Columbia vs Fort Mill: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbia, SC and Fort Mill, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Fort Mill, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,557▲ | $119,686 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.93▲ | $57.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,357▲ | $97,783 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,626▲ | $109,354 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,723 | $138,729▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,899▲ | $149,574 |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Mill.
The salary gap between Columbia and Fort Mill is $2,871 (2.40%). Columbia's median is -10.45% 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,Fort Mill spans $51,791. Columbia 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, Columbia ($130,850 effective) pays 0.04% more than Fort Mill ($130,804 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,557/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,899)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,850)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Mill if…
- ✓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 14.2% growth in Fort Mill over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$96,560 (2019) → $118,470 (2025)
Fort Mill, SC
$101,281 (2024) → $115,695 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Fort Mill, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Columbia or Fort Mill?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Fort Mill?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Fort Mill as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Columbia vs Fort Mill?
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