What is the average RN salary in Columbia?

The average RN salary in Columbia is $82,022 per year. This figure for Columbia is $11,578 below the U.S. RN median salary of $93,600 and is reported as -12.4% relative to the national median, showing Columbia nurses earn less than the nationwide benchmark.

How many hospitals are in Columbia?

Columbia has 9 hospitals within the city limits. Major facilities include large regional acute-care centers and teaching hospitals; examples commonly referenced in the area are University-affiliated medical centers and regional acute-care hospitals, which together account for much of the city's inpatient capacity.

What is the cost of living in Columbia?

Columbia's cost of living index is 91, meaning overall expenses are below the U.S. average of 100. Housing costs are notably lower than the national average in Columbia, contributing to the citywide index of 91 and reducing everyday expenses for nurses living in the city.

Is Columbia a good place for nurses?

Columbia can be an attractive option for nurses seeking lower living costs; the Adjusted Salary in Columbia is $90,134, improving purchase power despite the $82,022 RN salary. With nine hospitals and lower housing costs, Columbia offers practical affordability and multiple hospital-based employment options.

What is the real purchasing power for nurses in Columbia?

Columbia's adjusted salary is $90,134 after accounting for the local Cost of Living Index of 91. Compared to the U.S. RN median salary of $93,600, this adjusted figure reflects stronger local purchasing power for Columbia nurses even though the nominal salary is $82,022.

Can nurses use a multistate compact license to work in Columbia?

Yes — South Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses with a multistate compact license can work in Columbia under those privileges. Compact status allows registered nurses with a home-state multistate license to practice in Columbia without obtaining a separate South Carolina single-state license.

What nursing specialties are most in demand in Columbia?

ICU, emergency department (ED), med-surgical, labor & delivery (L&D), and behavioral health specialties are in demand in Columbia due to the city's collection of acute-care and teaching hospitals. The presence of large regional acute-care centers supports strong staffing needs in ICU and ED settings.

Nursing in Columbia, SC

Practical guide to nursing in Columbia, SC — salaries, cost of living, hospitals, climate, and what nurses actually earn after local taxes and rent.