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Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia, SC

How much does a registered nurse make in Columbia? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Columbia's cost of living.

Median Salary
$77,307
per year in Columbia
Entry Level
$54,792
Starting salary
Senior Level
$107,593
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
109
9% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how registered nurse salaries break down across different pay periods in Columbia.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$54,792$77,307$107,593
Monthly$4,566$6,442$8,966
Biweekly$2,107$2,973$4,138
Weekly$1,054$1,487$2,069
Hourly$26$37$52

Columbia vs National Average

How Columbia's registered nurse salaries compare to national figures.

Columbia Salary
$77,307
COL Index: 109
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$6,133
Lower in Columbia

Cost of Living in Columbia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
127,029
residents
Rent % of Income
34.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 109 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbia have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Registered Nurse

Overview

Provide patient care and coordinate treatment in hospitals and clinical settings.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing; RN license required

Key Skills

Patient CareMedical KnowledgeCommunicationClinical Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Registered Nurse Salary

See Registered Nurse salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$113,490
+47%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,440
+73%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
+25%
Houston, TX
$97,810
+27%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
+27%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a registered nurse salary in Columbia.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia, SC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in Columbia, SC is $77,307 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 109. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level registered nurse professionals in Columbia can expect to earn around $54,792 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $107,593 per year. This represents a 96% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbia's cost of living index of 109 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbia are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,440, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a registered nurse's salary in Columbia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 24.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Registered Nurses are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Columbia, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.