Registered Nurse Salary in South Carolina

How Much Does a Registered Nurse Make in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, Registered Nurses earn a median of $79,900, with most earning between $75,210 and $94,480 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024).

Provide patient care, educate patients, and provide emotional support

Your actual take-home pay as a Registered Nurse in South Carolina depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• South Carolina state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Registered Nurse in South Carolina

As a Registered Nurse working in South Carolina, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Registered Nurse professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

South Carolina State Income Tax

South Carolina has a state income tax that applies to all Registered Nurse salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on South Carolina's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our South Carolina salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Registered Nurse salary.

Cost of Living for Registered Nurse in South Carolina

Your Registered Nurse salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of South Carolina. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $79,900 Registered Nurse salary in a low-cost area of South Carolina provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Registered Nurse Salary Examples in South Carolina

Here's what different Registered Nurse salary levels look like in South Carolina:

Estimated for a single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax rates. Calculate your exact take-home →

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our South Carolina salary calculator.

Compare Registered Nurse Salaries Across States

The same Registered Nurse salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $79,900 Registered Nurse salary in California results in about $3,995 to $7,990 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in South Carolina?

The median Registered Nurse salary in South Carolina is $79,900 (BLS, May 2024), with most earning between $75,210 and $94,480.

How much does a Registered Nurse make after taxes in South Carolina?

A Registered Nurse earning the South Carolina median of $79,900 takes home approximately $60,902 per year after federal tax (~$8,748) and FICA (~$6,112), plus South Carolina state tax (~$4,138). Estimated for a single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax rates. Calculate your exact take-home →

Is South Carolina a good state for Registered Nurse professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider South Carolina's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Registered Nurse take-home pay in South Carolina?

Use our South Carolina salary calculator →

Or compare Registered Nurse salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.