Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$35,400$17.02 per hour · $2,950 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Security Guards Wage Percentiles in Columbia, SC
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (SC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $13.17/hr | $2,283 | $27,400 | $23,927 |
| 25th Percentile | $14.47/hr | $2,508 | $30,100 | $26,065 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $17.02/hr | $2,950 | $35,400 | $30,218 |
| 75th Percentile | $18.37/hr | $3,183 | $38,200 | $32,412 |
| 90th Percentile | $23.46/hr | $4,067 | $48,800 | $40,471 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Columbia, SC
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$35,400 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare security guards salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in South Carolina:
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guards Pay in Columbia, SC
What is the median salary for security guards in Columbia, SC?
The official BLS median annual wage for security guards in Columbia, SC is $35,400, which equates to approximately $2,950 per month or $17.02 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for security guards in Columbia, SC?
The median hourly wage for security guards in Columbia, SC is $17.02 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $13.17/hour and one in ten earned more than $23.46/hour.
What is the pay range for security guards in Columbia, SC?
BLS wage estimates for security guards in Columbia, SC span from $27,400 at the 10th percentile to $30,100 at the 25th, $38,200 at the 75th, and $48,800 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do security guards take home after taxes in Columbia, SC?
On a median gross salary of $35,400, an estimated $30,218 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,162 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in South Carolina in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,182 (an effective rate of 14.6%).
How much do security guards make per month in Columbia, SC?
On the median annual salary of $35,400, gross monthly income is $2,950. After federal, FICA, and South Carolina state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,518 per month (or $1,162 every two weeks).
Is $35,400 a good salary in Columbia, SC?
At $35,400, the median salary for security guards is 51.8% of the Columbia, SC median household income ($68,359). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 93.7, making regional consumer goods and services 6.3% cheaper than the U.S. average.