SC Highway Patrol Salaries

Now Available: $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. 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.

This career path listed below is for Troopers assigned to a Post within Troops 1-7. Speak with a recruiter regarding pay structure for Troops 8-10 - which includes ACE, MAIT, Employment, Community Relations, Recruiting, Regulatory Compliance, Training, Insurance Enforcement and Telecommunications.

RANK	REQUIREMENTS	TOTAL SALARY Troops 1-7
Trooper Trainee (Non-Certified)	High School Diploma or GED & 21 years of age	$61,908
Trooper Trainee (Certified) with less than 18 months of active law enforcement experience in South Carolina	High School Diploma or GED & 21 years of age; Serve up to18 months in SCDPS LEO classification or up to 18 months Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS Policy	$62,786
Trooper First Class	Serve 18 months in SCDPS LEO classification or 18 months Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS Policy	$63,663
Senior Trooper	Serve 3 years in SCDPS LEO classification or 3 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy	$65,133
Lance Corporal	Serve 5 years in SCDPS LEO classification or 5 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy	$69,455
Lance Corporal (+3 Years)	Serve 3 years as an SCDPS Lance Corporal or 8 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy	$72,095
Master Trooper	Serve 10 years in SCDPS LEO classification or 10 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy.	$74,844
Master Trooper (+3 Years)	Serve 3 years as an SCDPS Master Trooper or 13 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy.	$78,416
Master Trooper (+5 Years)	Serve 5 years as an SCDPS Master Trooper or 15 years Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS policy.	$82,166

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), Emergency Management Unit, Advanced Civil Emergency Response Team, Governor’s Security Detail Unit, as well as many more exciting career paths available within SCHP.

Benefits Package

South Carolina State Employee Benefits Package
Take-home Patrol Car
All Uniforms and Equipment Provided
SC Police Officer Retirement System (PORS) Benefits & Salary:
- Transfer and purchase past military and public service time to retire early!
- Disability Retirement Protection
- PORS Handbook available here
On-the-job-training – VA GI Benefit Eligible

Ready to join the SC Highway Patrol?

We are ready to hear from you! Apply here today.