Average Security Guards Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Security Guards in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $38,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation for this vital role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,620.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,340 Security Guards, Charleston-North Charleston exhibits a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.75, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average. While the absolute number of workers is substantial, the concentration suggests that the demand for security professionals may not be as intensely focused as in other regions, impacting overall job market dynamics.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-10.1%below the national average.
$18.4
$734
$3,181
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Security Guards, like many professions, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, evolving security needs, and the increasing demand for skilled personnel, suggesting a modest upward trajectory for compensation in this field.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Career progression for Security Guards in Charleston-North Charleston typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience and responsibilities increase, salaries naturally scale upwards, with significant percentile gaps reflecting the value placed on seasoned professionals who possess advanced skills and a proven track record in security management.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $28,670 | $13.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,628 | $13.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,150 | $17.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $47,713 | $22.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $49,620 | $23.9 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,170 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
2,340
Total Jobs
6.037
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.75x the national average concentration of Security Guards jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.75 for Security Guards in Charleston-North Charleston suggests that the profession is present but not disproportionately concentrated compared to the rest of the United States. This indicates a moderately competitive market where opportunities exist, but the sheer volume of security professionals is not significantly higher than the national average, implying a balanced supply and demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Security Guards Salary | $38,450↑ 1% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Security Guards Salary | $36,920↓ 3% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Security Guards Salary | $33,560↓ 12% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Security Guards Salary | $36,470↓ 4% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $50,520↑ 32% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $38,170. This typically ranges from $28,670 for entry-level positions to $49,620 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 10.1% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $38,170 is below the national average of $42,450, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Security Guards?
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 ($38,450) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Charleston-North Charleston is $38,170, which is lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Security Guard workforce in Charleston-North Charleston?
The Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that the concentration of Security Guards in Charleston-North Charleston is slightly below the national average.
What is the total number of Security Guards in Charleston-North Charleston?
There are approximately 2,340 Security Guards employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,340 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 6.037 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC