Greenville vs Myrtle Beach: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Greenville, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,548 | $63,969▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.63 | $30.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,284 | $53,014▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,355 | $60,465▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,568 | $76,708▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,563 | $80,047▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,910▲ | 910 |
Verdict
Myrtle Beach, SC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Greenville and Myrtle Beach is $4,421 (7.42%). Myrtle Beach's median is -18.55% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $29,279,Myrtle Beach spans $27,033. Greenville 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, Myrtle Beach ($68,312 effective) pays 6.99% more than Greenville ($63,852 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,910 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,969/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,047)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,312)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Greenville grew 37.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.8% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$41,930 (2019) → $57,780 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$45,040 (2019) → $62,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Greenville or Myrtle Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and Myrtle Beach?
Should I relocate from Greenville to Myrtle Beach as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Greenville vs Myrtle Beach?
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