Public Service North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Police Officer Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median police officer salary in North Charleston, SC is $62,501 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$62,501
vs State Avg
+$3,948
vs National
$-3,289
Cost of Living
95%

Police Officer Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median police officer salary of $62,501, which is $3,948 above the South Carolina state average of $58,553. Compared to the national median of $65,790, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% 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 police officers in North Charleston spans from $38,380 at the 10th percentile to $100,700 at the 90th percentile — a $62,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level police officer earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,700
$-3,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-4,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $38,380
25th Percentile $48,640
Median (50th) $62,501
75th Percentile $82,840
90th Percentile $100,700

Police Officer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$69,080
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$65,790
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$60,527
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$59,211
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Police Officer in North Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in North Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open police officer positions in North Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Police Officer make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median police officer salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $62,501 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $38,380 (10th percentile) to $100,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,501, a police officer in North Charleston earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for police officer pay? ▼
North Charleston's median police officer salary of $62,501 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $58,553. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $62,501 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in North Charleston? ▼
Most police officer positions in North Charleston require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.