Greenville vs Hilton Head Island: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Greenville, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,492 | $67,933▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.49 | $32.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,414 | $54,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,961 | $63,399▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,104 | $80,036▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,905 | $82,805▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,680▲ | 250 |
Verdict
Hilton Head Island, SC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Greenville and Hilton Head Island is $2,441 (3.73%). Hilton Head Island's median is -0.20% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $24,491,Hilton Head Island spans $28,021. Hilton Head Island 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, Greenville ($70,225 effective) pays 1.32% more than Hilton Head Island ($69,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,225)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,933/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,805)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Greenville grew 46.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 53.9% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$42,280 (2019) → $61,960 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$41,750 (2019) → $64,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Greenville or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Greenville to Hilton Head Island as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Greenville vs Hilton Head Island?
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