Correctional Officer Salaries in South Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median correctional officer salary in South Carolina is $68,310 per year, equivalent to $32.84/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. South Carolina employs approximately 310 correctional officers statewide.
Correctional Officer salaries in South Carolina are below the national average by approximately $8,120. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
South Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for correctional officers.
South Carolina Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Carolina Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Carolina median of $68,310.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — South Carolina
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in South Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataCorrectional Officer salaries in South Carolina have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Carolina's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — South Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $75,800 | $36.44 | +11.0% | 108 |
| Charleston | $72,400 | $34.81 | +6.0% | 86 |
| North Charleston | $70,350 | $33.82 | +3.0% | 55 |
| Mount Pleasant | $65,600 | $31.54 | -4.0% | 50 |
| Greenville | $62,150 | $29.88 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Rock Hill | $59,450 | $28.58 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Columbia offers the highest correctional officer salaries in South Carolina at $75,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
South Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Carolina sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in South Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in South Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Carolina job market. South Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for correctional officers.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in South Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in South Carolina typically adds $56,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbia pays correctional officers $75,800/yr — +11.0% above the South Carolina average. Simply relocating within South Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Correctional Officers who specialise in corrections and public safety typically command premium rates in South Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Carolina pays correctional officers $66,800/yr — -2.2% vs South Carolina.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in South Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in South Carolina:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in South Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in South Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Columbia, SC→