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Average Security Guards Salary in Columbia, SC

Security Guards in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $34,830. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape and industry needs within South Carolina's capital influence the pay scale for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,830 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,940.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,030 Security Guards, Columbia, SC, demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.62 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 62% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a more specialized market for security professionals in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,830

The average Security Guards in Columbia, SC earns-18.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.8

Weekly

$670

Monthly

$2,903

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Career progression for Security Guards in Columbia, SC, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the broader percentile gaps seen in the national data.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$27,340$13.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$26,123$12.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$35,830$17.2
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$43,538$20.9
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$38,940$18.7

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,830

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,830

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,830 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a Security Guard's income in Columbia is comparable to that of their counterparts across the country.

Job Market Context

5,030

Total Jobs

13.044

Per 1K Jobs

1.62

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Columbia, SC has 1.6x the national concentration of Security Guards jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 1.62 for Security Guards in Columbia, SC, signifies a strong regional specialization in this profession. This higher-than-average concentration suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for security personnel, potentially leading to increased competition among employers for skilled individuals or a stable demand for services.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$50,520↑ 45%13 mi
Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$34,700↓ 0%13 mi
Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$33,520↓ 4%13 mi
Sumter, SC Security Guards Salary$36,920↑ 6%30 mi
Florence, SC Security Guards Salary$38,550↑ 11%64 mi

Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Columbia, SC is $34,830. This typically ranges from $27,340 for entry-level positions to $38,940 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 18.0% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, but the cost of living is average.While the average salary of $34,830 is below the national average, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average (100). This means your earnings will have average purchasing power locally, despite being lower in nominal terms.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($50,520) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does Columbia, SC's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

Security Guards in Columbia, SC, earn an average of $34,830 annually, which is less than the national average of $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guards in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC has a Location Quotient of 1.62 for Security Guards, indicating a concentration that is 62% higher than the national average.

How many Security Guards are there in Columbia, SC?

There are approximately 5,030 Security Guards employed in Columbia, SC.

Does experience impact a Security Guard's salary in Columbia, SC?

Yes, similar to national trends, experience typically leads to higher salaries for Security Guards in Columbia, SC, with senior roles commanding more than entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,030 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 13.044 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC