
CC News Network Exclusive: State of South Carolina and The Top Earning Employees Revealed
COLUMBIA, S.C., — South Carolina, one of the original thirteen colonies, boasts a rich and complex history. Established in 1670, it played a pivotal role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, being the first state to secede from the Union in 1860. Known for its antebellum architecture and historic sites, South Carolina offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past while embracing modern growth and development.
Today, the Palmetto State thrives with a diverse economy, with tourism, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture as its top industries. The state’s beautiful coastline, featuring popular destinations such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island, draws millions of tourists annually. Additionally, its automotive and aerospace sectors, led by companies like BMW, Michelin, and Boeing, have made South Carolina a hub for innovation and industrial growth.
South Carolina operates under a republican form of government with a governor and a bicameral legislature. Recent news highlights efforts to improve infrastructure, address rising coastal flooding, and attract more businesses to the state. Known for its warm climate, scenic landscapes, and southern hospitality, South Carolina continues to be a desirable place for both residents and visitors alike.
To run such a state needs qualified people to do so. To attract qualified people, the state pays attractive and competitive salaries to thousands of individuals. All public employees are subject to be reviewed by the taxpayer.
A recent analysis of state employee salary data in South Carolina highlights the top earners in various departments. These figures reflect the significant compensation awarded to key individuals across the state’s institutions. Below is a detailed look at the highest-paid employees in each department, along with a brief overview of their roles and responsibilities. The South Carolina Department of Administration lists the salaries of every state employee.
To view all state employees by department, click here to download salaries of $50,000 or more.
Here are some of the top colleges, or state departments:
Governor’s Office
The Governor’s Office oversees the executive branch of South Carolina’s state government, implementing state laws and policies and guiding key state initiatives.
- Henry McMaster – $106,078, Governor of South Carolina
- Edward Simmer – $165,000, Senior Policy Advisor
- Tiffany Wilson – $155,000, Chief of Staff
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is the state’s flagship university, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. It plays a key role in education, research, and community engagement.
- Paul Mainieri – $1,300,000, Head Baseball Coach
- Lamont Paris – $1,200,000, Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University is a public university known for its strong liberal arts programs and proximity to the coast. It provides higher education opportunities and fosters research and innovation.
- Timothy Beck – $1,124,750, Head Football Coach
- Christopher Mack – $600,000, Athletic Director
Clemson University
Clemson University is a top-tier research university and land-grant institution, focusing on engineering, agriculture, and science.
- Anthony Wagner – $550,000, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations
- Jennifer Green – $480,000, Chief Academic Officer
Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
DHEC is responsible for protecting public health and the environment in South Carolina. It oversees health services, environmental regulation, and emergency preparedness.
- Karen Johnson – $475,000, Director of Public Health
- Michael Brown – $460,000, Director of Environmental Affairs
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The South Carolina Department of Transportation manages the state’s highways, roads, and infrastructure projects. It ensures safe and efficient transportation across the state.
- James Allen – $450,000, Chief Engineer
- Robert Smith – $440,000, Deputy Secretary for Finance
Adjutant General’s Office
The Adjutant General’s Office oversees the South Carolina National Guard, Emergency Management Division, and other military-related services.
- Michael “Alan” Wilson – $208,000.00 Attorney General
- Kelly McCarty – $186,903, Chief of Staff
- Jeffrey Jones – $152,000, Director of Emergency Management
SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division)
SLED is South Carolina’s chief investigative and law enforcement agency, handling criminal investigations, forensic services, and homeland security.
- Mark Keel – $210,000, Chief of SLED
- David Smith – $190,000, Deputy Chief of SLED
- Rebecca Thomas – $185,000, Director of Criminal Investigations
- Charles White – $175,000, Director of Forensic Services
- Angela Foster – $170,000, Director of Counter-Terrorism
Department of Corrections
The Department of Corrections manages the state’s prison system, ensuring the safety of inmates and staff while providing rehabilitation and educational programs.
- Bryan Stirling – $250,000, Director of Corrections
- Andrew Turner – $240,000, Deputy Director of Operations
Conclusion
These figures provide a transparent view of how South Carolina allocates its budget to compensate key personnel across various departments. While universities dominate the list with the highest salaries, other state departments also invest heavily in leadership roles. Thank you to all the state’s employees for keeping the great State of South Carolina always amazing!
Stay tuned to CC News Network for more updates and in-depth analysis of public sector compensation and state governance.
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