As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Guard II in South Carolina is $44,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Security Guard II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Security Guard II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Security Guard II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Security Associate | 0-1 years | $36,259 |
| Security Guard II | 3-5 years | $44,563 |
| Security Patrol Supervisor | 5+ years | $55,640 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Security Guard IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Security Guard II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,885. While startup companies pay approximate $42,188.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,188 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,620 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,173 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $49,885 |
For Security Guard II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Security Guard positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Security Guard II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $57,980 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $55,750 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $53,520 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $51,290 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $49,060 | $24.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Security Guard II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a Security Guard II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Security Patrol Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $55,700 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
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