Anderson vs Columbia: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Anderson, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anderson, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,243▲ | $122,557 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.69▲ | $58.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,766 | $100,357▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,411▲ | $109,626 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,792▲ | $134,723 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,121▲ | $155,899 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Anderson, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Anderson and Columbia is $3,686 (3.01%). Anderson's median is -7.76% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $58,355,Columbia spans $55,542. Anderson 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, Anderson ($137,970 effective) pays 5.44% 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 Anderson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,243/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,121)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,970)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Anderson grew 16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Anderson, SC
$104,424 (2024) → $122,033 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$96,560 (2019) → $118,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anderson, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Anderson or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Anderson to Columbia as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Anderson vs Columbia?
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