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

SC Highway Patrol Salary & Benefits

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Current Salary Breakdown

NEW: Effective December 2, 2023, 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
Trooper Trainee (Non-Certified)

High School Diploma or GED & 21 years of age

$55,000
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

$55,825
Trooper First Class

Serve 18 months as SCDPS Certified Trooper or 18 months Certified Law Enforcement Service Time as defined by SCDPS Policy

$56,650
*NEW RANK* Senior Trooper

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

$58,032
Lance Corporal

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

$62,094
Lance Corporal (+3 Years)

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

$64,577
Master Trooper

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

$67,160
Master Trooper (+3 Years)

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

$70,518
Master Trooper (+5 Years)

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

$74,043

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

Requires Promotional Process

$79,226
Sergeant

Requires Promotional Process

$84,771
First Sergeant

Requires Promotional Process

$90,704
Lieutenant

Requires Promotional Process

$96,672

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. 

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

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