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Nurse practitioners in the Palmetto State may have an uphill battle when it comes to making a fair living. The current average salary in the state is $116,940 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) per year maxing out around $140,160 for the top-earning NPs. This means that South Carolina falls nearly 15% below the national average wage for nurse practitioners in the nation.
In addition to the sub-par wages, the state is also in a regional zone of restricted practice that limits the practices of APRNs. So what’s a nurse practitioner to do for a higher wage in South Carolina? Let’s explore your options.
South Carolina Nurse Practitioner Salaries – Visualized
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in urban areas of South Carolina
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 1,130 | $123,670 |
| Columbia, SC | 1,020 | $113,090 |
| Florence, SC | 270 | $122,370 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 1,030 | $114,010 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | 190 | $107,280 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 330 | $113,270 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 230 | $118,630 |
| Sumter, SC | 80 | $114,430 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in rural areas of South Carolina
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 220 | $108,300 |
| Lower Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 130 | $108,990 |
| Northeast South Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 240 | $117,520 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Increase Your Nurse Practitioner Salary in South Carolina
Move Center, or Move Out
There is a small region, centrally located that offers a glimmer of hope when it comes to increased wages for nurse practitioners in South Carolina. Sumter, NC has the highest average wage for NPs at nearly $130,000 annually. It would be a logical consideration to make a geographical move for an uptick of $30,000 income per year.
When considering a relocation, moving out of South Carolina into a neighboring state likely won’t make much of a difference. North Carolina and Georgia are the two bordering states; both of which are also restricted practice states for APRNs. The average NP income in those areas is $108,370 and $106,220 respectively. Nothing to get too excited about.
Likely, if you’re looking to expand your practice into a full practice state, it’s going to require a move across the country since no bordering states have FPA for nurse practitioners. If you’d prefer to stand your ground in the Palmetto State, there are other ways to make the most of your license, financially speaking.
Try a Different Role
Scouring the job boards for the highest-paying nurse practitioner openings, one category seems to come up over and over. There is a high demand for aesthetic nurse practitioners who will work for medical spas. In these facilities, nurse practitioners administer injections such as botox as well as perform aesthetician procedures and treatments. Some employers are looking for NPs to monitor pre-procedure and post-procedure patients as well as manage nursing staff.
The pay for these jobs was over 45% higher per year and required aesthetic-specific training and certifications. You can find additional information on obtaining these certifications online. Once qualified, you could do this work full time or consider it as a part-time way to make extra cash on the weekends.
Another option for nurse practitioners looking for additional income in South Carolina is to pick up some part-time health assessment work. Some employers pay up to $110 per hour for geriatric population home visits. This work is extremely flexible and a great way to supplement your regular income.
Conclusion
Nurse practitioners in The Palmetto State may have to think outside the box to earn a higher income, but opportunities are abundant if you know where to look. Using the tips in this article, you can handsomely increase your NP salary in South Carolina.