Average Protective Service Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, professionals in Protective Service Occupations earn an average annual salary of $53,300. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $43,820, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. Factors such as regional demand, specific industry presence, and the cost of doing business within the Charleston metropolitan area likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,190.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a substantial workforce of 8,690 individuals in Protective Service Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services. The presence of 22.385 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the robust employment landscape for protective service professionals in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Protective Service Occupations in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns+21.6%above the national average.
$25.6
$1,025
$4,442
Protective Service Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Protective Service Occupations in Charleston-North Charleston have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing security needs, evolving industry standards, and the general economic expansion within the region, leading to higher average compensation.
Protective Service Occupations Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Within Protective Service Occupations, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with advanced skills and leadership responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career ladder, offering clear pathways for advancement and increased earning potential for dedicated individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,590 | $14.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $39,975 | $19.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $49,430 | $23.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $66,625 | $32 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $78,190 | $37.6 |
Detailed Protective Service Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,300 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a protective service professional's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
8,690
Total Jobs
22.385
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.94x the national average concentration of Protective Service Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the job market for Protective Service Occupations in Charleston-North Charleston is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates a competitive yet accessible market where the number of available positions closely matches the national proportion relative to the overall workforce. Professionals can expect a balanced environment with opportunities for employment and career growth.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Protective Service Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Protective Service Occupations Salary | $53,250↓ 0% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Protective Service Occupations Salary | $50,180↓ 6% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Protective Service Occupations Salary | $51,290↓ 4% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Protective Service Occupations Salary | $50,910↓ 4% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Protective Service Occupations Salary | $48,700↓ 9% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Protective Service Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Protective Service Occupations make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Protective Service Occupations in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $53,300. This typically ranges from $30,590 for entry-level positions to $78,190 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 21.6% higher than the national median of $43,820.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Protective Service Occupationss?
Yes, Charleston-North Charleston, SC offers a lucrative environment for Protective Service Occupations.The average salary of $53,300 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, providing strong purchasing power for these professionals.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Protective Service Occupations?
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 ($53,250) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Protective Service Occupations in Charleston-North Charleston is $53,300, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,820.
What is the concentration of Protective Service Occupations jobs in Charleston-North Charleston?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.94, indicating that the proportion of these jobs in Charleston-North Charleston is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Charleston-North Charleston?
The cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $53,300 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What is the total number of Protective Service Occupations workers in Charleston-North Charleston?
There are 8,690 individuals employed in Protective Service Occupations within the Charleston-North Charleston 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 8,690 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 22.385 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Protective Service Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- All Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Management Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Production Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Browse All Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Protective Service Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC