Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in South Carolina
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for police and sheriff's patrol officers in South Carolina was $58,070 -23.8% vs national
South Carolina vs United States
| South Carolina | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $58,070 | $76,210 |
| Median hourly | $27.92 | $36.64 |
| Employment | 12,930 | 670,520 |
| Location quotient | 1.3 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (South Carolina) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
The numbers in context
The median wage in South Carolina is 23.8% below the national median — a difference of about $18,140 per year for a typical worker.
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $45,060, median pay is $58,070, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $78,760.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in South Carolina?
The median annual wage in South Carolina is $58,070 ($27.92 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.
How does South Carolina compare to the national average for police and sheriff's patrol officers?
The South Carolina median of $58,070 is 23.8% lower than the U.S. median of $76,210.
How many police and sheriff's patrol officers work in South Carolina?
Approximately 12,930 are employed in South Carolina, per BLS OES.