Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, earn an average annual salary of $60,710. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,450, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Charleston-North Charleston healthcare landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,790.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a substantial workforce of 1,240 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 3.199 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential healthcare providers.
Salary Overview
The average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-5.8%below the national average.
$29.2
$1,168
$5,059
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston LPN/LVN salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that, similar to national trends, compensation in this field has experienced steady growth. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and evolving scope of practice for licensed nurses.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Charleston-North Charleston typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps reflect significant career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as nurses gain expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $51,840 | $24.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $45,533 | $21.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $61,010 | $29.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $75,888 | $36.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $70,790 | $34 |
Detailed Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,710 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an LPN/LVN's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
3.199
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.78x the national average concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.78 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Charleston-North Charleston suggests that the proportion of these nurses in the local workforce is slightly lower than the national average. This indicates a market that is neither excessively saturated nor critically undersupplied, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $60,710. This typically ranges from $51,840 for entry-level positions to $70,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 5.8% lower than the national median of $64,450.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Moderately lucrative, with earning potential matching the national cost of living.While the average salary of $60,710 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings hold their value. The stable job market suggests consistent opportunities.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($59,030) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston LPN/LVN salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Charleston-North Charleston is $60,710, which is approximately $3,740 less than the national average of $64,450.
What is the concentration of LPNs/LVNs in Charleston-North Charleston compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that the concentration of LPNs/LVNs in Charleston-North Charleston is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive job market.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of an LPN/LVN salary in Charleston-North Charleston?
No, the cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $60,710 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many LPNs/LVNs are employed in the Charleston-North Charleston area?
There are approximately 1,240 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses employed in the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 3.199 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- All Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Management Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Production Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Browse All Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC