Columbia vs Greenville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbia, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,557 | $123,395▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.93 | $59.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,357▲ | $84,736 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,626 | $113,826▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,723▲ | $134,382 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,899▲ | $150,592 |
| Total Employed | 920 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Greenville is $838 (0.68%). Greenville's median is -9.84% 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,Greenville spans $65,856. Greenville 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, Greenville ($132,313 effective) pays 1.12% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,899)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,395/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,313)
- ✓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 25.7% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$96,560 (2019) → $118,470 (2025)
Greenville, SC
$94,930 (2019) → $119,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Columbia or Greenville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Greenville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Greenville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Columbia vs Greenville?
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