Public Service Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Security Guard Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median security guard salary in Charlotte, NC is $34,055 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$34,055
vs State Avg
+$2,085
vs National
$-695
Cost of Living
98%

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

Charlotte offers a median security guard salary of $34,055, which is $2,085 above the North Carolina state average of $31,970. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for security guards in Charlotte spans from $24,500 at the 10th percentile to $50,960 at the 90th percentile — a $26,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,480, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,000. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level security guard earns around $25,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,480
$-520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $24,500
25th Percentile $28,420
Median (50th) $34,055
75th Percentile $41,160
90th Percentile $50,960

Security Guard Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$34,055
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$33,013
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$30,580
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$29,885
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Security Guard in Charlotte

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open security guard positions in Charlotte, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Security Guard make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median security guard salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $34,055 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $24,500 (10th percentile) to $50,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,055, a security guard in Charlotte earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for security guard pay? ▼
Charlotte's median security guard salary of $34,055 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $31,970. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $34,055 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Charlotte? ▼
Most security guard positions in Charlotte 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.