Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $46.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Charleston, SC runs $46.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,728 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,643 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the registered nurse hourly pay is projected to be $46.99 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national hourly median of $49.39. For those considering part-time roles, such as a 3-day workweek, this wage translates to an annual income significantly feasible for many living in the city. Registered nurses in Charleston can work across various settings, including bustling hospital floors, critical care units, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics, all providing essential care. The hourly rate ranges from $36.01 for entry-level positions to $59.69 for highly experienced RNs, making it a competitive field for hourly wage earners. This data reflects findings from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) projections, ensuring accuracy for those looking to understand the financial realities of nursing in this vibrant city.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.01 | $288.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.63 | $317.03 |
| Median (P50) | $46.99 | $375.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.82 | $398.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.69 | $477.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $46.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.99/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $97,738 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,387. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,879.57 | $8,145 | $97,738 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,127.74 | $4,887 | $58,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.83 | $3,258 | $39,095 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Charleston) | $46.99 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $97,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.87% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 13.60% above the South Carolina state average of $86,028.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.99/hr = $58,643/year (purchasing power: $58,084).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,738/year (purchasing power: $96,807).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Charleston grew 35.5% from $32.94/hr (2019) to $44.62/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.48/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
When considering part-time work, a registered nurse working 24 hours a week could take home an annual income around $58,000, a respectable figure that highlights the advantages of flexible schedules. In contrast, per diem registered nurses in Charleston often report pay rates that vary from $50 to $80 per hour, depending on their specialty and the demand for qualified staff. While full-time employees may seek stability and benefits such as health insurance, some nurses opt for higher hourly rates without the benefits, particularly in roles offered by travel nursing agencies that can command robust pay packages. In Charleston, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employing organization— hospitals, specialty clinics, or home health services. Negotiating effectively can secure better pay; hence, understanding market rates and being aware of local labor trends will empower nurses to advocate for their worth in this evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time registered nurses make in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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