Average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary in Columbia, SC
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Columbia, SC, can expect an average annual salary of $60,260. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,450, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation. The specific pay rates in Columbia are shaped by the region's unique healthcare needs and the overall economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,780.
- Outlook: Columbia, SC, presents a stable job market for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, with a total local workforce of 1,590 individuals in this role. The location quotient of 1.01 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply. With 4.125 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market demonstrates consistent employment opportunities for LPNs and LVNs.
Salary Overview
The average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Columbia, SC earns-6.5%below the national average.
$29
$1,159
$5,022
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbia, SC is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, inflation, and evolving scope of practice typically drive upward salary adjustments in the nursing profession.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Columbia, SC, is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced nurses with specialized skills or those in supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this growth, with senior LPNs/LVNs earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $48,990 | $23.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $45,195 | $21.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $59,980 | $28.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $75,325 | $36.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $72,780 | $35 |
Detailed Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,260 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Columbia, SC, 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 Columbia is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
1,590
Total Jobs
4.125
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.01, the job market for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Columbia, SC, is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a healthy and competitive environment where the number of LPNs/LVNs is well-aligned with the available positions, indicating neither a significant surplus nor a critical shortage of these professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Columbia, SC is $60,260. This typically ranges from $48,990 for entry-level positions to $72,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 6.5% lower than the national median of $64,450.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Yes, Columbia, SC offers a stable earning potential for LPNs/LVNs.The average salary of $60,260 is competitive with the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating good purchasing power for nurses in the area.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($57,350) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Columbia, SC LPN/LVN salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for LPNs/LVNs in Columbia, SC, is $60,260, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,450.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC for LPNs/LVNs?
The cost of living in Columbia, SC, is exactly at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means your salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated are LPN/LVN jobs in Columbia, SC compared to the rest of the US?
The concentration of LPN/LVN jobs in Columbia, SC, is very similar to the national average, with a location quotient of 1.01.
What is the total number of LPNs/LVNs employed in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 1,590 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses employed in Columbia, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,590 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 4.125 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC