Here is a comprehensive career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to Florence, South Carolina.

A Local's Guide to Nursing Careers in Florence, SC

If you're a Registered Nurse (RN) looking for a career change, Florence, South Carolina, offers a unique blend of opportunity and affordability. As someone who's watched this city's healthcare landscape evolve over decades, I can tell you it's a different world than the major metros. The pace is slower, but the need for skilled nurses is steady and growing. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the real neighborhoods, and the real day-to-day life of a nurse in the Pee Dee region.

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

Let's start with the most important data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the financial picture for nurses in Florence is solid, especially when you factor in the low cost of living.

The median salary for Registered Nurses in Florence is $82,971 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $39.89. While this is slightly below the national average of $86,070, it's crucial to understand the context. The cost of living in Florence is 12% lower than the national average, meaning your dollar goes further here. The metro area contains approximately 361 nursing jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, indicating stable, long-term demand.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries vary significantly based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Florence market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $72,000	Typically starts in Med-Surg, Telemetry, or ER. New grad residency programs are common at major hospitals.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$75,000 - $88,000	This is where many nurses specialize. ICU, L&D, and OR roles start to pay premiums. You gain autonomy and can precept.
Senior/Expert	8+ years	$89,000 - $105,000+	Charge nurse, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse manager roles. Critical care certifications (CCRN) or advanced degrees (MSN) push you to the top of this range.
Leadership	10+ years	$100,000+	Director of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner, or specialized educator roles. Often requires an MSN or DNP.

Comparison to Other SC Cities

Florence holds its own against other mid-sized South Carolina cities, though it can't compete with the major hubs.

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Real Wage Advantage
Florence	$82,971	88.0	High
Charleston	$84,500	112.0	Low
Columbia	$81,200	94.5	Moderate
Greenville	$83,800	97.0	Low

Florence's $82,971 median salary goes significantly further than in Charleston or Greenville due to the 88.0 Cost of Living Index. You can live comfortably on a single nurse's income here, which is a challenge in pricier markets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's translate that $82,971 annual salary into a monthly budget. This example uses a single filer with standard deductions for South Carolina.

• Gross Monthly Income: $6,914
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$1,650
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,264

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $792 (Metro Average)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $220
• Car Payment/Insurance: $450
• Groceries & Household: $500
• Health Insurance (if not covered): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $526
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $1,476

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the Florence metro is around $230,000. With a $5,264 monthly take-home, a mortgage of $1,200-$1,400 (including taxes and insurance) is well within the recommended 30% of gross income. Many nurses here own homes within 3-5 years of moving, a feat that's often out of reach in larger cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

Florence's healthcare scene is dominated by a few key players. Understanding their focus and culture is key to finding the right fit.

1. MUSC Health Florence Medical Center: The largest employer and the region's primary trauma center. They offer a wide range of specialties, from a Level III NICU to comprehensive stroke care. Hiring trends show a strong push for nurses with certifications (like CCRN or CEN) and those interested in specialty units. Their new downtown tower has created many positions.
2. PRisma Health (formerly McLeod Health): A massive, growing system with a flagship hospital in Florence. They are known for their heart and vascular institute, cancer center, and orthopedics. PRisma is aggressive in market growth, which translates to consistent hiring. They offer tuition reimbursement and have strong pathways for BSN completion.
3. Carolinas Hospital System (now part of MUSC): This facility, located just off I-95, has a reputation for a fast-paced ER and solid surgical services. It's often a good entry point for new grads looking for high patient turnover and broad experience.
4. Dorchester County Health Department: For nurses seeking a public health role, this is a key employer. Roles focus on community outreach, immunizations, and maternal-child health. The pace is more predictable than hospital work, with regular business hours.
5. Long-Term Care Facilities (e.g., Heritage Home, Florence Healthcare & Rehabilitation): The aging population in the Pee Dee drives constant demand in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). These roles often offer more predictable schedules and a focus on chronic care management.
6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., LHC Group, Amedisys): For autonomy and one-on-one patient care, home health is a growing sector. Nurses manage their own caseloads and travel throughout Florence County. Requires strong organizational skills.

Getting Licensed in SC

South Carolina is a compact state (NLC), meaning if you hold a multistate license from another NLC state, you can practice here without a new license. If you're not in the compact, here's the process.

1. Apply to the South Carolina Board of Nursing (SCBON). You'll need to submit transcripts, proof of graduation from an approved program, and pass a background check.
2. Pay the Fees: Application fee is $100, and the license fee is $50. Total: $150.
3. NCLEX-RN Exam: You must pass the NCLEX. The state will grant you authorization to test (ATT) once your application is complete. Schedule the exam through Pearson VUE.
4. Timeline: From application submission to holding an active license can take 4-8 weeks if all documents are in order. Insider Tip: Start the application process before you move. You can apply for a temporary permit to work under supervision while waiting for your full license if you have a job offer.

Total Estimated Cost: $150 (application/license) + $200 (NCLEX fee) = $350.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Florence is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
West Florence	Suburban, family-friendly. 10-15 min commute to MUSC/PRisma. Quiet, good schools.	$850	Nurses with families or who prefer a quiet, established area.
Downtown Florence	Urban, walkable, trendy. 5-10 min commute to MUSC. Artists, young professionals.	$950	Nurses who want a social, vibrant scene with restaurants and nightlife.
Savannah Grove/Sumter St.	Established, mixed-income. 10-15 min commute to all hospitals. Central location.	$750	Nurses seeking a central, affordable apartment with easy access everywhere.
Pamplico	Rural, small-town feel. 20-25 min commute. Very low cost of living.	$650	Nurses who want maximum affordability and don't mind a longer, predictable drive.
Timmonsville	Quiet, suburban. 15-20 min commute. Growing area with new developments.	$775	A good compromise between city access and suburban peace.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Florence is minimal. A "long" commute is 20 minutes. Don't overpay for proximity if you're willing to drive a bit further for more space or lower rent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Florence is an excellent place to build a long-term nursing career, especially if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums: While the median is $82,971, specializing can push you toward the $90,000-$100,000 range. The highest premiums are for:

• Critical Care (ICU, ER): +$5-$8/hour.
• Operating Room (OR): +$4-$6/hour.
• Labor & Delivery (L&D): +$3-$5/hour.
• Certifications (CCRN, CEN, OCN): Often come with a $2,000-$5,000 annual salary bump or a certification bonus.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospitals have a clinical ladder program. Moving from RN I to RN II to RN III/IV comes with pay increases and requires continuing education, precepting, and committee work.
2. Advanced Practice: The path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is well-supported. Both Coastal Carolina University and Francis Marion University offer MSN/NP programs. An NP in Florence can earn $110,000+.
3. Leadership: Charge nurse, unit manager, and director roles are available. A Master's in Nursing Administration or Leadership is often required for the highest levels.

10-Year Outlook: With a 6% job growth rate, Florence's nursing demand is stable. The trend is toward more specialization and higher acuity care as the city's hospitals expand their services. Telehealth and home-based care are also growing fields here.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $82,971 salary feels like $100k+ elsewhere.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It's not a major metro. Dining and entertainment are good but not vast.
Strong Job Market: 361 jobs and steady growth mean you're not competing for scraps.	Specialty Limits: Very niche specialties (e.g., pediatric ICU) may require travel to larger cities.
Manageable Commutes: You'll rarely spend more than 20 minutes in traffic.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the occasional hurricane risk.
Sense of Community: Nurses here often know each other; it's a tight-knit professional circle.	Political/Social Climate: Like much of the South, it can be socially conservative.
Home Ownership is Attainable: A major financial advantage over coastal metros.	Educational Gaps: For advanced degrees, you may need to commute to Columbia or pursue online programs.

Final Recommendation: Florence is an excellent choice for nurses who value financial stability, work-life balance, and community over the hustle of a major city. It's ideal for those looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply live comfortably on a single income. If you crave constant new restaurants, concerts, and a dense urban feel, you may find it limiting. For most, the trade-offs are well worth the quality of life.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index is 88.0 (US = 100). Groceries, utilities, and especially housing are significantly cheaper. A $1,500 apartment in a major metro is equivalent to a $792 apartment here, yet salaries are only slightly lower.

2. How competitive are new grad nursing jobs?
Moderately competitive, but not cutthroat. Major hospitals like MUSC and PRisma run nurse residency programs 2-3 times a year. Apply early (6 months before graduation) and be flexible with shift and unit preferences. Having a SC license in hand or in process is a huge advantage.

3. What's the nurse-to-patient ratio like?
This varies by unit and hospital. In Med-Surg, you might see 1:5-6. In ICU, it's typically 1:2. The state does not have mandated ratios, so it's facility-specific. It's a good question to ask in an interview. Overall, the ratio is manageable compared to more understaffed regions.

4. Do I need a car?
Yes, absolutely. Florence is not a walkable city. Public transportation is limited. Having a reliable car is non-negotiable for both commuting and daily errands.

5. What's the best way to network with local nurses?
Join the South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA) and attend local chapter meetings. Many nurses are also active on Facebook groups like "Florence, SC Nurses" or "Pee Dee Healthcare Professionals." A simple post introducing yourself and your specialty can lead to valuable connections.