Licensed Practical Nurse in South Carolina

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$59,050

trending_down -5.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering

8,740

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$270

Licensing fees

schedule

12-18 months for program, plus application and exam time

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Carolina, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, which typically takes 12 to 18 months. After graduation, applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and submit an application with a $70 fee to the South Carolina Board of Nursing. South Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), enabling LPNs with a multi-state license from another compact state to practice there. A criminal background check is also a mandatory requirement for licensure.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,140

25th percentile $52,180

50th (median) $59,050

75th percentile $62,760

90th (experienced) $69,910

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Carolina. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing body	South Carolina Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$70
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	South Carolina is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.Reciprocal states: South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs licensed in other compact states to practice. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Notes	A criminal background check is required. Competency for renewal can be met through various options, including 30 contact hours of continuing education, national certification/re-certification, completion of an academic nursing program, or employer verification of competency. South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Source: South Carolina Board of Nursing

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to South Carolina? See whether South Carolina recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleSouth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina? expand_more

The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in South Carolina: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($70 fee).

Does South Carolina require licensed practical nurse licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in South Carolina. South Carolina Board of Nursing handles licensed practical nurse licensing — the NCLEX-PN is part of the process.

What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in South Carolina? expand_more

licensed practical nurses in South Carolina earn a median of $59,050 annually. — 5% under the $62,340 national average. New licensed practical nurses start around $48,140; seasoned professionals can reach $69,910.

How much does it cost to become a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($70) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina? expand_more

Expect to spend 12-18 months for program, plus application and exam time from start to finish in South Carolina — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What are the continuing education requirements for licensed practical nurses in South Carolina? expand_more

To keep your license active, South Carolina mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.