SC Highway Patrol Salary & Benefits | SCDPS
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South Carolina Department of Public Safety

SC Highway Patrol Salary & Benefits

HP Critical Need Sign On Bonus

NEW: $10,000 Sign-On Bonus for Select Areas

The SC Highway Patrol is offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus for positions in critical needs areas. Click here to find out more.

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. 

RANKREQUIREMENTS BASE SALARY
Trooper Trainee (Non-Certified)

High School Diploma or GED & 21 years of age

$56,237

Trooper Certified with less than 18 months of active law enforcement experience in South Carolina

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

$57,081

Trooper 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 Trooper

Serves 3 years in SCDPS LEO classification or 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 Trooper

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

$68,671

Master Trooper (+3 Years)

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

$72,104

Master Trooper (+5 Years)

Serve 5 years as Master Trooper 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

First Sergeant

Requires Promotional Process

$92,744

Lieutenant

Requires Promotional Process

$98,847

Benefits & Rewards

While offering one of the best benefits packages in the nation, the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) also provides professional challenges with rewarding results. The opportunities available to troopers cover many areas of service where our men and women have an opportunity to serve, educate and protect our state's citizens and visitors. 

Where will your skills take you when you join the South Carolina Highway Patrol? --> Learn more about our Specialized Units which include the Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU), Governor’s Security Detail Unit, as well as many more exciting career paths available within SCHP.

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Benefits Package

  • South Carolina State Employee Benefits Package
  • Take-home Patrol Car
  • 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
  • OJT VA - GI Bill Benefits

Ready to join the SC Highway Patrol?

We are ready to hear from you!

Apply Here