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Average Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Correctional Officers and Jailers in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $55,160. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $53,130, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. Factors such as regional demand and the specific operational needs within the correctional facilities likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,230.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 470 individuals in this profession, the Charleston-North Charleston area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of Correctional Officers and Jailers. The Location Quotient of 0.51 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with the existing workforce size.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,160

The average Correctional Officers and Jailers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns+3.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.5

Weekly

$1,061

Monthly

$4,597

Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Career progression for Correctional Officers and Jailers typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior officers or those in supervisory roles can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one advances through the ranks.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$42,670$20.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$41,370$19.9
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$49,900$24
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$68,950$33.1
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$78,230$37.6

Detailed Correctional Officers and Jailers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,160

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $55,160 in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Correctional Officer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.

Job Market Context

470

Total Jobs

1.204

Per 1K Jobs

0.51

Location Quotient

Below Average

Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.51x the national average concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.51 for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Charleston-North Charleston indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these roles, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Correctional Officers and Jailers make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?

The median annual salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $55,160. This typically ranges from $42,670 for entry-level positions to $78,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 3.8% higher than the national median of $53,130.

Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

Yes, it offers a slightly above-average salary with a cost of living at the national average.The average salary of $55,160 is higher than the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, your earnings will maintain comparable purchasing power to the rest of the country.

Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($52,290) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.

How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $55,160, which is slightly higher than the national average of $53,130.

What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC for this profession?

The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.

How concentrated is the job market for Correctional Officers and Jailers in this area?

The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.51, suggesting a steady demand relative to the national presence of the profession.

What is the total number of Correctional Officers and Jailers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?

There are approximately 470 Correctional Officers and Jailers employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.204 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.