Public Service Charleston, WV Pop. 48,006

Security Guard Salary in Charleston, West Virginia

The median security guard salary in Charleston, WV is $30,580 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$30,580
vs State Avg
+$1,390
vs National
$-4,170
Cost of Living
88%

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

Charleston offers a median security guard salary of $30,580, which is $1,390 above the West Virginia state average of $29,190. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $30,580 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Charleston spans from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $45,760 at the 90th percentile — a $23,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,880, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $44,000. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $25,520
Median (50th) $30,580
75th Percentile $36,960
90th Percentile $45,760

Security Guard Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$31,275
Pop. 30,955
Huntington, WV
$28,495
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$27,800
Pop. 29,675
Wheeling, WV
$27,105
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Security Guard in Charleston

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia 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, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Charleston

How much does a Security Guard make in Charleston, WV? ▼
The median security guard salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $30,580 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $45,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,580, a security guard in Charleston earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for security guard pay? ▼
Charleston's median security guard salary of $30,580 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $29,190. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $30,580 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.