Charleston vs North Charleston: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,423 | $63,754▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.01 | $30.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,809▲ | $36,977 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,931▲ | $50,937 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,883 | $81,561▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,243 | $96,238▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,320▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and North Charleston is $1,331 (2.13%). North Charleston's median is -18.83% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $27,434,North Charleston spans $59,261. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($69,677 effective) pays 12.69% 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 Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,754/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,238)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,677)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Charleston grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$47,440 (2019) → $60,570 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$49,080 (2024) → $61,861 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Charleston or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Charleston to North Charleston as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Charleston vs North Charleston?
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