Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in South Carolina
The median pay for a detectives and criminal investigators in South Carolina is $63,060/year ($30.32/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $146K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across South Carolina. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $63K get you in South Carolina?
About detectives and criminal investigators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, South Carolina
Entry-level detectives and criminal investigators (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $63K. Top earners bring in $146K or more, a $97K spread from bottom to top.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by metro in South Carolina
6 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston | $77K | +23% | 180 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $70K | +12% | 80 |
| Columbia | $66K | +5% | 500 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer | $59K | -6% | 160 |
| Sumter | $53K | -15% | 40 |
| Florence | $52K | -18% | 70 |
Compare to other states
Track detectives and criminal investigators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when South Carolina numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in South Carolina?
The median is $63,060 a year, that works out to about $30 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,740, and experienced detectives and criminal investigators can clear $146,490. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $63K enough to live in South Carolina?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,192/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,263/month, which eats 30.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a detectives and criminal investigators salary go in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median detectives and criminal investigators salary is worth about $67,683 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do detectives and criminal investigators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.