Last Updated: April 2026
ER Nurse Salary in South Carolina (2026)
ER Nurses in South Carolina earn an average of $75,578/year ($36.34/hr) in 2026 — 15% below the national average of $89,010/year. South Carolina ranks #38 out of 50 states for ER Nurse pay.
ER Nurse Salary in South Carolina vs. Other States
The table below shows the top 5 highest-paying states for ER Nurses alongside South Carolina and the national average.
ER Nurse Salary by State — Top 5 + South Carolina
| State | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $142,419 | $68.47/hr |
| Hawaii | $120,758 | $58.06/hr |
| Massachusetts | $110,109 | $52.94/hr |
| New York | $106,680 | $51.29/hr |
| Oregon | $105,345 | $50.65/hr |
| South Carolina (your state, #38) | $75,578 | $36.34/hr |
| National Average | $89,010 | $42.79/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections
ER Nurse Salary in South Carolina by Experience
Experience is a major driver of pay. In South Carolina, a new grad ER Nurse starts around $60,462/year, while a nurse with 16+ years earns up to $98,251/year.
ER Nurse Pay by Experience — South Carolina
| Experience Level | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New Grad (0–1 yr) | $60,462 | $29.07/hr |
| 2–3 years | $68,020 | $32.70/hr |
| 4–6 years | $75,578 | $36.34/hr |
| 7–10 years | $84,647 | $40.70/hr |
| 11–15 years | $92,205 | $44.33/hr |
| 16+ years | $98,251 | $47.24/hr |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel survey data, 2026
Certifications & Pay Impact in South Carolina
CEN certification typically adds $4,000–$7,000/year on top of base salary in South Carolina.
Travel ER Nurse Pay in South Carolina
Travel ER Nurses in South Carolina typically earn 35–70% more than staff nurses — roughly $113,367–$128,483/year when annualized. The premium reflects facility demand, housing stipends, and contract flexibility.
See travel nurse specialty salary data →National ER Nurse Salary Overview
For the full national picture — all 50 states, experience breakdowns, and certification premiums — see the complete ER Nurse salary guide.
View full ER Nursesalary guide — all states, experience levels & certifications →ER Nurse Salary in Other States
See how South Carolina compares to the top-paying states for ER Nurses.
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📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ER Nurse make in South Carolina?
What is the hourly rate for a ER Nurse in South Carolina?
How does South Carolina rank for ER Nurse pay?
Does CEN certification increase pay in South Carolina?
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