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Verified by SC Board of Healthcare

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in South Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed practical nurse in South Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in South Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    SC Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,050 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Carolina eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to SC Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Carolina

With a median salary of $59,050, Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina earn 5% below the national median of $62,340. South Carolina ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,186

Median annual salary

$59,050

Hourly estimate

$28.39
5% below national median

Difference: -$3,290

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,140
  • P2525th percentile$52,180
  • P50Median$59,050
  • P7575th percentile$62,760
  • P9090th percentile$69,910

State vs National Median

State: $59,050
National: $62,340

Total employment: 8,740 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking

#39 of 50 statesfor Licensed Practical Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$79,700
#2Rhode Island$77,940
#3Alaska$77,670
#4California$77,170
#5Oregon$76,570

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Carolina$59,050Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Carolina$61,380Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$58,490Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

SC Board of Nursing

110 Centerview Drive Kingstree Bldg. Suite 202, PO Box 12367, Columbia, SC, 29211-2367

Phone: 8038964550

Related Careers in South Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
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Athletic Trainer$53,520Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$75,980Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in South Carolina?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in South Carolina?

The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina is $59,050. Salaries range from $48,140 (10th percentile) to $69,910 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?

Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina earn 5% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $59,050.

How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in South Carolina?

South Carolina employs approximately 8,740 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse license to South Carolina from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina?

The licensing agency is SC Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursing/.

How often do you renew a Licensed Practical Nurse license in South Carolina?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.