Police Officer Hourly Pay in Summerville, SC: $28.38 (2026)

In 2026, the median hourly pay for police officers in Summerville, South Carolina, is projected to be $28.38, significantly lower than the national median of $37.76. This difference is reflective of the local cost of living and budgetary constraints in municipal operations. For part-time officers working three days a week, or those involved in per-diem assignments, this hourly rate has substantial implications. Typically, these officers may cover various duties such as patrolling designated beats, documenting incidents in police stations, participating in court proceedings, or engaging in specialized operations like SWAT. The hourly pay ranges from $18.44 for entry-level positions to $44.00 at the top end, providing a clear picture of earning potential based on experience and the complexity of tasks being performed.

Looking at the earning dynamics, part-time officers committing to 24 hours weekly would take home approximately $35,600 annually, quite different from a full-time officer’s earnings. The nature of police work often mandates overtime, with many officers earning additional pay at 1.5 times their base rate for court testimonies and special operations. Off-duty gigs, such as providing security at events or directing traffic at construction sites, can also enhance income, typically ranging between $35-$75 per hour. In Summerville, the variety of employers—municipal police, county sheriffs, federal law enforcement, and private security—can lead to discrepancies in pay rates, with some officers opting for positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for better benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay in this environment could benefit from highlighting unique skills developed during POST training, especially when navigating offers from different employer types.