Charleston vs Sumter: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Charleston, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,754▲ | $66,210 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.58▲ | $31.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,015 | $53,759▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,684▲ | $60,217 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,203▲ | $72,753 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,702▲ | $76,812 |
| Total Employed | 1,480▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sumter.
The salary gap between Charleston and Sumter is $1,544 (2.33%). Charleston's median is -0.47% 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,Sumter spans $23,053. Charleston 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, Sumter ($75,222 effective) pays 12.09% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,754/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,702)
- ✓Larger job market (1,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sumter if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,222)
- ✓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 47.4% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$46,660 (2019) → $64,100 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$42,510 (2019) → $62,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Sumter, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Charleston or Sumter?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Sumter?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Sumter as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Charleston vs Sumter?
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