Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Clemson, SC: $60,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Clemson, SC earns a median $60,713/year (≈ $29.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Clemson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $66,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Clemson, South Carolina, will see a median annual salary of $60,713, which is approximately 10.81% lower than the national median of $68,071 for the same role. The salary range for LPNs in this area is projected to start at $50,336 for the lowest earners and reach up to $75,226 for those in the top percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional price levels, reflect the local job market's structure, which includes various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices. Understanding the financial implications of working in different environments is crucial for those entering this field, as salaries can significantly vary depending on the type of employer and the specific responsibilities associated with each role.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,336 | $24.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,420 | $27.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,713 | $29.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,547 | $33.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,226 | $36.17 |
Median Salary Position
10.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clemson
In Clemson, SC, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,890 (2026 est.). At $60,713, the local median is 10.81% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clemson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clemson Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Clemson median: $60,713/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clemson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $65,921 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -10.81% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Clemson, SC earn a median of $60,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.81% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $65,921.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clemson has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clemson, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $60,713 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,353 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,348
2025 BLS Actual
$57,439
2026 Current Est.
$60,713
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,874 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,716 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,274 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,174 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clemson metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $42,348 (2019) to $57,439 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,174 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,826 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clemson 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,336 – $57,420 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,420 – $60,713 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,713 – $70,547 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,547 – $75,226 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Clemson
With only six licensed practical nurses currently employed in Clemson, the job market for this occupation remains relatively niche. The cost-of-living index stands at 91.5, suggesting that local salaries provide a competitive purchasing power compared to national averages. Among the different types of employers in the area, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay, often supplemented by shift differentials and bonuses for specific skills like IV therapy certification. The disparity between low and high salaries can be attributed to the work setting, where long-term care positions generally command more due to their demanding nature. For those in the Clemson SC market looking to enhance their licensed practical nurse pay, pursuing additional certifications, seeking shifts with higher premiums, and considering roles in skilled nursing facilities or long-term care could be strategic moves to maximize earning potential in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Clemson, SC in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Clemson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Clemson?
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,439 for licensed practical nursesin the Clemson metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clemson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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