Salary & Benefits | SCDPS
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South Carolina Department of Public Safety

Salary & Benefits

Salary_STP_7-2024

Current Salary Breakdown

Up to 15 years of certified law enforcement service time (in-state or out-of-state experience) will be verified for possible higher starting pay. 

RANK REQUIREMENTS  BASE SALARY
Officer Trainee (Non-Certified)

High School Diploma or GED & 21 years of age

$56,237
Certified Officer with less than 18 months of active law enforcement experience in South Carolina

High School Diploma or GED & 21 years of age; Must complete STP Special Basic Training

$57,081
Officer First Class

Serve 18 months in SCDPS LEO classification or 18 months Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS Policy

$57,924
Senior Officer

Serves 3 years in SCDPS LEO classification of 3 years of Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy

$59,337
Lance Corporal

Serve 5 years in SCDPS LEO classification or 5 years SC Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy

$63,491
Lance Corporal (+3 Years)

Serve 3 years as SCDPS Lance Corporal or 8 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy

$66,029
Master Officer

Serve 10 years in SCDPS LEO classification or 10 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy.

$68,671
Master Officer (+3 Years)

Serve 3 years as Master Officer or 13 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy.

$72,104
Master Officer (+5 Years)

Serve 5 years as SCDPS Master Officer or 15 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy.

$75,708

The remaining positions require a promotional process that includes interviews and testing.
Corporal

Requires Promotional Process

$81,008
Sergeant

Requires Promotional Process

$86,678
Lieutenant

Requires Promotional Process

$98,847

Benefits & Rewards

If you are seeking employment in a fast paced, diverse environment, while working outdoors and interacting with the public, applying to be an STP officer could be one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make.

Benefits Package

  • South Carolina State Employee Benefits Package
  • Take-home Patrol Vehicle
  • All Uniforms and Accessories Provided
  • SC Police Officer Retirement Benefits & Salary:
    • Retire after only 27 years of service or by age 55.
    • Transfer and purchase past military and public service time to retire early!
    • Disability Retirement Protection