Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $31.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Columbia, SC runs $31.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,650 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,389 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Columbia, South Carolina, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected at $31.56 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This hourly rate is relevant for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, as well as for per-diem licensed practical nurses who may work across various healthcare settings including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and hospice care. The hourly range within Columbia typically starts at $25.94 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $38.76 for top earners, highlighting the potential for significant pay variation based on experience and specific job settings. These figures are obtained from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, reflecting the current demand and compensation trends for licensed practical nurses in the region.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.94 | $207.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.86 | $230.85 |
| Median (P50) | $31.56 | $252.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.58 | $292.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.76 | $310.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $31.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.56/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $65,649 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,874. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,262.48 | $5,471 | $65,649 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.49 | $3,282 | $39,389 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.99 | $2,188 | $26,260 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Columbia) | $31.56 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Columbia, SC earn a median of $65,650 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.56% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 0.40% below the South Carolina state average of $65,914.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.56/hr = $39,389/year (purchasing power: $42,055).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,649/year (purchasing power: $70,091).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Columbia grew 37.9% from $21.66/hr (2019) to $29.86/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.36/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Columbia
Considering part-time employment as an LPN in Columbia, those who work 24 hours a week would generate a substantial income annually, but significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per-diem licensed practical nurses, who often bill between $28 and $42 per hour, frequently find themselves in a flexible work arrangement that might better suit their lifestyle or financial goals. However, agency LPNs at understaffed facilities can earn as high as $45 to $60 per hour, with travel contracts existing but less prevalent than for registered nurses. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on employer types, as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may offer different compensation compared to hospitals and correctional facilities. Weighing the benefits of potential health insurance against possibly higher hourly wages without benefits is a common consideration for many LPNs. When negotiating salaries, it’s crucial for workers in Columbia to research the specific demands of their chosen practice area and leverage their unique skills and experience to achieve favorable pay conditions.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Columbia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov