Police Officer Salary in South Carolina
Based on 13K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$58,070
$27.92/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-21.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $79K
13K employed in South Carolina
The median Police Officer salary in South Carolina is $58,070 per year, or approximately $28 per hour. This figure is 21.7% lower than the national average for this profession. With 12,930 individuals currently employed as police officers in the state, this data provides valuable insight into the compensation landscape for this critical role.
Several factors can influence a Police Officer salary in South Carolina. These typically include years of experience, the specific law enforcement agency (e.g., city, county, state), educational background, and any specialized training or certifications an officer may hold. Location within the state can also play a role, with higher cost-of-living areas sometimes offering slightly higher wages.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,060 |
| 25th percentile | $48,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,070 |
| 75th percentile | $68,190 |
| 90th percentile | $78,760 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,070 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,812 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,070 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,812 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,070 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,760 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Police Officer ($58,070 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in SC | $42,570 | -26.7% | $20.47/hr |
| Security Guard in SC | $35,460 | -38.9% | $17.05/hr |
| Electrician in SC | $58,740 | +1.2% | $28.24/hr |
| Graphic Designer in SC | $57,170 | -1.5% | $27.49/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in SC | $56,580 | -2.6% | $27.20/hr |
| Producer and Director in SC | $56,030 | -3.5% | $26.94/hr |
| School Counselor in SC | $60,340 | +3.9% | $29.01/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in SC | $55,390 | -4.6% | $26.63/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in SC | $60,810 | +4.7% | $29.24/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in SC | $60,820 | +4.7% | $29.24/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in SC | $60,890 | +4.9% | $29.27/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in SC | $61,350 | +5.6% | $29.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in South Carolina?
- The salary range for a Police Officer in South Carolina typically falls between $45,060 and $78,760 annually. This means that most officers can expect to earn within this broad spectrum based on various contributing factors.
How does the average Police Officer salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- Police Officers in South Carolina earn, on average, 21.7% less than their counterparts nationwide. The median salary of $58,070 per year in South Carolina reflects this difference when compared to the national median.
What is the hourly wage for a Police Officer in South Carolina?
- The median hourly wage for a Police Officer in South Carolina is approximately $28 per hour. This is derived from the annual median salary of $58,070.
How many police officers are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 12,930 police officers employed across South Carolina. This substantial number indicates a significant presence of law enforcement professionals within the state.