Columbia vs Rock Hill: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Columbia, SC and Rock Hill, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Rock Hill, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,073▲ | $60,058 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.36▲ | $28.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,077▲ | $35,592 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,469▲ | $47,361 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,016▲ | $76,875 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,865▲ | $93,052 |
| Total Employed | 2,840▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Hill.
The salary gap between Columbia and Rock Hill is $1,015 (1.69%). Columbia's median is -22.24% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $53,788,Rock Hill spans $57,460. Rock Hill 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, Rock Hill ($65,637 effective) pays 0.66% more than Columbia ($65,206 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,073/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,865)
- ✓Larger job market (2,840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Hill if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,637)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Columbia grew 39.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Rock Hill over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$42,350 (2019) → $59,260 (2025)
Rock Hill, SC
$47,389 (2024) → $58,275 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Rock Hill, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Columbia or Rock Hill?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Rock Hill?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Rock Hill as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Columbia vs Rock Hill?
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