By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 5, 2026
Find Criminal Justice Salaries for Your State
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—and much more.
Guide to criminal justice salaries in South Carolina
South Carolina offers a range of opportunities for those interested in criminal justice careers, with competitive salaries that are balanced by a relatively low cost of living. The state’s economic and environmental factors make it an attractive option for professionals in this field.
The employment outlook for criminal justice careers in South Carolina is generally positive, with steady demand for law enforcement, legal and correctional professionals. Population growth in urban areas is one contributor to the need for more criminal justice professionals. The state also is home to reputable institutions offering criminal justice programs, such as the University of South Carolina, Clemson University and Charleston Southern University, providing quality education and specialized training to prepare students for various careers in the field.
Let’s delve into the salaries for different criminal justice careers using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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There are 12,330 people employed as police and sheriff’s patrol officers in South Carolina says the BLS. This means for every 1,000 people, over five are police or sheriff’s officers. That’s a significant number for a state that has a population of 5.4 million (2024). The median wage per hour is $28 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 3.1%. Top paying cities in the state include Hilton Head Island, Charleston and Myrtle Island.
South Carolina has experienced significant population growth, particularly in urban areas such as Charleston, Columbia and Greenville. This growth increases the need for law enforcement, corrections and legal services to ensure public safety and order. The state and local governments are committed to maintaining and improving public safety infrastructure, which translates into ongoing job opportunities in various criminal justice fields.
Of note is South Carolina is the second fastest growing state in the U.S. (1.7% growth in 2024) says Data Pandas, which will create a need for law enforcement, corrections and legal personnel to serve the increasing population.
Here are five top employers for criminal justice careers in South Carolina:
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Columbia, SC:
- SLED is the primary statewide law enforcement agency in South Carolina. Special agents conduct criminal investigations, provide forensic services and support local law enforcement agencies.
- South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), Various locations, SC:
- SCDC manages the state’s prison system, providing custody and rehabilitation services for inmates. Correctional officers ensure the safety and security of the facilities and supervise inmates.
- Greenville Police Department, Greenville, SC:
- The Greenville Police Department serves the city of Greenville, focusing on community policing, crime prevention and law enforcement. Police officers perform patrol duties, respond to emergencies and engage with the community.
- South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS), Columbia, SC:
- SCDPPPS oversees the supervision of offenders on probation or parole. Officers work to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions and support offenders’ reintegration into the community.
- Richland County Public Defender’s Office, Columbia, SC:
- The Public Defender’s Office in Richland County provides legal representation to indigent defendants. Paralegals support attorneys by conducting legal research, managing case files and assisting with trial preparation.
Criminal justice salary statistics for SC
Criminal justice—a category that includes careers in cyber security, local and federal law enforcement, legal professions, emergency management, forensics, investigations and corrections—besides being a diverse career field, also offers a diverse array of salaries. Pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned, and your level of education. Some career fields are affected by state government budgets, some are regulated by federal government pay grades or union regulation. Here are median annual salaries for different careers under the criminal justice umbrella.
Salaries for different criminal justice roles (national median)
Salaries for SC criminal justice roles
You can see the median national salaries for criminal justice career fields above, but what are the salary averages and medians specific to South Carolina? Take a look:
- Corrections:
- Correctional officers: The median salary for correctional officers in South Carolina is about $48,470 per year. Benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans are typically included. Probation and parole officers: These officers earn a median of $56,090 annually, with variations depending on experience and specific duties.
- Forensic science technician:
- Forensic science technicians in South Carolina earn a median salary of approximately $49,960 annually. Positions in often require specialized education and training in forensic science. Higher salaries are possible with advanced education and specialized training.
- Law enforcement officer:
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers in South Carolina earn a median salary of $58,020 per year. However, this can vary based on factors such as rank, experience and department size and whether the office is local or state government regulated.
- Private investigator:
- Earnings for private investigators vary widely based on caseload, clientele and location, but average around $53,890 per year in South Carolina.
- Paralegal:
- Paralegals in South Carolina typically earn a median salary of $48,640 per year, depending on experience and the size of the law firm.
Median criminal justice salary in South Carolina
The median annual salary for police and sheriffs in South Carolina is $58,020. South Carolina State Troopers earn around $45,000 to $50,000 annually, with opportunities for overtime and advancement. South Carolina does not rank in the top five paying states in the U.S. for police and sheriffs. However, it’s important to note that individual salaries may be based on experience, education and location within the state. Here are median salaries for cities within South Carolina as well as state-wide salary ranges. The BLS does report that South Carolina ranks #5 in the U.S. for states with the highest concentration of police and sheriff’s officer jobs.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
10%$43,640
25%$49,140
50%$58,020Median
75%$67,200
90%$78,590
Median Hourly Wage$28
Job growth3.1%
Total Employment12,820
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $62,800 | $48,060 | $75,310 |
| Columbia, SC | $60,750 | $48,150 | $96,660 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $60,250 | $49,420 | $77,240 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC | $60,150 | $45,560 | $88,130 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $57,710 | $45,970 | $75,070 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for criminal justice careers in South Carolina
The salary range for police and sheriffs in South Carolina typically spans from $43,640 for the lowest 10% to $78,590 per year for the highest 10% of earners. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, rank, whether a degree has been earned and time in the position.
Pay by metro area for criminal justice careers in South Carolina
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities that are capitol cities or hubs for government may pay higher than rural areas or smaller cities. If your city is an industry hub, such as Columbia or Greenville, which have state agencies, pay may be more competitive. Pay may also be more competitive because cities could have a higher cost of living and employers are willing to pay more to keep talent. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. for different criminal justice career fields:
Police and sheriffs
As you can see, California pays highest across the board and South Carolina has no cities or metro areas in the BLS’s top five metro areas for pay or highest employment of police officers.
Paralegals and legal assistants
South Carolina has no metro areas that rank in the top five for pay according to the BLS. However, Columbia, SC, does rank #4 in the U.S. for metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, says the BLS.
Private investigators
South Carolina’s Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area ranks at #2 for top paying metro areas for detectives and private investigators in the U.S. says the BLS.
Salary growth and job outlook
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers have a 3.1% job growth rate predicted through 2034 says the BLS. This is just slightly higher than the national average for all other career fields combined. Some other criminal justice career job growth rates are as follows:
| Criminal justice career | BLS predicted job growth rate through 2034 |
|---|---|
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 0.2% |
| Corrections officers | -7.8% |
| Information security analysts | 28.5% |
| Private investigators | 6% |
| Forensic science technicians | 12.8% |
| Emergency management directors | 3% |
What affects your salary in South Carolina?
Several factors can influence salaries in criminal justice careers in South Carolina. These factors include education, experience, location, employer type, specialization and more. By considering these factors, criminal justice professionals in South Carolina can better understand the variables that affect their earnings and plan their careers to maximize their salary potential. Here’s a detailed look:
- Education and training:
- Higher levels of education often lead to higher salaries. For example, a bachelor’s degree or higher in criminal justice or a related field can result in better-paying positions compared to only having a high school diploma or associate degree. Additional certifications, such as crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, or advanced law enforcement training, can enhance skills and lead to higher-paying roles.
- Experience and rank:
- More experienced professionals generally earn higher salaries. For instance, a senior detective will earn more than a new patrol officer. Higher-ranking positions within an organization, such as sergeant, lieutenant or captain in police departments, command higher salaries.
- Location:
- Salaries can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Urban areas like Charleston, Columbia and Greenville typically offer higher salaries due to higher living costs and greater demand for services. Economic health and funding availability in different regions can impact salary levels for public sector jobs.
- Skills and specialization:
- Positions requiring specialized skills, such as cybercrime investigation, forensic analysis or SWAT team operations, often come with higher salaries due to the additional expertise required. Different roles within the criminal justice system have different pay scales. For example, forensic technicians might earn more than correctional officers due to the technical skills required.
- Employer type:
- Public sector jobs, such as those in state or local government, often have fixed pay scales and benefits packages. Private sector roles, like private investigators or security consultants, may offer higher base salaries but with different benefits structures. Federal positions usually offer higher starting salaries and more generous benefits compared to state or local government roles.
- Union membership:
- Unionized positions often have higher wages, better benefits and stronger job security due to collective bargaining agreements. Law enforcement unions, such as those representing police officers and correctional officers, negotiate pay scales and benefits.
- Overtime and extra duties:
- Many criminal justice roles offer overtime, which can significantly increase annual earnings. Positions with more opportunities for overtime or extra duty assignments, like special events or court appearances, can lead to higher overall pay. Working night shifts, weekends or holidays may also come with additional pay, known as shift differentials, which increase overall compensation.
- Performance and merit:
- Pay raises and bonuses may be tied to performance evaluations and merit. Outstanding performance can lead to salary increases and promotional opportunities. Receiving awards or commendations for exceptional service may also impact salary and career advancement.
- State budgets:
- Public sector salaries are often influenced by government budgets and funding. Economic downturns or budget cuts may affect salary increases and hiring rates. Availability of grants and external funding for specific programs or departments may also influence salary levels and job availability.
How do I know if my pay is fair in South Carolina?
If you feel your pay is not equitable compared to another employee performing the same duties, and who is at the same level or rank, you do have resources in South Carolina. After assessing websites that can provide salary data for your area or statewide (Indeed, PayScale, BLS) and meeting with management or HR to discuss equity, there are government and state resources to educate you on your rights and options.
Here’s a guide to the key laws, regulations and resources:
Fair pay laws and compensation policies
South Carolina Wage Payment Act:
- Overview: This act governs the payment of wages, including the timing of payments and deductions. Employers must pay employees on the agreed-upon schedule and provide itemized wage statements.
- Relevance: Ensures that criminal justice professionals receive their wages in a timely manner and understand any deductions made from their paychecks.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):
- Overview: This federal law establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and youth employment standards. It applies to most employees in the U.S., including those in criminal justice careers.
- Relevance: Guarantees minimum wage and overtime pay for eligible employees, which is particularly important for law enforcement and correctional officers who often work overtime.
South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC):
- Overview: SCHAC enforces state laws related to employment discrimination and promotes fair employment practices.
- Relevance: Protects criminal justice professionals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
South Carolina Department of Administration–Division of State Human Resources:
- Overview: This department provides policies and guidelines on compensation, classification and benefits for state employees, including those in criminal justice roles.
- Relevance: Offers comprehensive information on salary structures, benefits and classification standards for state-employed criminal justice professionals.
Additional things to consider
Do you have union representation?
- Many criminal justice professionals, such as police officers and correctional officers, may be represented by unions that negotiate fair pay, benefits and working conditions on their behalf.
Did you review any collective bargaining agreements?
- Review collective bargaining agreements if applicable, as they can provide specific details on compensation, overtime and other employment conditions tailored to your role and location.
Education and training
In South Carolina, educational standards for criminal justice roles align closely with national prerequisites, but there are some unique requirements and specifics for various roles within the state. Here’s a detailed look at the educational standards versus unique requirements for criminal justice careers in South Carolina:
Correctional officers
Basic requirements:
- Education: At least a high school diploma or GED.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Training:
- South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC): New correctional officers must complete a training program provided by the SCDC, which includes both classroom instruction and physical training.
Certification:
- State certification: After completing training, correctional officers must pass a certification exam to become certified by the state.
Law enforcement officers
Basic requirements:
- Education: At least a high school diploma or GED.
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
Training:
- South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA): All prospective law enforcement officers must complete a training program at the SCCJA. This includes basic law enforcement training that covers criminal law, patrol procedures, firearms training, defensive tactics and more.
- Unique requirement: South Carolina mandates completion of the SCCJA’s 12-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Program before becoming certified as a police officer.
Certification:
- State certification: Officers must pass the state certification exam administered by the SCCJA to become certified law enforcement officers in South Carolina.
Paralegals
Basic requirements:
- Education: An associate degree in paralegal studies is typically required, although a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Many paralegals complete a paralegal certificate program.
Training:
- On-the-job training: Practical training is often provided by employers, focusing on specific legal procedures and software used.
Certification:
- State certification: South Carolina does not have mandatory state certification for paralegals, but certification from national organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) is highly regarded.
Forensic science technicians
Basic requirements:
- Education: Typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology or a related field.
Training:
- Specialized training: On-the-job training specific to the techniques and equipment used in the forensic lab. This can include DNA analysis, toxicology or fingerprint analysis.
Certification:
- Professional certification: While not always mandatory, certification through organizations such as the American Board of Criminalistics can be advantageous and sometimes required for higher-level positions.
Cost of living in South Carolina
South Carolina boasts a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for residents seeking affordability. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly lower, which contributes to the overall reduced cost of living. Other expenses such as utilities, groceries and healthcare also tend to be more affordable in South Carolina. This lower cost of living allows salaries in the state, including those in criminal justice careers, to stretch further compared to higher-cost states, enhancing the financial stability and quality of life for residents.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
RentCafe says the cost of living in South Carolina is 6% lower than the national average, which makes it an attractive option for criminal justice workers. Cities that have a higher cost of living than the national average include only one city according to RentCafe—Hilton Head Island, which is 4% higher.
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
That means that the majority of cities in South Carolina, including industry and state government metro areas that have the largest amount of jobs, are below the national average for cost of living. Some of these cities include Charleston (2% lower), Columbia (8% lower), Myrtle Beach (7% lower) and Greenville (9% lower).
SC professional associations and groups
Joining a professional association in South Carolina can provide a platform to meet and connect with other professionals in the field, including peers, mentors and industry leaders. Many associations offer workshops, seminars, webinars and conferences that provide continuing education opportunities to keep members updated on the latest industry trends and best practices. Other benefits may include:
- Certification programs: Associations often offer certification programs that can enhance credentials and expertise in specialized areas of criminal justice.
- Training materials: Associations provide training materials and resources that can be used to improve skills and knowledge.
- Advocacy: Professional groups advocate for the interests of their members and the criminal justice field as a whole, influencing policy and legislation.
Here are just four South Carolina groups:
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA): SCCJA provides training and certification for law enforcement officers in South Carolina. It offers information on career development and standards for various law enforcement roles.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association (SCLEOA): This association advocates for law enforcement professionals in South Carolina, offering resources on advocacy, benefits and professional development.
South Carolina Correctional Association (SCCA): SCCA supports correctional officers and other correctional staff, providing information on fair pay, working conditions and professional growth opportunities.
Palmetto Paralegal Association (PPA): The PPA supports midlands South Carolina paralegals by providing continued legal education, high ethical standards and professional excellence.
This salary guide for South Carolina strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the many career fields under the criminal justice umbrella. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.