How Much Does an LPN Make in South Carolina in 2026?

A typical LPN in South Carolina earns about $29.72 per hour, which comes to roughly $61,820 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down further, that's about $5,152 a month and $1,189 a week, both calculated from the annual figure. These numbers reflect the middle of the pay range across the state's LPNs.

That figure sits 4% below the national typical pay of $64,400 a year, placing South Carolina 38th among the 51 states and territories tracked. Roughly 9,400 LPNs work across South Carolina, giving a sense of scale for the profession statewide. Lower pay compared to the national figure often lines up with a lower cost of living in the state.

Entry-level positions in South Carolina typically offer around $24.22 an hour, or about $50,370 a year, according to the same wage data. New LPNs usually start near this figure in their first roles, often in long-term care or outpatient settings. Pay tends to move toward the state's typical figure of $61,820 within the first few years on the job. Experience, additional certifications, and shift type all play a role in how quickly that happens.

Experienced LPNs in South Carolina often earn upwards of $34.24 an hour, or about $71,220 a year. The top 10% of earners make over $36.74 an hour, or roughly $76,420 a year. That puts the gap between entry-level and top pay at about $26,050 a year. Setting, years on the job, and city all factor into where an individual LPN falls within that range.

South Carolina's LPN pay has grown steadily over the past decade. In 2015, the typical LPN earned $39,250 a year; by 2025, that figure reached $61,820, a gain of $22,570. That's a 58% rise over ten years, according to the same wage data.

Nationally, LPN pay rose 49% over the same ten years, so South Carolina's increase outpaced the national trend. The gap between the two trends has narrowed the difference in typical pay between the state and the country. For someone starting an LPN career in South Carolina now, this history shows pay has moved up steadily over time. Future gains, though, are not guaranteed.

Gastonia pays LPNs the most in South Carolina, at $65,140 a year ($31.32 an hour), about 5% above the state figure. Concord matches that figure, and coastal cities like Bluffton and Hilton Head Island follow close behind at $64,270 a year. Charleston and North Charleston pay slightly less, at $64,100 a year, still well above many inland cities.

Myrtle Beach pays the least among South Carolina's listed cities, at $58,930 a year, putting the spread between the highest and lowest cities at $6,210. Gastonia also has the largest LPN workforce among the cities listed, with 3,890 workers. These figures reflect each city's full metro area, and higher pay in cities like Gastonia and Charleston often tracks a higher cost of living than in smaller markets.

South Carolina's LPN pay compares closely with its neighbors. North Carolina's typical LPN pay runs $63,270 a year, about 2% higher than South Carolina's figure. Georgia sits almost even, at $62,030 a year, essentially matching South Carolina's pay. LPN licenses can often be transferred or endorsed between neighboring states, which can make comparing local pay useful when weighing a move.

LPNs in South Carolina typically earn $61,820 a year as of the latest wage data (May 2025), up 58% over the past decade. That growth has moved pay well above where it stood in 2015, even as the state's typical pay remains slightly below the national figure. For current licensing requirements, check South Carolina's nursing board or registry page; for local pay details, see the individual city pages for South Carolina.