Clemson vs Columbia: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Clemson, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clemson, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,713 | $65,650▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.18 | $31.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,336 | $53,960▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,420 | $60,027▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,547 | $76,093▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,226 | $80,628▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,600▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clemson.
The salary gap between Clemson and Columbia is $4,937 (8.13%). Columbia's median is -3.56% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clemson spans $24,890,Columbia spans $26,668. Columbia 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, Columbia ($70,092 effective) pays 5.64% more than Clemson ($66,353 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clemson if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,650/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,628)
- ✓Larger job market (1,600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,092)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Clemson grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.8% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Clemson, SC
$43,815 (2024) → $57,439 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$45,060 (2019) → $62,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clemson, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Clemson or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clemson and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Clemson to Columbia as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Clemson 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