Public Service Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Security Guard Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median security guard salary in Columbia, MD is $41,005 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$41,005
vs State Avg
+$2,780
vs National
+$6,255
Cost of Living
118%

Security Guard Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level security guard earns around $30,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,680
+$4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,480
+$6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $29,500
25th Percentile $34,220
Median (50th) $41,005
75th Percentile $49,560
90th Percentile $61,360

Security Guard Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$42,395
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$39,963
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$37,530
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$36,488
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Security Guard in Columbia

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.