salary$59,260 a year$28 an hour · median pay in the Columbia, SC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$46,650per year
Top pay (top 10%)$98,840per year
Jobs in the area2,840people work this job
Can a police officer afford Columbia?
OK. Rent of $1,394 a month takes 28.2% of the median police officer salary. That is under the 30% rule, so one paycheck covers rent comfortably.
Police Officer pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Columbia
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a police officer make in Columbia, SC?
The median pay for a police officer in the Columbia, SC area is $59,260 a year ($28 an hour). Most earn between $46,650 and $98,840.
Can a police officer afford to live in Columbia?
Typical rent of $1,394 a month takes 28.2% of the median police officer salary, which we rate OK.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Columbia, SC metro area.