Anderson vs Columbia: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Anderson, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anderson, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,003▲ | $65,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.22▲ | $31.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,391 | $53,960▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,847▲ | $60,027 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,125▲ | $76,093 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,446▲ | $80,628 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,600▲ |
Verdict
Anderson, SC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Anderson and Columbia is $1,353 (2.06%). Anderson's median is -1.57% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $29,055,Columbia spans $26,668. Anderson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anderson ($73,227 effective) pays 4.47% more than Columbia ($70,092 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anderson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,446)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,227)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Anderson grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.8% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Anderson, SC
$47,218 (2024) → $63,390 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$45,060 (2019) → $62,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anderson, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Anderson or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Anderson to Columbia as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Anderson vs Columbia?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov