Public Service Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Security Guard Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median security guard salary in Columbia, SC is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$31,275
vs State Avg
+$347
vs National
$-3,475
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median security guard salary of $31,275, which is $347 above the South Carolina state average of $30,928. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $46,800 at the 90th percentile — a $24,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,400, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,000. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $22,500
25th Percentile $26,100
Median (50th) $31,275
75th Percentile $37,800
90th Percentile $46,800

Security Guard Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$36,488
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$34,750
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$33,013
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$31,970
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Security Guard in Columbia

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Columbia

Browse open security guard positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Columbia

How much does a Security Guard make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median security guard salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $46,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,275, a security guard in Columbia earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for security guard pay? ▼
Columbia's median security guard salary of $31,275 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $30,928. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $31,275 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Columbia? ▼
Most security guard positions in Columbia 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.