Charleston vs Mount Pleasant: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Charleston, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,754▲ | $66,898 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.58▲ | $32.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,015▲ | $51,836 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,684▲ | $59,500 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,203 | $78,385▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,702 | $84,936▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,480▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Charleston and Mount Pleasant is $856 (1.28%). Charleston's median is -0.47% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $28,687,Mount Pleasant spans $33,100. Mount Pleasant has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mount Pleasant ($73,113 effective) pays 8.95% more than Charleston ($67,108 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 ($67,754/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,936)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,113)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Charleston grew 37.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$46,660 (2019) → $64,100 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$48,278 (2024) → $63,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Charleston or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Mount Pleasant as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Charleston vs Mount Pleasant?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov