Public Service Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Correctional Officer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median correctional officer salary in Columbia, SC is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$44,649
vs State Avg
+$496
vs National
$-4,961
Cost of Living
90%

Correctional Officer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $29,700
25th Percentile $35,100
Median (50th) $44,649
75th Percentile $56,700
90th Percentile $70,200

Correctional Officer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$52,091
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$49,610
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$47,130
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$45,641
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Columbia

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.