Average Security Guards Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Security Guards in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,780. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this vibrant urban center. Understanding these local nuances is key to assessing compensation in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,970.
- Outlook: The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area boasts a substantial workforce of 11,620 Security Guards, with a location quotient of 1.08. This quotient, slightly above the national average, suggests a healthy and perhaps slightly more concentrated demand for security professionals in this region compared to the rest of the country. The robust presence of security personnel points to a stable job market with consistent opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns-6.3%below the national average.
$19.1
$765
$3,315
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Security Guards across the nation, including in major metropolitan areas like Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, have seen a modest upward trend. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing security needs, and the evolving responsibilities of the role, suggesting that current compensation likely reflects some level of annual increase.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Salary progression for Security Guards in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is significantly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or supervisory roles can command considerably higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify a career ladder where dedication and skill development lead to substantial financial rewards.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,570 | $14.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $29,835 | $14.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,740 | $17.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $49,725 | $23.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $49,970 | $24 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,780 for Security Guards in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is on par with the typical American lifestyle, making relocation financially neutral in terms of everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
11,620
Total Jobs
8.665
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Security Guards relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand is robust enough to support a workforce that is marginally larger than what would be expected nationally. Professionals entering this market can anticipate a good number of opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Security Guards Salary | $35,980↓ 10% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Security Guards Salary | $41,670↑ 5% | 64 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $40,190↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $42,440↑ 7% | 65 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $43,720↑ 10% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $39,780. This typically ranges from $29,570 for entry-level positions to $49,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 6.3% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, but it is on par with national averages.While the average salary of $39,780 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The slightly elevated location quotient indicates steady demand for the role.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($35,980) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does experience affect a Security Guard's salary in Charlotte?
Experience is a primary driver of salary increases for Security Guards in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia. Entry-level positions offer lower pay, while guards with several years of experience, specialized training, or supervisory responsibilities can earn significantly more.
What is the job outlook for Security Guards in this region?
The job outlook appears stable, supported by a substantial local workforce and a location quotient slightly above the national average, indicating consistent demand for security services in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area.
How does the cost of living impact the Security Guard salary?
The cost of living in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is exactly at the national average (100). This means the average salary of $39,780 provides a standard purchasing power comparable to the national median.
Is the Security Guard job market in Charlotte concentrated?
Yes, the market shows a slight concentration with a location quotient of 1.08, suggesting that the proportion of Security Guards in the local workforce is marginally higher than the national average, indicating a healthy demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,620 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 8.665 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC