Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC: $55,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Myrtle Beach, SC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,144 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Myrtle Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,888 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,289) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the nursing workforce in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary is projected to start at around $55,144 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city's median salary of $62,289, it reflects a common trajectory for early-career professionals. Over the course of the first few years, new LPNs can expect gradual salary increases, moving toward the 25th percentile at $56,951 and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience and build their skills. Given a 5.70% annual growth rate, Myrtle Beach presents a reasonably promising market for new grads considering a career in practical nursing.
Career Earnings Timeline in Myrtle Beach
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Myrtle Beach
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Myrtle Beach, SC typically start between $55,144 and $56,951 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,110 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,289 — 8.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in South Carolina of $10,000 represents just 18.13% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($55,144/year) in Myrtle Beach. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Myrtle Beach
- 1Research the Myrtle Beach market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $55,144 to $56,951, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in SC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Myrtle Beach, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Myrtle Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Myrtle Beach's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Myrtle Beach is $19,110 ( 34.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,144, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,254.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,870
2025 BLS Actual
$52,170
2026 Current Est.
$55,144
2019–2027 Growth
+101.9%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Myrtle Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,287 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Myrtle Beach, SC grew 80.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,870 in 2019 to $52,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,287. New graduates entering the Myrtle Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Myrtle Beach 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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Myrtle Beach
Colleges and programs focused on practical nursing often prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce. In Myrtle Beach, skilled nursing facilities are among the primary employers that actively seek new grad licensed practical nurses, usually providing on-the-job training that helps bridge the gap between education and practical application. Additionally, home health agencies offer flexible scheduling that appeals to new graduates. To enhance starting pay in SC, obtaining an active LPN license, completing a program accredited by the state, and passing the NCLEX-PN are essential. Optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can also set candidates apart. In the initial years of their careers, LPNs might consider pathways to transition into registered nursing, as hospitals increasingly fill roles with RNs. The realistic salary growth in these first few years typically aligns with the market trends, allowing for a rewarding upward trajectory as skills and responsibilities expand within the profession.
More salary data for Myrtle Beach, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Myrtle Beach in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Myrtle Beach?
Is nursing school worth it in Myrtle Beach?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Myrtle Beach?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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
Entry-level 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. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Myrtle Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov