As of May 2007, there were 35,040 registered nurses working in South Carolina nursing careers making an average annual wage of $55,820, which is $26.84 per hour. This is over $20,000 higher than the average wage earned across industries in South Carolina that year, which was $34,650 per year, or $16.66 per hour. This information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics for May 2007, and clearly shows that those who choose South Carolina nursing jobs enjoy a considerably higher that average wage and better than average standard of living in this beautiful southern state.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition is another report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which states that the registered nursing industry across the nation is experiencing a huge expansion due to the country’s growing population, the aging of the population, the fact that people are living longer lives, the rate of retirement of current registered nurses and the growing trend to use nurses to provide more patient services and keep health care costs down. All of these things have come together to create an increasing demand for qualified health care professionals that is expected to result in 587,000 additional registered nursing jobs by the year 2016. This would mean a 23% increase in registered nursing positions between 2006 and 2016, which is one of the fastest growth rates across industries in the country. Because of this growing demand, now is the time for students to consider South Carolina nursing programs.
This report also points out that registered nurses will enjoy broader employment opportunities and career advancement opportunities if they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students considering South Carolina nursing programs should keep this mind as they choose a program.