Charleston vs Lexington: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Charleston, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,188▲ | $117,452 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.55▲ | $56.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,760▲ | $91,623 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,533▲ | $104,533 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,640▲ | $133,525 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,592▲ | $142,560 |
| Total Employed | 1,050▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Lexington is $14,736 (12.55%). Charleston's median is -3.42% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $55,832,Lexington spans $50,937. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($130,928 effective) pays 2.00% more than Lexington ($128,363 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 ($132,188/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,592)
- ✓Larger job market (1,050 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,928)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Charleston grew 26.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$100,770 (2019) → $127,780 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$99,390 (2024) → $113,535 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Charleston or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Lexington as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Charleston vs Lexington?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov