A new state study shows lower-ranking officers at most state law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in South Carolina are paid far less than their peers in neighboring states.

The study, which came out after Gov. Mark Sanford had finished work on his executive budget, lends support to the governor’s proposal to increase pay for law officers, Sanford spokesman Will Folks said.

Sanford’s budget includes $28 million for law enforcement pay increases, which would amount to about a 2 percent across-the-board increase.

South Carolina Highway Patrol:

Average salary of entry-level troopers: $26,632

Regional average: $34,932

State Law Enforcement Division

Average salary of lowest-ranking agents: $31,246

Regional average: $37,229

Department of Natural Resources

Average salary of corporals: $32,694

Regional average: $39,677

Department of Juvenile Justice

Average salary of first-level correctional supervisors: $28,471

Regional average: $33,748

Department of Corrections

Average salary of first-level lieutenants: $29,682

Regional average: $36,642

Department of Probation and Parole

Average salary of journey agents: $27,803

Regional average: $33,264

Source: The Associated Press