Aiken vs Charleston: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Aiken, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,794 | $62,423▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.74 | $30.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,386 | $50,809▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,746 | $54,931▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,954▲ | $74,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,064▲ | $78,243 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 2,320▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Charleston is $2,629 (4.40%). Charleston's median is -20.52% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $49,678,Charleston spans $27,434. Aiken has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aiken ($65,349 effective) pays 5.69% more than Charleston ($61,828 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,064)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,349)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,423/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Aiken grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$47,181 (2024) → $58,019 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$47,440 (2019) → $60,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Aiken or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Charleston?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov