Security Guard Salary in North Carolina
Based on 30K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$35,010
$16.83/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-11.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $56K
30K employed in North Carolina
The median Security Guard salary in North Carolina is $35,010 per year, which equates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 11.1% lower than the national average. With nearly 30,000 individuals employed in this role, security guarding is a significant profession across the state.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in North Carolina. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned professionals often commanding higher pay. The specific industry of employment, whether it's corporate, retail, or industrial, can also impact compensation, as can the geographic location within the state.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,260 |
| 25th percentile | $30,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,010 |
| 75th percentile | $43,610 |
| 90th percentile | $56,020 |
Top-Paying Industries for Security Guard (U.S.)
Which industries pay Security Guards the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Security Guards in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $66,720 | 5K |
| Finance and Insurance | $57,380 | 4K |
| Information | $47,900 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $47,230 | 10K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $46,450 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Security Guard in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,060 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,010 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,060 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $43,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $56,020 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Security Guard ($35,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in NC | $59,300 | +69.4% | $28.51/hr |
| Firefighter in NC | $37,940 | +8.4% | $18.24/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in NC | $35,400 | +1.1% | $17.02/hr |
| Receptionist in NC | $35,440 | +1.2% | $17.04/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in NC | $35,950 | +2.7% | $17.28/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in NC | $32,150 | -8.2% | $15.46/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NC | $38,460 | +9.9% | $18.49/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in NC | $31,370 | -10.4% | $15.08/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in NC | $31,240 | -10.8% | $15.02/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NC | $40,240 | +14.9% | $19.35/hr |
| Cashier in NC | $28,880 | -17.5% | $13.88/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in NC | $28,570 | -18.4% | $13.74/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guard make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Security Guard in North Carolina is $35,010 annually, or about $17 per hour. The salary range typically falls between $29,260 and $56,020 per year.
What is the hourly rate for a Security Guard in North Carolina?
- Security Guards in North Carolina earn a median hourly wage of $17. This hourly rate can vary, with the lower end of the pay scale around $14 per hour and the higher end approaching $27 per hour.
Is the Security Guard salary in North Carolina below the national average?
- Yes, the Security Guard salary in North Carolina is 11.1% below the national average. While the national median is higher, North Carolina still offers employment opportunities for nearly 30,000 security guards.
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in North Carolina?
- The salary range for a Security Guard in North Carolina is generally between $29,260 and $56,020 annually. The median annual salary sits at $35,010 within this range.