Charleston vs Hilton Head Island: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Charleston, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,333▲ | $40,182 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.87▲ | $19.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,882▲ | $36,125 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,778▲ | $38,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,903▲ | $44,006 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,023▲ | $49,075 |
| Total Employed | 2,800▲ | 770 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilton Head Island.
The salary gap between Charleston and Hilton Head Island is $1,151 (2.86%). Charleston's median is -8.16% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $12,141,Hilton Head Island spans $12,950. Hilton Head Island has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hilton Head Island ($40,995 effective) pays 0.14% more than Charleston ($40,939 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,333/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,023)
- ✓Larger job market (2,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $40,995)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Charleston grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$29,160 (2019) → $38,810 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$29,180 (2019) → $37,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Charleston or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Hilton Head Island as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Charleston vs Hilton Head Island?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov