Skip to content
AffordMap
Public Safety · South Carolina

How to Become a Correctional Officers and Jailers in South Carolina

Correctional Officers and Jailers in South Carolina earn a median salary of $47,890/year, which is 19% below the national average. South Carolina has a state income tax of ~3.0%. After taxes and rent, a correctional officers and jailers takes home approximately $1,656/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$48K
Median salary in South Carolina
-19%
vs. national average
3.0%
State income tax
4,870
Employed in South Carolina

What a correctional officers and jailers can afford in South Carolina

Gross annual salary$47,890
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.0% state tax)$3,257/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Carolina)-$1,601/mo
Rent as % of take-home49.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$47,890/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,656/mo

Becoming a correctional officers and jailers in South Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Correctional Officers and Jailers positions in South Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across South Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many correctional officers and jailers positions in South Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain South Carolina licensure or certification

South Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for correctional officers and jailerss. Requirements vary by state, contact the South Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in South Carolina

South Carolina employs 4,870 correctional officers and jailers. The highest concentrations are in Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal.

Correctional Officers and Jailers salary by metro area in South Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach$59K$28.34/hr280
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal$57K$27.45/hr100
Charleston-North Charleston$52K$25.15/hr450
Greenville-Anderson-Greer$47K$22.71/hr540
Spartanburg$47K$22.42/hr380
Columbia$45K$21.57/hr1,260
Florence$39K$18.51/hr150

Correctional Officers and Jailers salary range in South Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$40K
25th percentile
$44K
Median (50th)
$48K
75th percentile
$59K
90th percentile (senior)
$71K
View jobs for Correctional Officers and Jailers
Currently hiring in South Carolina
View →
More openings for Correctional Officers and Jailers
Currently hiring in South Carolina
View →
Build skills for your next move
Explore courses and certificates related to your role
View →
Full correctional officers and jailers salary breakdown in South Carolina
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in South Carolina
After federal + 3.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare South Carolina cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Correctional Officers and Jailers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a correctional officers and jailers make in South Carolina?

The median correctional officers and jailers salary in South Carolina is $47,890 per year ($23.02/hr). This is 19% below the national median of $58,940. Salaries range from $40,090 to $71,390.

What are the requirements to become a correctional officers and jailers in South Carolina?

Correctional Officers and Jailers positions in South Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. South Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the South Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a correctional officers and jailers afford to live in South Carolina?

At the median salary of $47,890, a correctional officers and jailers in South Carolina would take home approximately $3,257/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,601/month, that's 49.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for correctional officers and jailers in South Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for correctional officers and jailers in South Carolina are Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach ($58,950), Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal ($57,100), Charleston-North Charleston ($52,300). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does South Carolina have state income tax for correctional officers and jailers?

Yes, South Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.0%. On a $47,890 salary, this means roughly $1,438/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.