Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in South Carolina: $40,060 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Carolina's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $40,060/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because South Carolina sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $43,781 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Spartanburg ($40,050), North Charleston ($39,637), Charleston ($38,810).
In South Carolina, certified nursing assistants can expect an average median salary of $40,060 in 2026, which is approximately 11.0% lower than the national median of $45,007. The disparity in salaries among cities is significant, with Spartanburg leading at $42,653 and Clemson at the lower end with $36,590, creating a salary gap of $6,063. This difference is driven by factors such as the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and local economic conditions. The state has specific licensing requirements for certified nursing assistants, including completion of a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam. The scope of practice laws ensure that certified nursing assistants can perform essential tasks under the supervision of nursing staff, which can increase their value in areas with higher population density or specialized care. The job market is projected to see a growth rate of 6.50% annually, reflecting strong demand for certified nursing assistants fueled by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. Key cities with high demand include North Charleston at $42,213, Charleston at $41,333, Greer at $40,596, and Anderson at $40,554, contributing to a positive outlook for those entering the field in South Carolina.
South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Carolina: $30,076 (lowest entry-level) to $51,642 (highest top earner)
South Carolina vs National Average
South Carolina certified nursing assistants earn 10.99% less than the national median ($-4,947/year difference).
South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in South Carolina range from $33,872 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $47,959 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $40,060. The South Carolina median is $4,947 below the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $19.26/hr. Approximately 17,191 certified nursing assistants are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,835
2025 BLS Actual
$37,615
2026 Current Est.
$40,060
2019–2027 Growth
+65.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Carolina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,835 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,059 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,294 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,409 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,615 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,060 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,664 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Carolina metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 45.6% from $25,835 (2019) to $37,615 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,664 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,829 (65.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Carolina metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Carolina
Lowest Paying Cities in South Carolina
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Carolina
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Carolina cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spartanburg | $42,653 | 91.051 | $46,845 |
| North Charleston | $42,213 | 91.5 | $46,134 |
| Greer | $40,596 | 91.5 | $44,367 |
| Anderson | $40,554 | 91.5 | $44,321 |
| Mount Pleasant | $40,318 | 91.5 | $44,063 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $33,872 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $40,060 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $47,959 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Carolina metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in South Carolina
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spartanburg | $42,653 |
| 2 | North Charleston | $42,213 |
| 3 | Charleston | $41,333 |
| 4 | Greer | $40,596 |
| 5 | Anderson | $40,554 |
| 6 | Mount Pleasant | $40,318 |
| 7 | Hilton Head Island | $40,182 |
| 8 | Columbia | $39,831 |
| 9 | Greenville | $39,639 |
| 10 | Rock Hill | $39,575 |
| 11 | Bluffton | $39,419 |
| 12 | Aiken | $39,402 |
| 13 | Hanahan | $39,346 |
| 14 | Mauldin | $39,115 |
| 15 | Summerville | $38,906 |
| 16 | Myrtle Beach | $38,894 |
| 17 | Simpsonville | $38,264 |
| 18 | Fort Mill | $38,246 |
| 19 | Sumter | $38,191 |
| 20 | Conway | $38,177 |
| 21 | Goose Creek | $38,156 |
| 22 | Florence | $37,701 |
| 23 | Lexington | $37,532 |
| 24 | Easley | $36,863 |
| 25 | Tega Cay | $36,659 |
| 26 | Clemson | $36,590 |
More South Carolina Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in South Carolina cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new certified nursing assistants.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in South Carolina in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for certified nursing assistants in South Carolina?
How does South Carolina certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in South Carolina?
How many certified nursing assistants are employed in South Carolina?
Which South Carolina city offers the best value for certified nursing assistants?
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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across South Carolina. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
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