Security Guard Salary in North Carolina
Security Guards in North Carolina earn an average of $36,646 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +1.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$36,646
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.62
per hour
vs National
-1.3%
$37,110 national
Salary Range
$23,620
to $53,467
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$36,646
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$38,173
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Security Guard's salary of $36,646 has the purchasing power of $38,173 in an average-cost area.
Security Guard Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $37,681 | $18.12/hr | $23,619 | $56,525 | 1,163 |
| Charlotte, NC | $35,611 | $17.12/hr | $23,620 | $50,408 | 1,116 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Security Guard Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 2,279 Security Guards employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Security Guard Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$23,620
Starting salary for new Security Guards
Median (50th Percentile)
$36,646
Mid-career Security Guard salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$53,467
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Security Guard Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Security Guard salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guard salary in North Carolina?
The average Security Guard salary in North Carolina is $36,646 per year ($17.62/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 1.3% below the national average of $37,110.
What is the highest paying city for Security Guards in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Security Guards in North Carolina, with a median salary of $37,681 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $35,611.
What is the salary range for Security Guards in North Carolina?
Security Guard salaries in North Carolina range from $23,620 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $53,467 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $36,646 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.