Charleston vs North Charleston: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,754 | $69,199▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.58 | $33.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,015▲ | $49,989 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,684 | $64,755▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,203 | $81,532▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,702 | $89,288▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,480▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and North Charleston is $1,445 (2.13%). North Charleston's median is +1.66% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $28,687,North Charleston spans $39,299. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($75,627 effective) pays 12.69% more than Charleston ($67,108 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,199/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,288)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,627)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Charleston grew 37.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.4% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$46,660 (2019) → $64,100 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$49,080 (2024) → $65,467 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Charleston or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Charleston to North Charleston as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Charleston vs North Charleston?
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