State guide · police pay scales
South Carolina police payStarting and top-step pay by department
At South Carolina Highway Patrol, starting base pay is $62,854 and top-step pay is $82,234, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $62,854 (one department, 1 department). Top step: $82,234 (one department, 1 department).
South Carolina departments compared
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| South Carolina Highway Patrol | State police | $62,854 | $82,234 | 15 | Not in our data |
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South Carolina: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Highway Patrol | $62,854 | $82,234 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in South Carolina?
At South Carolina Highway Patrol, starting base pay is $62,854 and top-step pay is $82,234, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
What does the federal wage survey say about South Carolina police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in South Carolina at $58,070. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- SCDPS State Trooper Salary - Current Salary Breakdown · South Carolina Highway Patrol
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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