Public Service Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Security Guard Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median security guard salary in Charleston, SC is $34,750 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$34,750
vs State Avg
+$3,822
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median security guard salary of $34,750, which is $3,822 above the South Carolina state average of $30,928. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $25,000 at the 10th percentile to $52,000 at the 90th percentile — a $27,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,000, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level security guard earns around $26,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $25,000
25th Percentile $29,000
Median (50th) $34,750
75th Percentile $42,000
90th Percentile $52,000

Security Guard Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$36,488
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$33,013
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$31,970
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$31,275
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Security Guard in Charleston

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Charleston

Browse open security guard positions in Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Charleston

How much does a Security Guard make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median security guard salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $34,750 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $25,000 (10th percentile) to $52,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,750, a security guard in Charleston earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for security guard pay? ▼
Charleston's median security guard salary of $34,750 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $30,928. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $34,750 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Charleston? ▼
Most security guard positions in Charleston 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.