Registered Nurse Jobs in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina$85,600 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Registered Nurse Salary in Charleston

Entry Level
$54,570
Median
$85,600
Senior Level
$123,050

Registered Nurse salaries in Charleston are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Charleston is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient CareClinical SkillsDocumentationCritical ThinkingCommunication

Registered Nurse Job Market in Charleston

Charleston, SC is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Registered Nurse professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Charleston offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Tourism sectors create robust demand for Registered Nurse talent. The market for Registered Nurse positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Registered Nurses in Charleston

MUSC HealthRoper St. FrancisTrident Medical

Major employers hiring Registered Nurses in Charleston include MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis, Trident Medical. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Charleston offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Registered Nurses in Charleston

Living in Charleston as a Registered Nurse means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. At median Registered Nurse salary, housing is quite affordable at 24% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,300/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

107
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.7K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Registered Nurse in Charleston

Charleston Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Registered Nurses in Charleston: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Registered Nurse professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in South Carolina

South Carolina has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses

The job outlook for Registered Nurses in Charleston is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Charleston offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Charleston, SC?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Charleston, SC is $85,600 per year. Entry-level Registered Nurses typically start around $54,570, while experienced professionals can earn $123,050 or more. The national average for Registered Nurse roles is $80,000.

How many Registered Nurse jobs are available in Charleston?

Charleston has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Registered Nurse professionals. Major employers hiring Registered Nurses include MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis, Trident Medical. The Technology and Tourism sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Charleston a good city for Registered Nurses?

Charleston is an excellent choice for Registered Nurses. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Registered Nurses in Charleston?

Top skills for Registered Nurses in Charleston include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Registered Nurses in Charleston?

Charleston's cost of living is near the national average (107% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. Purchasing power in Charleston is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Registered Nurses in Charleston?

Charleston Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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