Columbia vs Summerville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Columbia, SC and Summerville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Summerville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,073▲ | $59,041 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.36▲ | $28.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,077▲ | $38,345 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,469▲ | $46,644 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,016▲ | $75,573 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,865▲ | $91,513 |
| Total Employed | 2,840▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Summerville.
The salary gap between Columbia and Summerville is $2,032 (3.44%). 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,Summerville spans $53,168. Columbia 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, Columbia ($65,206 effective) pays 1.05% more than Summerville ($64,526 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,206)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Summerville if…
- ✓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 Summerville over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$42,350 (2019) → $59,260 (2025)
Summerville, SC
$46,586 (2024) → $57,288 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Summerville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Columbia or Summerville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Summerville?
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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