Public Service Greenville, SC Pop. 72,095

Security Guard Salary in Greenville, South Carolina

The median security guard salary in Greenville, SC is $31,970 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$31,970
vs State Avg
+$1,042
vs National
$-2,780
Cost of Living
92%

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

Greenville offers a median security guard salary of $31,970, which is $1,042 above the South Carolina state average of $30,928. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Greenville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Greenville's cost of living is 92% 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 Greenville spans from $23,000 at the 10th percentile to $47,840 at the 90th percentile — a $24,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,920, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,000. Greenville is a smaller market (pop. 72,095), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Greenville by Experience

In Greenville, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,920
$-2,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Greenville, SC

Percentile Greenville
10th Percentile $23,000
25th Percentile $26,680
Median (50th) $31,970
75th Percentile $38,640
90th Percentile $47,840

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
Columbia, SC
$31,275
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Security Guard in Greenville

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Greenville

Browse open security guard positions in Greenville, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Greenville

How much does a Security Guard make in Greenville, SC? ▼
The median security guard salary in Greenville, South Carolina is $31,970 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,000 (10th percentile) to $47,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Greenville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,970, a security guard in Greenville earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Greenville compare to the South Carolina state average for security guard pay? ▼
Greenville's median security guard salary of $31,970 is 3.4% above the South Carolina state average of $30,928. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Greenville, SC? ▼
Greenville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $31,970 in Greenville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Greenville? ▼
Most security guard positions in Greenville 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.