South Carolina ranks 47th of 51 states and D.C. for security guards pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($63,130) by $28,310 — a 81% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $26,270 to $47,180 — a $20,910 spread, 30% tighter than the national $29,780 range.
South Carolina employs roughly 1.3% of all security guards in the country (16,180 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $26,270 | $12.63 |
| 25th percentile | $29,710 | $14.28 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $34,820 | $16.74 |
| 75th percentile | $38,230 | $18.38 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,180 | $22.68 |
| Mean (average) | $36,030 | $17.32 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $34,820 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $63,130 | +81% |
| Alaska | $48,620 | +40% |
| Washington | $48,010 | +38% |
| Colorado | $46,080 | +32% |
| Minnesota | $46,020 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 | +29% |
| New Hampshire | $44,510 | +28% |
| California | $43,930 | +26% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Library Technicians | $34,860 | 860 |
| Photographers | $34,870 | 590 |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | $34,950 | 12,310 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $34,640 | 1,630 |
| Bakers | $34,590 | 2,990 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,540 | 3,090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guards salary in South Carolina?
The mean security guards salary in South Carolina is $36,030 per year. The median (middle) salary is $34,820 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in South Carolina?
Entry-level security guardss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $26,270 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,710 per year.
What is the highest Security Guards salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $47,180 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $38,230 per year.
How does the South Carolina Security Guards salary compare to the national average?
The median security guards salary in South Carolina is $34,820, which is -9% below national average of $38,370.