Security Guard Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $29,885 (2026)

Security Guard Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median security guard salary of $29,885, which is $2,085 below the North Carolina state average of $31,970. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem'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 Winston-Salem an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Winston-Salem 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 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, 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

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$21,500	$23,000	$25,000
25th Percentile	$24,940	$26,680	$29,000
Median (50th)	$29,885	$31,970	$34,750
75th Percentile	$36,120	$38,640	$42,000
90th Percentile	$44,720	$47,840	$52,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$21,500

25th Percentile

$24,940

Median (50th)

$29,885

75th Percentile

$36,120

90th Percentile

$44,720

How to Become a Security Guard in Winston-Salem

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Security Guard make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median security guard salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $29,885, a security guard in Winston-Salem earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for security guard pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median security guard salary of $29,885 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $31,970. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $29,885 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most security guard positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Security Guard Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina