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Nursing jobs in South Carolina 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
11,800
Critical 12.4%
Median Annual Salary
$87,670
$42.15/hr
COL-Adjusted
$73,353
COL index: 97.7
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible

Key insight

In South Carolina, there is a shortage of 11,800 registered nurses as of 2026 — 12.4% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $87,670 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $73,353 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

State nursing board

South Carolina Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $95 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal