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Security Guards Salary in South Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Security Guards make in South Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$35,460
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.8% vs 2024
$37,060
Mean Salary
$35,460
Median Salary
$17.05
Hourly Rate
16,610 people work as Security Guards in South Carolina

Security Guards salary by percentile in South Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Security Guards salary in South Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Security Guards in South Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $27,420$27,42025th25% earn less than $30,130$30,130MedianHalf earn more than $35,460$35,46075th75% earn less than $38,220$38,22090thTop 10% earn more than $48,850$48,850

Security Guards in South Carolina earn a median salary of $35,460 per year ($2,955/month). This is 9.9% below the national average of $39,375. South Carolina ranks #44 out of 51 states for Security Guards pay. Approximately 16,610 people work in this occupation across South Carolina. Salaries increased by 1.8% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Security Guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.75
Monitoring
3.38
Speaking
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12
Coordination
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.74
Customer and Personal Service
4.54
English Language
4.32
Computers and Electronics
4.09
Administration and Management
3.99
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (79.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Security Guards in South Carolina

Salaries for Security Guards in South Carolina range from $27,420 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $48,850 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $30,130 and $38,220.

Median $35,460
P10: $27,420 P25: $30,130 P75: $38,220 P90: $48,850
10th
$27,420
25th
$30,130
Median
$35,460
75th
$38,220
90th
$48,850
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $27,420 $13.18 $2,285
25th Percentile $30,130 $14.49 $2,510
Median (50th) $35,460 $17.05 $2,955
75th Percentile $38,220 $18.38 $3,185
90th Percentile (Experienced) $48,850 $23.49 $4,070

Note: The mean (average) salary of $37,060 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#44
South Carolina ranks #44 of 51 states
$39,375
National avg. for Security Guards
-9.9%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Carolina:

What does this salary really buy? See Security Guards salary in South Carolina adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Security Guards take-home pay in South Carolina after taxes →

Explore Security Guards Data in South Carolina

Security Guards Salary by State

Compare Security Guards pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Security Guards make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for Security Guards in South Carolina is $35,460 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $37,060.
What is the salary range for a Security Guards in South Carolina?
Salaries for Security Guards in South Carolina range from $27,420 at the 10th percentile to $48,850 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $30,130 and $38,220.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in South Carolina?
Entry-level Security Guards positions in South Carolina typically start around $27,420 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $30,130 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Security Guards in South Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 16,610 people are employed as Security Guards in South Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Security Guards in South Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Security Guards in South Carolina is approximately $17.05 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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