $277.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.45 | $307.59 |
| Median (P50) | $41.48 | $331.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.70 | $389.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.79 | $438.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $41.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.48/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $86,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,778. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,659.26 | $7,190 | $86,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $995.56 | $4,314 | $51,769 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.71 | $2,876 | $34,513 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Columbia) | $41.48 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Columbia, SC earn a median of $86,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.02% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 0.30% above the South Carolina state average of $86,012.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.48/hr = $51,769/year (purchasing power: $55,272).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,282/year (purchasing power: $92,120).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Columbia grew 27.6% from $30.86/hr (2019) to $39.39/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Columbia
The earning potential for part-time nurses can be significant but varies based on the employment structure. A part-time nurse working 24 hours a week typically takes home a stable income while enjoying the flexibility that may suit their lifestyle. On the other hand, per diem registered nurses in Columbia command higher rates, often ranging between $50 and $80 per hour, especially in specialty areas. Additionally, travel nurses, particularly those in shortage markets, can see contract rates soaring up to $5,000 to $8,000 weekly, creating a competitive landscape for those seeking flexible work arrangements. Different employer types also contribute to hourly pay variations; for instance, acute care facilities might provide better benefits that attract nurses despite lower hourly rates, whereas agency jobs may tout higher pay without the security of benefits. Nurses negotiating their pay should consider the full package—including health insurance, paid time off, and other perks—while being aware that shifts during nights or weekends could yield differential pay that enhances their overall income.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in Columbia in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Columbia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov