salary$60,570 a year$29 an hour · median pay in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$49,300per year
Top pay (top 10%)$75,920per year
Jobs in the area2,320people work this job
Can a police officer afford Charleston?
Expensive. Rent of $2,117 a month takes 41.9% of the median police officer salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Police Officer pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a police officer make in Charleston, SC?
The median pay for a police officer in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area is $60,570 a year ($29 an hour). Most earn between $49,300 and $75,920.
Can a police officer afford to live in Charleston?
Typical rent of $2,117 a month takes 41.9% of the median police officer salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area.