Public Service South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Probation Officer Salary in South Carolina

The median probation officer salary in South Carolina is $53,623 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $60,250.

Median Salary
$53,623
vs National
$-6,627
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Probation Officer Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for probation officer compensation. Probation Officer salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,623 per year, probation officers in South Carolina earn $6,627 less than the national median of $60,250.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $53,623 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,251 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: probation officers at the 10th percentile earn $33,820, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,880 — a $48,060 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $63,263.

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for probation officers across the country.

Probation Officer Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level probation officer earns around $35,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,320 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,180
$-6,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,320
$-9,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $33,820
25th Percentile $42,720
Median (50th) $53,623
75th Percentile $67,640
90th Percentile $81,880

Probation Officer Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for probation officers in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Probation Officer in South Carolina

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Probation Officer make in South Carolina? ▼
The median probation officer salary in South Carolina is $53,623 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $33,820 (10th percentile) to $81,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,623, a probation officer in South Carolina earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for probation officers? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for probation officer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level probation officers earn $35,600, while senior professionals earn $78,320.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for probation officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for probation officers is Hawaii at $102,425. South Carolina's median of $53,623 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($54,225) and Iowa ($53,623).
What is the entry-level probation officer salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level probation officer in South Carolina earns approximately $35,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,180. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,320.
What city in South Carolina pays probation officers the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for probation officers, with a median salary of $63,263. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.