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 Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median correctional officer salary of $44,649, which is $496 above the South Carolina state average of $44,153. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for correctional officers in Columbia spans from $29,700 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th percentile — a $40,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,800. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

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.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open correctional officer positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $29,700 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,649, a correctional officer in Columbia earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Columbia's median correctional officer salary of $44,649 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $44,153. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $44,649 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Columbia? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Columbia require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.