Public Service North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Security Guard Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median security guard salary in North Charleston, SC is $33,013 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$33,013
vs State Avg
+$2,085
vs National
$-1,737
Cost of Living
95%

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

North Charleston offers a median security guard salary of $33,013, which is $2,085 above the South Carolina state average of $30,928. Compared to the national median of $34,750, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% 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 North Charleston spans from $23,750 at the 10th percentile to $49,400 at the 90th percentile — a $25,650 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,700, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,500. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $23,750
25th Percentile $27,550
Median (50th) $33,013
75th Percentile $39,900
90th Percentile $49,400

Security Guard Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$36,488
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$34,750
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$31,970
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$31,275
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Security Guard in North Charleston

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open security guard positions in North Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Security Guard make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median security guard salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $33,013 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,750 (10th percentile) to $49,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,013, a security guard in North Charleston earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for security guard pay? ▼
North Charleston's median security guard salary of $33,013 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $30,928. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $33,013 in North 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 North Charleston? ▼
Most security guard positions in North 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.