Per Diem Nursing Jobs in Charleston, South Carolina
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Working as a nurse in Charleston
Charleston anchors healthcare for the South Carolina Lowcountry, and demand for nurses spans the metro — from downtown’s medical district to skilled nursing and senior-living facilities across North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and West Ashley. Whether you’re an RN, LPN, or CNA, Charleston offers a deep mix of acute care, rehabilitation, long-term care, and senior living settings.
MUSC Health — the state’s academic medical center — along with Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Trident Health System employ thousands of clinicians across the region, while a growing network of skilled nursing and assisted living communities keeps per diem demand steady throughout the week.
South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If you hold a qualifying multistate RN or LPN license from another compact state, you can practice in South Carolina without applying for a separate South Carolina license. CNAs must meet South Carolina certification requirements.
With Switch, you browse available shifts, choose when you work, and get paid quickly — giving you more control over your schedule and your income.
About Charleston
One of America’s most-visited cities, Charleston pairs its historic district and coastal lifestyle with a fast-growing metro of more than 800,000. A large retiree population and booming suburbs like Mount Pleasant and Summerville keep healthcare demand high, making the Lowcountry a strong market for per diem nursing work.
Nursing pay in Charleston, South Carolina
RNs working per diem across South Carolina are paid $40–$40/hr, LPNs $36–$36, and CNAs $20–$20 (Switch — rates paid on completed shifts, last 12 months).
Figures are the middle 50% of hourly rates actually paid to providers on completed Switch shifts over the last 12 months, including weekend and holiday premiums, measured across South Carolina where a role has too little local shift history to report on its own. Rates vary by facility and shift — you’ll see the exact rate on every shift before you claim it. As a 1099 provider you cover self-employment tax and benefits.
What nurses actually earn in Charleston, South Carolina
Switch rates are what providers were actually paid on completed shifts over the past year — not a starting rate. Shown against local wages for employed staff nurses.
| Role | Switch (1099 per diem) | Local staff wages (W-2) |
|---|---|---|
| CNA | $20/hr top shifts to $25 | $18–$21/hr |
| LPN | $36/hr top shifts to $45 | $29–$35/hr |
| RN | $40/hr top shifts to $40.48 | $38–$47/hr |
Switch figures are the middle 50% of hourly rates actually paid on completed shifts in the last 12 months, including weekend and holiday premiums; “top shifts” is the 95th percentile. Local staff wages are employed (W-2) hourly ranges from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025. As a 1099 provider you cover self-employment tax and benefits, so the two figures are not directly equivalent.
Jobs by role in Charleston, South Carolina
- CNA Jobs in Charleston, South Carolina
- LPN Jobs in Charleston, South Carolina
- RN Jobs in Charleston, South Carolina
Nearby markets
What nurses say about Switch
“Working for Switch has been a wonderful experience and has also been empowering for a busy mom like myself. I have the privilege to pick and choose my own schedule and work around my hectic schedule outside of work as a parent.”
“I have been with Switch for about five years now and the thing that I like the best about them is because they care about their workers. They pay me quickly, which is a good thing. Being with Switch brings me peace of mind. Great agency to work for!”
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FAQs about working in Charleston
Does Switch have shifts across Charleston?
Yes. Switch connects clinicians with opportunities throughout the Charleston metro, including North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, West Ashley, and nearby Lowcountry communities as facilities become available.
Do I need a South Carolina nursing license to work per diem shifts in Charleston?
South Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a qualifying multistate RN or LPN license from another compact state, you can generally work in South Carolina without a separate South Carolina license. CNAs must hold a valid South Carolina certification before accepting shifts.
How much do per diem nurses and CNAs make in Charleston?
Pay varies by role, experience, facility type, and demand. Weekend, holiday, and high-demand shifts often pay more. With Switch, you’ll always see the exact pay before you accept a shift.
Can I pick up shifts around a full-time job or nursing school?
Yes. Many RNs, LPNs, and CNAs use Switch to add income around a full-time position, nursing school, or family life, with no minimum-hour requirements. You choose which shifts fit your schedule.