Greenville vs North Charleston: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Greenville, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,722 | $99,811▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.22 | $47.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,169▲ | $65,679 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,205 | $84,243▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,708 | $114,690▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,973 | $140,350▲ |
| Total Employed | 9,730▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Greenville and North Charleston is $14,089 (16.44%). North Charleston's median is -2.84% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $33,804,North Charleston spans $74,671. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($109,083 effective) pays 18.68% 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 Greenville if…
- ✓Larger job market (9,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,811/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,350)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,083)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Greenville grew 32.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$61,530 (2019) → $81,400 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$71,733 (2024) → $94,778 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Greenville or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Greenville to North Charleston as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Greenville vs North Charleston?
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