Public Service Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Security Guard Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median security guard salary in Columbus, GA is $29,885 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$29,885
vs State Avg
$-2,433
vs National
$-4,865
Cost of Living
86%

Security Guard Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)

Columbus offers a median security guard salary of $29,885, which is $2,433 below the Georgia state average of $32,318. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $29,885 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Columbus spans from $21,500 at the 10th percentile to $44,720 at the 90th percentile — a $23,220 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $43,000. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $43,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $21,500
25th Percentile $24,940
Median (50th) $29,885
75th Percentile $36,120
90th Percentile $44,720

Security Guard Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$35,445
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$31,970
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$31,275
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$30,580
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Security Guard in Columbus

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Columbus and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbus may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Columbus

Browse open security guard positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Columbus

How much does a Security Guard make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Columbus, Georgia is $29,885 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $21,500 (10th percentile) to $44,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,885, a security guard in Columbus earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for security guard pay? ▼
Columbus's median security guard salary of $29,885 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $32,318. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $29,885 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Columbus? ▼
Most security guard positions in Columbus require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.