Columbia vs Myrtle Beach: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbia, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,557 | $125,578▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.93 | $60.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,357 | $100,471▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,626▲ | $108,085 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,723▲ | $133,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,899 | $159,965▲ |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 260 |
Verdict
Myrtle Beach, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Myrtle Beach is $3,021 (2.46%). Myrtle Beach's median is -8.25% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $55,542,Myrtle Beach spans $59,494. Myrtle Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Myrtle Beach ($134,104 effective) pays 2.49% more than Columbia ($130,850 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,578/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,965)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,104)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Columbia grew 22.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$96,560 (2019) → $118,470 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$94,890 (2019) → $121,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Columbia or Myrtle Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Myrtle Beach?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Myrtle Beach as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Columbia vs Myrtle Beach?
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